diagnosing your job search, to keep it moving along.

     Many experts are advising that people have remained unemployed longer during the current recession than they during previous ones. It may also seem as though people will disabilities are remaining out of work longer. There may simply be increased competition for fewer jobs. The longer you seek employment, without actually finding it, the more likely it may be to become discouraged and stop seeking employment. It is very important to constantly assess your job search efforts, and their effectiveness. I would like to offer the following set of questions to ask yourself (or jobseeker you may be working with) as a tool diagnose problems you (someone you may be working with) may be having in their job search. I will address these more specifically in future posts:

1. Are you spending enough time each day, and each week on your job search?
2. Are you engaged in a sufficient variety of activities to find employment?
3. Are you documenting your job search efforts? Is your documentation well organized?
4. Are you getting out enough and meeting actual people?
5. Are you using all four ways to get/find job leads?
6. Do you have a pitch written down and rehearsed?
7. Do your resumes properly position you for the jobs you are pursuing?
8. Are you considering/looking for all types of jobs that you may be qualified for?
9. Are you aware of all your transferable skills, and are you showcasing them appropriately
10. Do you have adequate support in your search? Do es your support not only encourage you, but hold you accountable?
11. Are you managing stress properly? How are you presenting to other people?
12. Do your cover letters ask for interviews?
13. Are you following up adequately after sending cover letters, resumes and interviews?
14. Have you crossed over the threshold from persistent to annoying when contacting employers, or networking contacts?
15. How is your appearance when you attend networking events, job fairs, and visiting employers?
16. Have you checked your online presence recently?
17. What are you doing to close the gap in your work history while you seek employment?
18. Do you have specific job goals, when you contact employers/apply for jobs? You may be willing to do anything, but is that what you are telling employers?
19. Are you reading job postings, and making sure you present yourself in a way that qualifies you for the job?
20. Are you applying for jobs that you are qualified for?
21. Are you practicing your response to interview questions?
22. Are you ready for telephone interviews should you get one?
23. Are you following only one job lead at a time?
24. Are you making for excuses as to why your search is not bringing you the results you want, or are you trying to diagnose/assess the situation.

Don't give up! It may take time to find work, but if you stick with it, you will find a job.




Darren Flomberg is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and Certified Case Manager. He is a vocational rehabilitation counselor who has been serving the Long Island and NY-NJ Metro area for the past 11 years. Additionally, he is a vocational expert witness who has participated in Social Security Disability hearings since 2009.