Diagnosing your job search, part 4

    Unsuccessful job searches not only take longer, but they cost more money on things like: gas/transportation (going back and forth to interviews), dry cleaning, computer ink (printing out resumes and cover letters). It also takes its toll on your overall well-being. Job searching can be stressful, discouraging, and sometimes, downright depressing. 

     If time is money, then it is worth your time and money to regularly spend some time in your job search to assess how it is going.
    Here are some more things to think about to help keep your job search on the right track when you feel like you are not getting the results you want.


Are you aware of all your transferable skills, and are you showcasing them appropriately?

• This is especially important if your disability/medical condition has necessitated a career-change. It would seem that employers might be increasingly reluctant to hire a career changer. You need to be able to demonstrate that you in fact have the skills to do the job, even when you do not have the experience. A good place to start would be Occupational Information Network, O*Net: www.onetonline.org. This is a excellent resource to help you figure out what you bring to an employer's table.

Do you have adequate support in your search? Does your support not only encourage you, but hold you accountable?

• Having support is important in a job search. You need people who can help lift you up when you are feeling down, and who can help you get your mind off your stress from time to time. Equally important is having people who challenge you to not give up when you feel like it. It is also important to have people to keep you honest, and help ensure you are doing everything possible to find employment.

Are you managing stress properly? How are you presenting to other people?

• Lots of people think they are better at hiding their emotions than they really are. Job searching is stressful. The longer it has gone on, the more stressful it can be. It is important to do things to relieve stress regularly. As you might people, if you stress is obvious to others (but not you), it may turn them off without you even realizing it.

Do your cover letters ask for interviews?

• It may seem obvious, but often people express they are interested in a job when they write a cover letter, and even show how they are the best fit; but fail to ask for an interview. This is one of the main purposes of a cover letter. Show an employer you understand that you are able to communicate directly what you want. Being a good communicator will ultimately benefit them as well.

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.