As a Wall Street Journal career columnist for the past four years, Perri Capell has decided it's time for a career change, and is saying farewell by offering lessons learned through answering reader questions for some time. Specifically, Perri summarizes the three issues that have continually appeared to hold back job seekers from attaining their career objectives.
- Not using the right tactics to find new positions. Perri says, "The best way to find a job is through other people. The more people who hear about your job hunt, the faster you'll find work. Just as in sales, job hunting is a numbers game, and you need to keep knocking on doors until the right one opens."
- Allowing fear and lack of confidence to hold you back. "Fear of rejection and shyness are big barriers for many job seekers. It's almost impossible to make networking or informational calls if you fear people won't be receptive to them." He adds, "Remember, any rejection you receive isn't personal. Employers are seeking people who can solve their problems. Once you know the problem, you can offer to help."
- Not using the power of honesty: "Hiring managers find truthfulness to be powerful. To them, dishonesty is worse than having a personality conflict with a former boss or being fired."
Rusty Neal
Vertbaudet
Urban Outfitters
great tips. i think linked in is the best thing in the world for this. networking 2.0. i've never met most of my contacts but they are fellow alum and more than happy to spread the news about me to people they know. you can't pay for that kind of networking! and you can be socially inept and still successful.
1these are great tips - i have always had a problem with a lack of confidence. i almost didn't apply for the job i have now because i thought i wouldn't measure up - i am so glad that i did it even though i was afraid! i love my job and i learn new things every day!
2seriously. can't emphasize the power of networking enough
3Confidence is key. Trust me!
4That is so great MartiniLush--that you overcame. Great tips!!! Sometimes you just have to jump in with both feet and see how you fair. I always say apply to a job and prove to them why you deserve it. Claim it!
5Honesty is so important; employers want to know you're human. Of course, you do have to know when to draw the line of not telling TOO much information though.
6good tips. I think confidence is my main barrier, right before I send the resume, I always think of all of the other people who might apply and how they will probably be better qualified than me.
7for people looking for jobs now (i currently am) i signed up for the vault dot com gold membership. it gives helpful info (salary surveys, interview tips) although it is a bit hefty - $45 for 3 months. if any job searchers are interested in a "share" of it, message me and let me know.
8I agree with No. 1. I'd say at least half of the jobs I've had were from word of mouth. Networking is extremely important... but unfortunately, it's extremely difficult time with it because I'm so shy.
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