Searching for a job is stressful. It can be difficult to manage your job hunt for a variety of reasons, but there comes a time when your search has to come first.
In a recent U.S. News and World Report post, Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, a Glassdoor career and workplace expert, compiled a list of five excuses job seekers give to delay their job hunt. Here are the three excuses she covered that I hear most from friends — and ways to overcome them!
Excuse #1: I don’t have time. This seems to be a popular one, especially when it comes to those looking for entry-level positions. You may be juggling a full course load, internship and more (not to mention a social life), but you also need to work hard to find a job. Make a list of what you want to accomplish when it comes to your job search and put aside 45 minutes a day to work on it. You’ll be surprised at how much progress you can make in such a short time each day.
Excuse #2: I can’t do this on my own. Don’t feel like you have the knowledge to launch your job search? There are tons of resources available to you right on the Internet. Career blogs (like this one!) can provide you with tons of advice and tips for your job hunt. My best advice: Google anything you want to know! Sample cover letters, interview tips, how to set up an informational interview—these are all things that you can easily look up and get advice on. It’s also an option to hire a career coach or professional resume writer. Either way, you don’t have to go at it alone.
Excuse #3: I lack self-control. “We all lack self-control when we fail to meet our own expectations,” said Barrett-Poindexter. It’s hard to keep up with something- especially when you find it boring or challenging. You have to keep in mind throughout the whole process that your efforts will have a direct impact on your future. It’s important to tell yourself that there are no excuses! If you think in a positive way, set goals for yourself and stick to them, you’ll see results before you know it.
To check out the rest of Barrett-Poindexter’s tips, read the whole article here.
What other excuses do you find yourself making when it comes to the job hunt?
