A great resume alone is not the panacea for curing unemployment

I write all things accessibility, career development, diversity, equity,  and inclusion in the workplace.

The entire employment process can be emotionally draining. I want to encourage job seekers not to give up. Instead, take a more strategic approach when seeking employment.

Although 4.3 Americans quit their jobs in August 2021, There is daily reporting that employers are having difficulty finding job seekers. With all of the competition out there, Job seekers also report that it is challenging to secure a career with reasonable compensation, benefits, and opportunities to work remotely.

Identifying companies you would like to work for, tailoring your resume, preparing for an interview, and accepting the fact that you were not selected, can be a bit overwhelming. Keep an open mind and stay focused. Where focus goes, energy flows.

Instead of focusing on what recruiters did or did not do, evaluate your performance during the employment phase.

Are you applying for the right jobs? Often I will ask job seekers what career goals/job titles they have in mind, and some will say they are open to doing anything. That’s not going to help you to be strategic. Do your research before you apply for a position. Getting the wrong job could lead to job dissatisfaction.

Evaluate where things went wrong. For example, are you submitting applications and not getting referred to the hiring manager for an interview? If so, then it’s time to evaluate your resume and see if you are representing yourself well as meeting and exceeding the minimum qualifications. If you can’t explain how you meet at least 75% of the capabilities, then perhaps you may want to reconsider applying.

Are you landing the interview and not getting the offer?  Complete a practice interview to get feedback to help you enhance your interview techniques. Don’t enter the discussion looking for someone to do something wrong. If you look long enough or hard enough, you’ll find it. Don’t walk in the interview with a sense of defeat as if you’re thinking, “They won’t pick me for this position.” As a former hiring manager, let me tell you, the team on the other side of the table can detect this attitude. Keep a positive mindset at all times.

So much to write on the topic of preparing for employment. Resumes are just part of the equation.

During any transition, the most valuable activities you can do are self-reflect, evaluate, research, and implement positive change.

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