The economy is down, unemployment is up, and many of today’s well-trained work force are between a rock and a hard place! There are more people chasing fewer jobs, and everything you read or hear about the probability of financial recovery is bleak, supported by elaborate, colorful charts and graphs to burn more salt into the wound.
Whew! It’s a real jungle out there. The perilous unknown is thick with growing competition and the smell of fear. Those who dare enter tread lightly– almost waiting for disaster to strike. Many have hunted this jungle for jobs, but few have bagged one. They gather in groups to lament their fate. For they know that their prey is cunning and their tools– and choices– are limited.
Often, much of the pessimism about job searching and the avoidant behaviors that result, can be traced to a fear of failing; of investing time and energy only to become disappointed at the outcome. But then, disappointment requires adequate planning!
Inadvertently, many people set themselves up for failure by anticipating it ahead of time, approaching at ask with little motivation and ingenuity and then confirming their negative outcome. In short, they enter the job market jungle unprepared for the hazards that may be encountered. Their inadequate equipment is based on certain faulty assumptions gleaned from the understandings of other individuals hunting the same game. A unique aspect of human behavior, when people have difficulty functioning in some way, they often seek the comfort and wisdom of others who are also “broken” in that same way! Someone who is out of work may derive solace from the company of others in a similar position.
Yet, it is less likely that this sorry group will generate positive motivation and useful strategies for improving the situation, compared with individuals who have successfully hunted this jungle! Many people who have landed jobs know how to avoid getting lost in the jungle by avoiding some wrong turns. Some wrong turns include:

• 1- Relying on a resume to open doors. Often, people spend inordinate amounts of time crafting their resumes– they even take courses designed for this purpose! Then they report feeling disappointed when a mass mailing produces no responses. The reality is that people are busy. An unsolicited resume frequently ends up in the same file as mass advertising mail. In contrast, a resume is most effective when passed along by someone the prospective employer has had a chance to meet and respect…you! Consider a resume as a brief note left behind after a meeting that summarizes the qualifications already discussed in detail. An equally effective idea is to include a resume with the follow-up thank you note that should always follow an interview with a prospective employer.
• (2) Relying on recruiters. Some job hunters believe it proper to place the oneness of responsibility for finding jobs on recruiters, professionals in their field. However, it is important to remember that you– not the recruiter– will fill a position. Thus, finding a job depends primarily on the steps that you take yourself. This does not mean that you should avoid registering with recruiting agencies; just don’t do this, then sit back complacently waiting for responses. On the managerial level, employment agencies fill at best ten percent of all available positions.
• (3) Networking improperly. Some individuals believe that “networking” means calling everyone you know– friends, business associates– and asking them for a job. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that any of them will have an appropriate position available at the time you make the call. Furthermore, this tactic can lead to your misrepresenting your purpose. For example, if you are not careful, someone who knows you well might confuse the purpose of your meeting. He or she might believe you wish to chat informally; and then you ask for a job. This can lead to an awkward situation from which you may emerge feeling frustrated, rather than securing a job. Think of networking like finding your way from a major city to a remote community. Upon leaving, you first enter a superhighway, which then leads to a limited access road, from which you enter a series of secondary roads until; perhaps, you find the tertiary road that is your destination. Contacts are made piece by piece until a job is found. One contact may be used to offer suggestions and names of other executives. Arrange to meet these people and ascertain other ideas and additional contacts.

Eventually, a solid job lead will appear. Remember when networking to think positive and schedule at least two networking meetings per day. Maintain contact with contacts! New growth appears as the jungle changes with the weather. Good hunting!