Job-hunting can be hard work

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Dear Joan:
I recently applied for a position that was advertised in the newspaper. I submitted a positive cover letter, along with a well-written resume. My qualifications and experience exactly matched the requirements stated in the ad. After two weeks, I followed up and telephoned the personnel department to ascertain if they had begun interviewing. I was told that the selection process had begun and I had not been chosen. My question is what does a job seeker do when all the qualifications have been met and the job seeker does not receive an interview. I can understand if someone is not selected due to a poor interview, but what course of action should be taken if one is not called in for an interview? Personnel departments are not usually willing to be candid if you ask for constructive comments on why one is not considered qualified for a particular position.

Answer:
When I was making a career change some years ago, I could have wallpapered my bathroom walls with rejection letters. If all the companies to whom I had applied had responded, I probably could have papered my kitchen as well. And I felt like you do - that I was a very good match for many of those jobs.

As you implied, personnel departments are too busy and cautious about litigation to give individual feedback to the thousands of hopefuls who didn't get an interview. Frankly, it's not their job; it's your job to get that feedback.

There could be many things that screened your resume out. Perhaps there were hundreds just like it. Maybe you only listed your responsibilities in your past jobs and neglected to spell out your accomplishments in those areas. Or, perhaps the interviewer didn't think your experience matched as closely as someone else's. It could be anything. If you've just begun looking for a new job, prepare yourself for lots of rejections. It's inevitable. It's also the hardest part of job hunting.

Our egos and self-esteem are so closely tied to our jobs that every rejection feels like "you're not OK", when in reality it is simply not the best match of talents from the employer's perspective.

Here are some suggestions that might help you get the feedback you need as well as some healthy and useful support that could help you cope with the tough task of finding a new job.

·        Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Never stop pursuing other job leads just because one looks promising. Focusing on one job at a time is guaranteed to set you up for an emotional roller coaster ride. If that "sure thing" falls through, it will be difficult to work up enough enthusiasm to get started again. Always try to stay ahead of any disappointment by having other possibilities to fall back on.

·        Establish a job hunting routine. Plan your schedule at least one week ahead. On a calendar, block off time for writing letters, making calls, visiting contacts and doing research on companies. Wasting time by procrastinating, complaining, or feeling sorry for yourself only mires you in hopelessness.

·        Ask for advice on your resume. Begin a proactive search for opinions about your resume. Put your ego on a shelf and ask lots of questions: "What would turn you off about this resume?" "What are the strong points about this resume?" "Do you see any gaps or red flags?" "What kind of cover letter catches your attention?"

The ideal people to ask for this advice are the employers who would be in a position to hire you for the position you want. You can meet them at professional association meetings (exchange cards and ask them if they'd mind critiquing your resume); through contacts in your network; from names listed in ads, newspaper or journal articles; or, even past interviewers.

·        Seek out an objective support group. Friends and relatives are often too close to be helpful. They may not tell you the truth for fear of hurting your relationship, or may get tired of hearing about it if it is your only topic of conversation. In fact, studies have shown that your spouse is not the best support person to rely on exclusively - particularly if you are unemployed - they can be as emotionally frayed as you are.

Job-hunting can feel a lot like throwing darts while blindfolded. The trick is to find people who will get you pointed in the right direction and who will describe the target you're aiming for. Sooner or later you'll hit a bull's-eye. 

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