Sometimes the job-hunting process can seem daunting and overwhelming. And while many transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses find early success in the job market, others may stumble, joining the more than 1 in 5 unemployed Americans who’ve been out of work for 27 weeks or longer.
Members of the wider uniformed services community have been accustomed to some degree of responsibility, success, status, and respect. Consequently, if you find yourself in an endless job search or long-term unemployment situation, you might experience a sense of loss, lowered self-esteem, isolation, and negative feelings such as shock, anger, disbelief, and confusion.
At the very least, you might feel out of focus at the thought of being on a path without a known destination for the first time in many years.
If you find yourself in a situation where nothing seems to be happening, no matter how many vacancy announcements you answer, here are a few ideas that might help you break through.
Go on a Networking Binge
Anywhere from 75% to 80% of all job offers come through networking, according to most estimates. Make sure your friends, family, professional colleagues, and casual acquaintances know what you are looking for, and ask them to keep their eyes and ears open.
Network for Success!
Find more strategies for building and maintaining your contacts, maximizing your LinkedIn presence, and much more.
Don’t just rely upon networking sites and other social media tools. Take it to the next level and develop an actual relationship with your contacts. A deep, personal connection makes people really want to go the extra mile. Let them know you are ready, available, and have the right skills and experience to be the perfect candidate for the position.
You never know where this extra legwork might lead – an extended cousin may be dating a talent acquisition professional, or an old college friend may be working at one of your target companies.
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Adjust Your Approach
Just because you haven’t been offered any interviews doesn’t mean your self-marketing products (résumé and cover letters) are bad. And just because you've interviewed for multiple positions without landing an offer doesn't mean your interview skills need work. However, it may not be a bad idea to shake things up a bit and tweak your brand.
For instance, maybe your résumé and cover letters are focused too much on what you did (basic job history statements) as opposed to what you can do – how your clearly articulated achievements, accomplishments, results and outcomes, can be of value to your future employer.
As for interviewing: Are you clearly articulating what you can do to make the employer’s life easier/better, and the five reasons why they should hire you over the rest of the field?
MOAA's Transition and Career Center regularly presents webinars offering valuable advice on careers and transitioning, and information on your earned veteran benefits. Check out our archived presentations, some of which are available after initial broadcast exclusively to Premium and Life members.
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Don’t Give Up
It is not uncommon for job seekers to get anxious and nervous when a promising opportunity presents itself. Unfortunately, the company recruiter or hiring manager may perceive this as being desperate or otherwise question your suitability for the demands of the position. No matter how frustrating the job search becomes, be true to your natural self, project confidence, and maintain your sense of worth and value.
Although you may at times feel as if you are at a standstill in your job search, it doesn’t mean you are going nowhere. You are just laying the foundation, and it is just a matter of time (and timing) until you land the next position in your career journey.
A version of this article was published in March 2021 and has been updated.
