As uncertainty in our economy increases, trade and business journals, blogs, career-related websites and a host of publications are filled with advice (mostly good) about how to survive a downturn.  I am certainly doing my bit looking for and writing about tips and strategies.  Much of it is from my own experience, but recruiters, HR professionals, my colleagues and others contribute to an ever expanding knowledge base that we all freely share. 

 

The challenge for the career counselor is distilling this mountain of advice with clients in a way that provides good direction and has personal relevance that can lead to a plan of action.  Generally, if the client is candid and most are, we can help. 

 

Unfortunately, there is one area in which some clients tend to be less forthcoming. 

That concerns personal motivation.  Working with the client to develop the plan, the tools and the skills is necessary, but it is not sufficient. 

 

Obviously, coming to a career counselor reflects a degree of motivation.  Yet even after that commitment, and after building a good career or job search strategy, many hold back.  Despite a solid plan, access to those tools and resources, strong encouragement and even economic necessity, some still hold back.

 

I have been thinking about this because an economic downturn creates more competition for fewer openings, necessitating an even greater commitment than in good times.  Especially for those in industries particularly hard hit, where a career change is a strong option and vigorous action is essential, some pause, when they ought to be driving forward vigorously.

 

It is so very easy to get discouraged.  I have two clients in real estate who work for different firms.  Both have done very well over the years and seem to be equally qualified, talented and knowledgeable.  One, Jack, is still doing well, but acknowledges the increasing difficulty in making quota.  He is actively looking at alternatives.  The other, Bill, is very depressed.  For him business is a disaster and he has no idea what he should do.

 

When I suggested to Bill that he put together a plan of action that includes a variety of options, he hesitated.  My advice is not welcomed, and he spends a lot of time worrying and complaining.  To me, his problem is a lack of motivation.  Bill is sure (he hopes) if he hangs on everything will turn around.

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So as a counselor I am faced with a problem.  I meet with these clients, arm them with all the key elements they need to succeed, and yet they have essentially given up.  Fortunately, this is a relatively small number, but the circumstances of the times is creating additional pressure.  Recruiters and HR managers echo this problem.  Too many candidates for positions communicate an attitude of desperation, rather than the upbeat, optimistic enthusiasm critical to a successful interview.

 

In previous articles I have discussed this issue of personal motivation.  Action does not necessarily translate into immediate success.  When those with whom you meet understand the pressures, but see how you pursue goals with vigor and determination it can generate a mood of optimism and support.  By the same token, when the effort is clearly not there, it is both obvious and depressing for you as well as those around you.

 

Reluctance to move forward can inevitably result in lost opportunities and procrastination should not be confused with planning.  It is true that some are very deliberate, approaching a job search much as they would a work project.  Careful planning, identifying resources, lengthy research and other steps may be normal and natural.  Comparing that to people who have a more immediate and aggressive approach does not imply procrastination, as long as you set reasonable deadlines and meet those deadlines.

 

Even taking time off to think and get your inspiration back is fine.  But let us be honest.  We know our degree of motivation.  We know the difference between planning and wasting time.

 

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There is also no doubt when others are dictating your course of action or inaction, you are putting your worst foot forward.  Only you have the information and background and motivation to communicate your professional, organizational and personal qualifications.  No matter how well meaning others may be, they do not have the self-interest you have.  The decision to move forward comes from within.  It draws strength and direction from you and you alone.

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A lack of motivation is often manifested in the hope that all will turn out well, so wait it out.  In fact, that may happen.  The problem is if there is no insurance policy that prepares for the worst, the worst may happen.  That may be Bill’s fate as well.

 

 

 

A number of you have written to me about your job situation. It is not easy to remain optimistic, but there has been some emerging good news lately that provides some confidence. First, Massachusetts has continually ranked ahead of the averages in employment, and, believe it or not, some companies in this area have continued to hire. The banking industry is now strengthened and that should be helpful to small and emerging businesses.

The news in general is cautiously optimistic and even the number of new jobs coming across my desk is increasing as well as more encouraging comments by recruiters. This includes positions with the federal government. Job seekers should not forget to check out the US Government website

What this tells me is that for those of you have become discouraged over the past year, and have been less than totally committed to putting in the effort, now is the time to rev up your job search engines. To those of you who are just going through the motions of finding a position, it’s time for a little introspection, a dose of honesty and renewed determination. If you aren’t giving up, and really want to make an effort, now is the time.

First, make sure you really want to do what you want to do. Examine all your options to ensure that your renewed vigor is directed toward a goal for which you feel really comfortable. There is a real connection between personal values and job satisfaction. And I reminded my readers that these days, ensuring compatibility with an organization has top priority. If, in an interview, you are perceived to be someone whose values might clash or fit badly with the culture or organization, you are in the wrong interview.

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Once the cobwebs are gone, the determination is back and the direction is set, start with your resume. The only point that bears repeating is be certain the resume reflects the best of who you are, rather than a list of old job responsibilities, with an emphasis on results.

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Armed with the resume start organizing your job search. Create a strategy and establish goals and milestones.

Create a job search schedule, a series of job search related activities and stick to it. For example, you may want to send out a certain number of resumes and make a certain number of calls every day. Set the goal and do it. Look for new networking opportunities and pursue them religiously, again in a systematic way. The key is to organize and plan your activities in a reasonable, practical fashion and discipline yourself to follow the schedule diligently. At the same time, revisit your plan as it is unfolding, maintain some flexibility and reevaluate as you move forward. Experience teaches you can almost always get what you want, eventually, but often not in the way you want it.

Next, while it may not be timely or prudent to abandon your network, a network with which you may have gotten a bit too comfortable, it is time to make new friends, create new networks, build new relationships, build communities who can help you. Create buddy systems and join groups. Former colleagues, clients and customers should remain at the top of your list. We also live in a “joiner” society, where finding new connections is fairly easy. Use the social networking sites Linkedin, Plaxo, Ryze, Konnekt and others

One technique underutilized is the informational interview.

It is very difficult to find someone who hasn’t been in your shoes at one time or another. In my experience we live in a pretty decent community, filled with professionals and working people who understand the downside of change and are willing to help in a reasonable way. The point is many people are receptive to informational interviews and no one should be reluctant to call. You never know what opportunity may lie ahead, if not with the individual interviewed, then perhaps through their network. The fact is informational interviews can be remarkably effective in getting plugged back into the mainstream of your interest area. Remember, when networking or informational interviews don’t ask for a job.

Look for inexpensive seminars, forums, workshops and tutorials. Do not forget volunteer work. Seek out the subjects that are relevant to your search and look at these events as both learning and networking opportunities. These forums also force you to get dressed in business attire, meet a specific schedule, and through participation, create an interchange of ideas, just as you did when you were working.

Be a leader and be forward. There is a natural reluctance among many to approach strangers or be approachable by others. Some of  this is natural shyness. For others there may be a fear of appearing too aggressive. My advice is: put those fears aside. The stakes for you and your family are enormous.

At all times you must be professional, but never hesitant. Ask questions at the seminars, volunteer to help create programs, join committees and offer your constructive opinion, even if it isn’t solicited.

Your creativity, assertiveness and willingness to take risks in imposing yourself on others, will ultimately lead to the interviews that will lead to the job. Don’t give up. The more you get “No”, the closer you get to “yes.”