Here are a couple mistakes you could be making that may explain why you’re not securing that elusive job. I’d love to hear your comments on this and anything else you’ve noticed that jobseekers (including yourself) make or are making.
Job Searching Without a Plan

You wake up every morning and wonder – what am I going to do today to land that great job? It’s overwhelming. You might look at some Internet job sites, go to a local job fair, or call your best friend who always listens to you no matter what. Let’s face it, you don’t have a plan and your job search is going nowhere.

The Solution: Once you have overcome mistake number one (lack of focus), you can tackle number two (lack of a plan). After pinpointing a target industry and job function, you can more easily locate the people you need to meet and communicate with. You should identify at least 50 companies in your geographic area that could hire you if they had an opening. Then decide how you are going to let those companies know you are available.

One approach is to send a customized cover letter and resume, and follow up with a phone call a week later. Explain your interest in their company and ask for a meeting. Meanwhile, attend professional association meetings and events that will get you in touch with the people you need to meet. Use multiple avenues to reach potential employers. Do not rely on any single method. Set goals for the number of hours you will spend each day on your search and the number of contacts you will make each week. Soon you will build momentum, and quality offers will follow.

Making Contact Before Doing Research

If you are like a lot of jobseekers, you pulled out your cell phone or Rolodex as soon as you ‘started’ your job hunt. You dialed those numbers and asked for jobs. You hit up the few big decision-makers you knew, hoping they would hook you up with a great opening. Basically, you sounded needy and, yes, unfocused. You ‘burned’ your network.

The Solution: Generally you want to do all your reading and Internet research first. Learn about the industry trends and find job descriptions that match your goals and skills. Learn the key words and cultural elements of your target market. Prepare a 30-second statement that explains what you want to do and why you are qualified.

Your first calls should be to the less influential people on your list. Practice on them. Ask them who else you should be talking to. Work your way up to the best contacts you have. Be very prepared before you talk to the powerful folks on your list. If you already contacted companies before researching, reconnect, starting as I mentioned before, with the bottom of your contact list. Explain that your focus has been refined and you’d like to update them on your progress. This will help expand your network and get you back into the game with a fresh start.

Don’t forget to leave your comments below.