How to Overcome the Biggest Obstacles Keeping You from Getting a New Job
Maybe you’re looking to change careers, get back into the workforce or are seeking a job for the first time. This might just even be one of your goals in the new year. Whatever the case, you’re not alone. Many people who are looking to make a change in their career get stuck along the way. It may seem like there’s an unbreakable barrier standing between you and your goals. Here are four common obstacles that may be keeping you from getting a new job and ways to overcome them.
Mental Block
Mental blocks can be detrimental to your job search because they might keep you from applying for jobs that you’re qualified for. The first step is to identify what’s causing your block. For example, maybe you don’t feel qualified for the jobs you’re applying for, or maybe you’re lacking information about the field or industry in which you want to work.
The second step to overcoming your mental block is to put together a plan of action. Take small steps like updating a portion of your resume or applying for a job. These little actions can help you build momentum to get you past your mental block.
Confidence
You might be great at what you do but if you lack confidence, it can hold you back. If you are looking to build your confidence, first identify your strengths. Highlight the different skills you possess that are transferable to other jobs. Then, build on them. Think about ways to take advantage of your strengths in your applications. For example, if you’re good at building relationships with people, use it as a selling point in an interview or on your resume – state one of you experiences with a current or past employer and emphasize how it contributed to the success of their company.
Time
If you feel like you never have the time to apply for jobs, you might need to manage your priorities a bit differently. Take a few minutes to review all the things that might be distracting you from finding the time to apply, working on enhancing your skill sets or building your professional network. Can you cut an hour off your weekly time spent browsing social media? Maybe you spend too much time watching TV. Try to carve out a block of time each day that you can devote to applying. Whether it’s thirty minutes a few times a week or a few hours on the weekends, if you allow your priorities to shift, you’ll be able to create the time.
Environment
If you’re trying to apply to jobs in an environment with constant noise or distracting surroundings, you can limit your productivity and feel burnout. If your environment is packed with distractions, it’s a good idea to either get rid of them or carve out time to step away. By removing technology like loud music and your phone, even if it’s just for an hour, you should find yourself becoming more productive. If you’re unable to remove the distractions keeping you from focusing, take the time to remove yourself. Your local coffee shop, park or even the library might just provide the change of scenery and noise level you might be missing.
If you need help getting past these barriers, you can contact us today to help jump start the process!
