Unemployed and Searching for a Job. Things That Disappoint a Job Seeker and How to Overcome Them. Part 1

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Over the past several months I have read stories of people like me who have lost a job and been disappointed in the job search. They have found it difficult to maintain hope in the face of obstacles that seem to be everywhere they look.  Job seekers have real fears that they will not be able to provide for their families when unemployment runs out. That  fear comes to their hearts door at the prospect of what to do.  I don't want to promote fear on this blog, but I do want to give voice to the concerns many American's have about what they are going through rather than glibly push it under the rug.

Here are some of the things that make the job search difficult on the emotions of job seekers.

No Face to Face Interaction when they apply for a job

Online applications are popular with employers and job-seekers because of the ease of completing them in the comfort of home and collecting them quickly.  An employer can post a job in the afternoon and by the next morning have a large pool of potential workers resume's on his desk.  So what is the problem, and why do some job-seekers begin to be disappointed in them?  The face to face encounters that came with going to a business and filling out a paper application and asking to talk to a manger is almost a thing of the past.  Major companies have all but went exclusively to online job applications that carry the connotation, 'don't call us, we'll call you.'  Computer programs kick out the applications that don't appear to fit the bill and move forward.  The problem with this is that a computer cannot see what a person knows instinctively.  So while a company may rejoice at not having to deal with personal encounters that used to be the norm they may very well miss seekers that a predetermined criteria deems undesirable, but a hiring manager might see potential in.   Job Seekers are often disappointed that the trend is to limit contact with those applying for jobs.  It leaves the feeling that getting your foot in the door is nigh unto impossible.

A Lack of Common Courtesy 

Job Seekers know each application they have out and they try to know its status.  It is a delicate balance to wait a proper amount of time for a decision and  deciding to call asking the company for a status on when they will make a decision.  Sadly many companies simply hire someone and neglect to tell the other applicants that the position has been filled.  This leaves job-seekers still hoping that they will get a call from a specific company.  Modern email systems make this practice unacceptable as it is not hard to send an email to all interested parties.    

Overcoming these obstacles.

Even if you do an online application call or go to the local business and ask to speak to the Manager.  Ask about the application process and when they estimate a decision will be made.   Ask for a business card and if it is okay for you to call or email.  This will get your foot in the door and also give you a time frame.  Be careful about sending any applications or resume to any company online that will not give you their name and information.  You may not be able to change the practice of businesses to ignore those not chosen, but you can avoid waiting and waiting for a position that is no longer available simply by picking up the phone.  Determine not to hold feelings that will cause bitterness and remember you have taken the matter into your own hands rather than leaving it to others.

If you have experiences either as an employer or job-seeker I welcome your comments.