questioner asked:


I have been reading alot recently about the large number of people who have been unemployed for years, even though they have put on an active job search. I wonder what is going on here. Some would say that these are good people with strong skills but who are just having a hard time in a very difficult economy. Others would say that these people likely have poor skills, lack of interpersonal abilites and a poorly developed resume and inadaquate ability to market themselves.

Why have most long term unemployed been jobless for so months or years?

Joseph

PAUL BOWLEY asked:


Get ready for an amazing alternative job hunting secret! If you’ve been in the job market recently, you already know it’s tough. Not because there aren’t excellent job opportunities out there. But because employers’ expectations are so much more demanding.

Employers want you to come in prepared to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework. They expect you’ve taken the time to learn about their organization and its goals. They also require that you show very specifically how you can make a contribution to the company’s bottom line.

The purpose of an alternative job hunting secret is to come at the job market from a totally different perspective. For example, you learn to see job search from and the employer’s point of view. When you do, then you’ll also appreciate discovering the huge advantage you have when you do your homework and you come to a face-to-face meeting or interview armed with critical insider information.

You are ready to implement one of the most powerful and exciting alternative job hunting secrets around. It’s called “job creation!”

That’s right! You can actually create a job for yourself on the spot. Here’s what to do (after you’ve done your homework):

1. List in writing the specific areas within the company where you bring something unique to the table. This is not a review of your work history. Indicate the specific department, products, services, etc. within the organization where your proposal would apply.

2. Send an email or letter to the decision-maker who would have an active interest in the kind of proposal you wish to present. Do NOT ask for a job. Rather, briefly outline the specifics you bring to the table for solving a certain problem, or contributing to growth, or opening up new doors for the company, etc. Then ask to meet for a discussion of your ideas or proposal. Indicate you’d like to call shortly to set up such a meeting.

3. Prepare a “Bio-Action” resume specifically designed to back up your alternative job hunting proposal.

4. Do NOT go in for an interview, but rather to discuss your proposal to see if there’s any interest. What’s exciting about this alternative job hunting secret approach is that neither you nor the employer is under any pressure to make a job decision. An opportunity can emerge if you are good at showing the value you bring to the table. Once again this takes preparation–doing your homework.

When you approach a carefully targeted organization and the specific decision-maker who could have a genuine interest in you, you’ve dramatically moved the odds in favor of a discovering a hidden opportunity for yourself. And you’ve eliminated all the competition!



Jason

Jeff Aulenbach asked:


1. Self-assessment is the first step to finding your ideal job. Assessment involves getting clear on your interests & passions, life goals, skills & knowledge, personal characteristics, internal and external motivations, and preferred work colleagues and work environment. If these personal needs, values and abilities are not compatible with your next job, you probably will not be happy, satisfied or fulfilled.

2. Brainstorm many as many jobs/careers as possible before beginning your actual job search… so you can identify the ones that may best satisfy you for many years. Consider having a friend or other qualified person help you so you don’t miss good possibilities.

3. Informational interviewing involves talking with people who are currently working in the careers and fields you are considering to gain a better understanding of them. Informational interviewing is just what it sounds like — interviewing people to get the key information you need to choose or change a career path, find out if you have what it takes to succeed, and learn how realistic it is for you to get into the field.

Here’s another key benefit of informational interviewing… studies show that one out of every 12 informational interviews results in a job offer!

4. Position yourself for a job change. Use a Combination Format resume to focus the prospective employer on your most impressive qualifications. The combination format resume begins with a summary of your skills, abilities and accomplishments that match up with the specific job you are seeking. This information is followed by employment history, written in the reverse chronological format, and education sections.

5. Don’t count on the Internet to find your next job. Less than 1 in 10 of all jobs are filled through ads in newspapers and on the Internet. The competition is keen and the odds are against you – especially if you are changing careers. Use the Internet’s vast information resources to help you, but limit the amount of time you spend responding to Internet ads.

6. Be a smart job hunter. Most people don’t realize that 75% of all jobs are never advertised! The most effective job hunters use two strategies to find “hidden” jobs – networking and directly contacting potential employers. If you want to find your ideal job faster… talk to friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, teachers, former coworkers, and others who might know of an opening. And send a well-crafted cover letter and resume to 150 companies that employ people in the type of job your seeking.

7. Have support. Don’t do your job search in isolation. Find and getting a job can be a trying time. A solitary job search can be demoralizing, and it can also be more difficult because you’ll only have access to what you find by yourself. Leverage the experience, expertise, and network of friends, colleagues or other qualified person who knows what your going through and who can give you the support, motivation, advice and feedback you need to succeed.