Ask the Readers: What has been most frustrating about your job search?

For those of you who are without a job and current looking, what has been the most frustrating thing about your job search?

Is it applying to countless jobs and never hearing a peep back on anything, or showing up for a job fair and waiting in line behind 250 people to learn they are filling three positions? 

Or have you interviewed for a position only to never hear back, and when you finally contact them weeks later you hear they promoted an internal person to the position.

Maybe you are tired of getting advice from people who have jobs and have never been laid-off and have no clue what you are going through.  Or just the personal feeling that you will never find anything.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Using LinkedIn? Add your Picture!

I have found that using LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com) is a great resource for networking and staying in touch.  I actually found my most recent position through a contact on LinkedIn by updating my status with the type of position I was in search of. 

If you are using LinkedIn, add your photo.  It can be a close up or distant shot, but make sure it shows the real you.  When connecting with old friends the photo reminds me of what they used to look like, and it puts a face to the name. 

Beware of adding a bad photo (with half your head cut out).  Take the time and get a decent photo to post.  It will improve your odds of landing that next job and people you meet while networking will be able to remember you much better.

Take Time to Relax

Going through a job hunt, especially when you are unemployed, is extremely stressful.   Beside the pressure you place on yourself, others close to you may expect you to be searching 24 hours a day.  If you are not getting interviews they will (or you will image that that are) think that you are not putting your full effort into the search.

To keep the attitude and keep your focus, you need to take breaks.  Even if money is tight, find ways to get away and just relax.  Go to a movie (try the discount theator), zoo, museum, work out, visit the library, or get together with your relatives and friends (but don’t spend time griping about not having a job). 

You will be amazed by how this clears your mind.  You will get new ideas for your job search, some crazy, some practical, some that you may even use.  This will keep you fresh and sane.

Remember also that you are more than your job – use the time to relax and do things you that you cannot do when you are working.   

Sooner or later you will land on your feet and have a job again.  Make sure you make the best use of all the time you will have available while looking.