Sick of Being Unemployed?

QUESTION:

Last year, I got fired from my job, and I have been hunting for one ever since. Even though I have been invited to interview several times, I’ve had no luck. What am I doing wrong?

ANSWER:

Just like so many endeavors in life, you need to be ready to take the next step.

Before you do anything else career-wise, ask yourself five essential questions. Be honest.

Are you in a frame of mind to secure a new position?

Potential employers can sense when folks are “faking the funk.” Are you in the “once bitten, twice shy” mode? Give yourself the opportunity to reflect and heal from your past employment experience before you begin a new career venture.

Are you targeting in on the relevant positions that speak to your experience and talents?

Do your research. Make sure that your talents match up with job market needs. Plan your search. Don’t waste your time and a potential employer’s time. Be clear about your intentions and the direction you want take your career.

Have you asked for help?

May I suggest the Five O’Clock Club? The Five O’Clock Club has locations in all major U.S. cities and provides job seekers with workshops on everything related to career development. You can work on interviewing techniques, resume design, or networking approaches. For more information, go to www.thefiveoclockclub.com.

Have you talked with friends in your area of interest?

Connect with trusted friends, advisors, and mentors like nobody’s business. Have “real talk” with friends about your job search approach. Do a mock interview with a friend who can tell you the truth about how you are coming across in tone and manner.

Have you experimented with a more unconventional approach to online career development?

I recommend a wonderful career development site called Vocation Vacation (www.vocationvacation.com). If you are able to take a weekend or weeklong vocation vacation, do it. Take the time and dollars to invest in you! Vocation Vacation helps you learn more about a career you are interested in by shadowing someone who is doing what you would like to do. For instance, if you want to be a stylist for a celebrity, you go to Los Angeles for a week and learn from a Hollywood stylist. If you want new results, you must take a risk and do a new thing.

Good luck on your job search!