How to Improve a Failing Job Search

Searching for a job has a lot to do with patience because after you've done everything that you can to seal the deal, you have to wait. This can be agonizing as the search itself, and in many ways, it can steal your momentum faster that anyone can say, "You're hired!" So how do you jumpstart a failing job search?

1. Rethink your strategy

While there may be nothing wrong with your search method, it may be time to rethink your strategy if you haven't been getting any results. Try using a new approach. For instance, if you've been looking for job openings on the internet, try searching the local newspaper, and vice versa. Or use the waiting period in a productive way by doing freelance work - by extending your network and gaining more experience, you're making yourself more employable and ready for a full-time career.

2. Restructure your resume

Presentation is just as important as content. You may have substantial experience or impressive credentials but if you have poorly written resume, the points will not add up. Create a more targeted resume by aligning your educational background, work-related experience and other qualifications to the job you are after. Then put your "added value" qualifications together in a separate category so that both are highlighted for the employer. Resend general resumes you've dispatched through email, personalize them with a cover letter, and send them individually to different employers.

3. Rewrite your cover letter

Are you writing to a person or "to whom it may concern"? A good cover letter is crucial to your application since it allows you to sell your skills to an employer the way a resume cannot. Not only does a cover letter showcase your communication and writing skills, it also shows how you reason and organize your thoughts, as well as the level of dedications you have in your search. Cover letters should be directed at specific individuals and must include their correct designation. You may also take it as an opportunity to show your interest in their company by relating what you have learned about the nature of the position through your research.

4. Reintroduce yourself to the market

Networking is a great way to learn about job openings. Like climbing a flight of stairs two steps at a time, networking brings you to your job prospect quicker through people who know people. Get in touch with your alumni office, associations in your field, and old friends. Take classes and seminars related and get to know professionals in the field. Anything from doing volunteer work to attending soirees will expand your network.

5. Reprocess old applications

There's no harm in trying again. Once the sting of rejection has subsided, contact again special employers and reapply for positions you know you are qualified for. Let them know that you are still interested in working for them through a new cover letter. Send them your resume, which hopefully now contains additional qualifications.

6. Reconsider your job description

So you may need to take alternate route to your dream career. Take this not as a set back but as a chance to be step closer to your goal. Apply for other positions in the company you wish to work for. Internal candidates often have an advantage and are the first to be considered for immediate and crucial vacancies.

7. Reinvent yourself

Go on a cross-training adventure, learn new skills, and develop your other talents. Make yourself more employable through further schooling, whether formal or informal. You will be better qualified for the position you are applying for. You might even find yourself qualified for new ones.