Feeling Stuck? Four Great Ways to Reinvigorate Your Job Search

If your job search isn’t producing results, it may be time to rethink your approach. These four adjustments can help you change your strategy.

Reevaluate What You “Need” in a Job

Do you have a long list of “must haves” you are looking for from your next employer? It’s good to know what you’re targeting, but there is no perfect job. The key is understanding where you can compromise. Reevaluating your priorities will help you expand the types of jobs you are applying to. You may have several items that are “must haves” when it comes to location, salary, and culture, but there may be other items that you will be willing to reconsider if an otherwise great opportunity presents itself.

Consider Getting Additional Training and Schooling to Gain New Skills

Do you keep seeing a certain skill listed in jobs to which you would like to apply? Instead of hoping to get a job despite not having that skill, seek out some additional training or schooling to learn it. Community colleges and specialty schools have flexible class schedules, meaning that you can take classes at nights or on weekends. In addition, you may be able to get some certifications through online courses. Even if you feel confident that you can land a job without a particular skill, it’s always better to have skills that will give you a leg up in your field.

Volunteer in the Community

There is no better way to reinvigorate you soul, and your job search, then to volunteer. Not only do you feel good helping the community, but it also allows you to learn new skills and network in an action setting. While there are goals to reach every day, job searches can sometimes feel like they don’t give you tangible results. Volunteering allows you to take on projects that have a beginning and an end, which can feel good after a long day of sending out resumes.

Change Your Focus

Have you been trying to make a radical career shift? Employers look at what you’ve done as an indication of what you can do. Changing that is possible, but it is also extremely challenging. Rather than focusing on a complete break from your past experience, you may need to map out a few lateral moves or bridge positions that can make your transition more logical to potential employers.