Job search frustrations & what you can do

by Angela Copeland | Nov 3, 2014 | Advice, Newsletter

It’s a smart idea to keep your job search private. Very private. After all, what would happen if word got back to your company, or even worse, your boss?

Because we keep our efforts a secret, we rarely have the opportunity to talk about our frustrations. And often, those frustrations feel incredibly personal.

Below are common job search frustrations and what you can do to cope-

• You submit your resume online and never hear back: In today’s modern age, there’s an expectation that you should apply online. And, if you listen to a company’s HR department, they’ll tell you that’s all you need to do. Not so. In addition to applying online, look for ways to get your resume directly in front of the hiring manager. The “applicant tracking system” used online often weeds out so many resumes, the hiring manager may never even see yours.
• You show your resume to friends and everyone has conflicting advice: Resume writing is tricky because there’s no one way to write a resume. So like many things in life, everyone has an opinion. If you notice a trend in the feedback you receive, listen. But, if one person is giving feedback that doesn’t align to any other comments, take it for what it’s worth.
• You have an interview and then never hear back: Most companies won’t tell you if you weren’t selected until they have found their hire and the person has accepted. In many cases, they won’t tell you at all. Keep in mind that this is the norm. It’s not you. Companies are sorting through hundreds of applications, so the thought of providing feedback to everyone can be difficult. In addition, they don’t want to turn you off from their company until they’re 100% sure they have someone.
• Job searching takes so much time: One of the most frustrating things job seekers face is the amount of time they must devote to the process. After all, finding a job is a job. This can be especially difficult when you’re interviewing with a company that forces you to come in for many rounds of interviews over multiple days. Just know that this is part of their process, and it’s not specific to you. Do your best to ride the interviews out as long as you can.
• During the interview, the interviewer asks you about all your flaws: When this happens, you may feel that the company dislikes you. You wonder why they even brought you in for an interview in the first place. Keep in mind – the company would not interview you if they thought you weren’t capable of the work. They ask you tough questions to get to know you. And, sometimes they want to push your buttons to see how you react under pressure. Just because you have this experience does not mean you won’t get the job.
• The company is super slow in getting back to you with an offer or next steps: On more than one occasion, a job seeker has said to me, “They keep asking me back for interviews. But, they’re so slow! What’s the deal? Do they not really want me?” In a lot of ways, job seeking is like dating. But, in terms of timing, this is less true. Often, organizations have internal rules and steps they are required to follow that draw out the process. This is especially true of non-profits and government organizations. So, if your interview is stretching out – judge your success based on the fact that it’s still going on rather than the exact timing.

Whatever happens, just know you’re not alone in this experience. All your friends and colleagues are secretly dealing with the same frustrations too. Hang in there and remember to keep your frustrations and your job search to yourself.

I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.

Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. Thanks.

Happy hunting!

Angela Copeland

@CopelandCoach

Employees join companies. They leave bosses.

by Angela Copeland | Oct 27, 2014 | Advice, Newsletter

In a recent conversation, someone said something incredibly wise to me: “Employees join companies. They leave bosses.”

Wow! This couldn’t be more true. Every day, I meet new job seekers who confidentially share their latest work stress and career drama. Almost everyone — and I mean everyone — is unhappy with their boss!

You may work for a manager who isn’t leading you. They have no vision or clear goals. It leaves your team lost and creates unnecessary conflict and political issues.

Or, maybe your manager doesn’t recognize your contributions to the team. You don’t feel valued. Your manager takes credit for your work and doesn’t give thanks when it’s due.

Some managers make excuses for why you can’t go to training or participate in continuing education, while they nudge your peers to participate. They aren’t helping you to grow your skills.

Do these scenarios sound familiar?

If so, it’s time to pay attention! If your manager doesn’t buy into you today, there’s a good chance that won’t change anytime soon.

Why sit and wait for years for your manager to change their perception when someone else who appreciates you may be right around the corner?

There’s no better time than now to begin looking. And when you do, remember that interviewing is a two way street!

You are interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you.

Pay close attention to how you interact with your new (potential) manager. Observe how they interact with their team. What do their employees have to say about them and their management style?

Do your homework! Look them up on LinkedIn. Do they have written endorsements from co-workers and employees? If so, are they positive and sincere?

Pay attention to how your boss’ personal priorities align with yours. For example, if they don’t believe in long vacations, but you take a week long trip with your family every year, take note. Little differences could cause issues later.

In a previous newsletter, I mentioned that jobs are like buses. Another one is always coming.

If you get the sense that there’s not a connection between you and your new (potential) boss, PAY ATTENTION. Even if you dislike your current job, this is still important to note.

What could be worse than running from one burning building into another one? You will only prolong your heartache — and force yourself to look for another job again very soon.

In closing, if you’re not clicking with your boss, the time to take notice is now. The sooner you start looking, the longer you’ll have to find your “dream job.”

I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.

Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. Thanks.

Happy hunting!

Angela Copeland

@CopelandCoach