Job search: See yourself as a problem solver
Q: I have been searching for jobs over the last few months and it feels like there is a catch-22 going on with employers — you can’t get hired without experience, but you can’t get the right experience without being hired. I have a long work history in several industries, but the interviews I am having seem to discount my experience. What suggestions do you have for me in moving past this roadblock?
A: This has been an interesting job search season to say the least, and applying for positions can at times feel daunting. You know by now that job searching takes tremendous effort, and being screened out of interviews is part of the process in finding employment.
Learning how to work through rejection will always be a part of the job search process even though it is not always easy to hear. Seeing rejection as a roadblock can
become a barrier for you overtime, instead of understanding the process.
Rejection feels bad, and regardless of the role it plays in a job search, it feels personal. Often, employers are so inundated with job candidates that their response time in getting back can make you start second guessing your experience. When there is a lack of communication as to why you aren’t making it past the screening interviews, it can lead to filling in the blanks with defensiveness or possibly self doubt.
The dilemma experienced job candidates face is having experience in areas that might not match all of the employers’ needs. In this marketplace, even though you have a long work history, consider strengthening your skills with new training. Online classes and coursework have made it possible to attend training, whereas in the past it could have been incredibly challenging.
A catch-22 situation often feels hopeless but you have more choices than you might realize. Many times, it is not your experience, rather your job search skills that are creating roadblocks. It sounds like you are getting interviews, which points toward an interest in your background.
In this marketplace, even though you have a long work history, consider strengthening your skills with new training. Online classes and coursework have made it possible to attend training whereas in the past it could have been incredibly challenging.
Consider working on your interview skills by thoroughly researching the position, creating a good understanding of the type of experience the interviewer is seeking. The skills you have acquired in your work history are valuable. The key is to demonstrate a good understanding of the problems or needs the employer facing where you can be ready to discuss them during an interview.
Change your mindset — instead of seeing your experience as a roadblock, make it your goal to see yourself as a problem solver. You were invited to the interviews for reason, so find out why.