Patience:   The Key to Successful Job Searching. 

Brenda Griffin  The Get A Job Expert

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting…  ~Rudyard Kipling

     Are you frustrated with your search?  Have you given up or decided to take a time out?  It is important for job seekers to understand the process.  Once you do, your outlook improves. You are more engaged, and poised for success.

Some things to know:

Job searching takes time.  Plan for it. When you need a job, time can feel like it is standing still.  Frustration can set in.  Worse yet, hopelessness.  Knowing that searching takes time is critical to maintaining a positive outlook. A rule of thumb:  Plan for one month of searching for every $10,000 in income you are targeting, depending on current conditions. Solution:  Think long term.

Job searching is uncertain. Searching evolves and goes in many directions.  For some, uncertainty creates a sense of adventure – because you don’t know the outcome!  Searching becomes exciting.  Others feel fear or powerlessness.  The stress of the unknown is too great.  Either way you experience the search, the process is the same. Would your rather be on a new adventure, or feeling stuck and helpless? Solution:  Embrace uncertainty.

Job searching is a treasure hunt. Follow the clues.  Whether looking in the paper, on-line, or through networking, job searching leads down many paths.  You get to look for clues! If it is a true clue, it will continue to develop.  For example, you will spot trends in who is hiring, positions you qualify for, companies growing, and so on.  You may get a call back on your resume or you hear of a lead while networking. All are clues to your next position. Wherever they lead, all clues are stepping-stones.  Solution:  Stay engaged and follow the clues.

Job searching goes in cycles. Slow downs happen. Use this time to build a stronger foundation for yourself.  This foundation can take many forms.  It might be refining your resume, honing interview skills, or taking classes to add to your skills.  It might include pondering a new career direction.  A client used his time to finish projects around the house.  Another used her time to care for her aging parents. I volunteered working with kids. Slow downs are a part of the process. Use this time wisely. Solution: Build your foundation.

Job searching requires patience.  Just because things slow down, does not mean that you are doing anything wrong.  It means you accept the pace.  Resistance to moving forward or changes in direction are times to look for new clues.  Do your part. Focus on what you can control.  Continue to search.  Continue to live your life while you look.  Solution: Stay patient.

Job searching requires a positive attitude. Accept that you are in a process and believe that you will have a positive outcome when you stay engaged in the process!  Use your time well and surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Know that you will get a job.  Believe that you will get a next job.  Don’t give up.  Stay engaged. Persevere and be patient.  

You must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing.  ~ Andrew Jackson