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Job search frustrations & what you can do

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

Featured Job Posting – VP of Operations @ Memphis Airport

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority is seeking a Vice President of Operations in Memphis, TN.

he Vice President of Operations is responsible for supporting the mission and goals of the organization by ensuring the objectives of the Operations, Maintenance, Development, Public Safety, and General Aviation Airport functions are attained.

Requires good written and verbal communication skills; good management skills; 5-7 years of supervisory management and administrative experience; a college degree in Business, Airport Management, Engineering, or a related area or relevant experience; and extensive knowledge of budget preparation, company policies, contracts, business plan development, and required Federal Aviation Regulations, especially FAR Part 139. A.A.E. certification is strongly preferred.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority job posting here.

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Featured Job Posting: Dir. of Strategic Partnerships @ Dave Ramsey

DaveRamsey.com is seeking a Director of Strategic Partnerships – Education Solutions in Nashville, TN.

The Director of Strategic Partnerships is responsible for successfully leading and growing our corporate sponsorships program.  The goal is to identify partners that want to help us impact the education market.  Securing partners that help bring our life-changing curriculum to schools while allowing the partner to align themselves with our national brand is our #1 priority.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Dave Ramsey job posting here.

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Featured Job Posting: Digital Publishing Specialist @ Leo Burnett

Leo Burnett Group is seeking a Digital Publishing Specialist in Chicago, IL.

As part of the Reputation and Communications team, the Digital Publishing Specialist is responsible for publishing to all internal and external digital communication channels, while monitoring usage and making recommendations based on analysis. Additionally, given the quickly evolving landscape, this team member will regularly review emerging technologies and platforms to conceptualize and implement relevant and innovative approaches to our digital communications portfolio.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Leo Burnett website here.

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Featured Job Posting: Career Development Specialist @ Peace Corps

The Peace Corps is seeking a Career Development Specialist in Washington, DC.

This position resides in the Training and Professional Development Division of Human Resource Management. This Division is responsible for training and career development programs that support Federal mandate, Peace Corp policy, occupation requirements, and individual professional growth. The Career Development Specialist will be responsible for administering career development programs, such as Coaching and Mentoring, in addition to providing 1:1 Career Counseling services, on-boarding and off-boarding support, and other duties as assigned. A high standard of customer service is a priority for this position as the selected individual will be interacting with several groups and individuals from a variety of backgrounds and of all levels within the organization on a daily basis.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Peace Corps posting here.

peace corps

Featured Job Posting: Project Manager @ Thompson Consulting Services

Thompson Consulting Services is seeking a Project Manager in Memphis, TN.

The role pays $80,000.

Description:

• Contributes technical specialization to Roadway Asset Management practice.
• Provides advanced technical knowledge in Tennessee DOT asset management for state and local governments, with a focus on highways.
• Leads projects including but not limited to:
landscaping, guardrail, signage, toll booth, road surface markings, resurfacing and supports other projects or phases of large projects.
• Contributes positively to a committed, professional team environment.
• Acts as expert resource working across company lines.

Duties:

• Contributes technical specialization to Roadway Asset Management practice.
• Provides advanced technical knowledge in Tennessee DOT asset management for state and local governments, with a focus on highways.
• Leads projects including but not limited to:
landscaping, guardrail, signage, toll booth, road surface markings, resurfacing and supports other projects or phases of large projects.
• Contributes positively to a committed, professional team environment.
• Acts as expert resource working across company lines.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Thompson Consulting Services website here.

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Job Search Nightmare

Happy Halloween! My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Job Search Nightmare.” In it, I discuss the scariest parts of your job search and what you can do to cope.

With Halloween upon us, we’re talking about our fears. Finding a job can be a scary thought for many people. But what is it about the process that unnerves us?

According to Glassdoor.com, research shows over 90 percent of Americans are afraid of something about the job search process. Some candidates become nervous that they’ll arrive late. Others worry about what to wear. Many people are afraid of feeling like they’re bragging. Some are afraid of being underqualified and others are scared of being overqualified. Some fear they’ll be judged for their age – either for being too old or too young.

Sound familiar?

My own job search nightmare happened years ago when I flew to Pittsburgh for an interview.

To learn about my job search nightmare and how to cope with your fears, read my entire Memphis Daily News column here.

 

Featured Job Posting: Marketing Specialist Advisor @ FedEx

FedEx is seeking a Marketing Specialist Advisor in Memphis, TN.

Under limited supervision, develops and implements corporate marketing plans to optimize sales and profit for the organization. Communicates marketing support programs to internal and external staff to ensure programs are executed in a timely manner. Develops and assists in pricing recommendations, advertising, merchandising and product improvement plans.

This marketing research advisor position designs and manages marketing research and insight projects in support of complex strategic initiatives. This research advisor works closely with internal stakeholders, other researchers, and outside vendors to produce quality marketing research data that informs business decisions.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the FedEx job posting here.

fedex

Featured Job Posting: Project Manager @ Fiserv

Fiserv is seeking a Project Manager in Dallas, TX.

The purpose of the Project Manager is to ensure predictable, consistent, and successful project delivery. The Project Manager will plan, coordinate, and monitor medium sized scope and budget projects. The Project Manager will partner with key business stakeholders to ensure a successful start-up and completion of a project. Projects typically impact a single business unit or functional area. The Project Manager is expected to work under moderate supervision with oversight provided by the Director, Program Management in the Project Management Office.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Fiserv posting here.

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Featured Job Posting: Account Manager @ Emma

Emma is seeking an Account Manager in Nashville, TN.

As Emma’s Account Manager, you’ll work closely with our largest clients to provide a memorable and collaborative account management experience. You’ll be a proactive and friendly email marketing expert that consults with our clients to make sure they’re getting the best results possible. In everything you do, you’ll represent Emma’s unique approach to sales and world-class customer service to our biggest customers. Kind of like an Emma ambassador, except you don’t get diplomatic immunity. Hope that’s okay.

Responsibilities:
+ Provide training, implementation and resources for new accounts
+ Continually monitor client activity and engagement
+ Proactively reach out to clients to build strong relationships through monthly check-ins, quarterly assessments and annual account reviews
+ Continually provide solutions to client problems or challenges
+ Identify opportunities to sell Emma Services
+ Reinforce new feature and product adoption

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Emma posting here.
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