Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Getting Stuck

Feeling stuck in your job search? We’ve all been there. Maybe there are too many tantalizing options out there, or maybe nothing you’re finding sounds right for you. Well, let’s get you unstuck, shall we?

First: Take a Breather, and Reflect.

Everything is going to be fine, so if you’re really frustrated, just take a moment to relax. Take a step back and review your process. What’s working? What is not?

• If you’ve been visiting job boards with no results, maybe it’s time for a different approach.
• If you have too many options on your plate, it’s time to focus on exactly what it is that you want rather than continuing to search.

Realize that this particular job search is not going to define the rest of your life. If you end up finding something that isn’t a perfect fit, that’s okay. It’s alright to try something new that you hadn’t previously considered, and it’s also alright to say no if you’ve overwhelmed yourself with options.

Next: Take Action.

If you’re having a hard time finding something you like, switch things up. Talk to people in your network, or try a different method of job searching. Check out niche job-search websites, or sites like Jobma.com that give you new and different ways of promoting yourself. Conduct informational interviews with companies, rather than looking for specific job descriptions. Make an action plan, set goals, and go for them! By taking action you’ll open up doors you never knew existed.

If you’ve loaded up on potential positions and are having a difficult time choosing a direction, take a test run or two (or three…etc.) Shadow people, volunteer, do whatever you can to get a taste of each of your options. Once you know more about what it takes to do each of those things, you’ll have a better idea of what it is you want to dedicate your time to.

Job searching is rarely ever stress-free. So if you get stuck, gather your thoughts, figure out the issues in your process, and take action. By taking control you’ll not only relieve the excess stress, but you’ll also be one step closer to finding a job!