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As of November 2021, there are 2.19 million long-term unemployed in the United States, defined as people who have been actively looking for a job for over twenty-seven months, which makes up 32% of the total number of unemployed. (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Twenty-seven months… and counting! What keeps people going?
The job search can be a demoralizing experience. When it takes longer to find a job than expected, it may produce anxiety and doubt. We can only take so much rejection before it affects our disposition and feelings of empowerment. If you don’t have confidence in yourself, why should anybody else?
The good news is that job hunting is a learned skill. If you find yourself in a rut, you can apply some proven steps to adjust your approach and improve your results. As long as you’re open to some trial and error, you can strengthen your job search muscle until you’re conditioned to win the race.
1. Indulge in self-care. Be easy on yourself – especially when things seem difficult. A long-term job search can take its toll on your mental health. It’s important to treat yourself with kindness and self-care. Whether it’s a daily walk, time at the gym, yoga, or catching a game every week, do whatever it takes to remain positive, energetic, and healthy.
2. Have a solid plan. If your job search takes longer than expected, you may need to develop a more in-depth strategy to jump-start it. You may realize your search has been haphazard and you may be able to turn it around with a more disciplined approach. Or you discover your search is overly aggressive and you need to focus on jobs that truly match your skill sets. Whatever the case, have a plan, and if you already have one that’s not working, be open to changing it.
3. Assess and adjust. Make an honest assessment of your job search process. Are you checking all the boxes – resume, cover letter, professional attire, punctual, prepared, polite, thank you notes? Are recruiters calling you or is the phone silent? Are you getting interviews but no follow-ups? Do things fall apart during salary negotiations? Identify where the process breaks down. Once you know the point, or points, of failure you can address them in a proactive, scientific way.
4. Flip the script. Once you figure out what’s not working, develop an entirely new approach. If your resume is lackluster, sink some time and money into improving it. If you’re tripping up in interviews, change the way you prepare. Whatever the case may be, do stuff differently. Just changing your approach can motivate you to keep at it.
5. Never quit. “Discouraged workers” is the label the Bureau of Labor Statistics gives to people who have given up looking for a job. In November 2021, an estimated 450,000 people surveyed fell into that category but the number is most likely higher. The longer a job search goes on, the more difficult it becomes to get one. Yet, you must never quit searching, applying, and interviewing for jobs. Do not become a discouraged worker. Work the problem with some of the practical quick tips here, and spend time researching ways to improve your overall job searching skills.
Philip Roufail contributed to this article.
Scott Singer is the President and Founder of Insider Career Strategies Resume Writing & Career Coaching, a firm dedicated to guiding job seekers and companies through the job search and hiring process. Insider Career Strategies provides resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, career coaching services, and outplacement services. You can email Scott Singer at scott.singer@insidercs.com, or via the website, www.insidercs.com.
