There are numerous land mines and potholes in the job quest that are waiting to be found. One of the most common land minor or pothole is listening to unqualified advice. It appears that everyone has advice about the job search. While this is true, most of advice has not been “test driven”. It is generally emotionally based and subject to hearsay. Because of the emotional state of the job seeker, they are prone to listen to this advice as determine it is the gospel. Most of this advice can come from trusting friends and loving relatives. I always caution those listening to advice from their close friends or relatives because it is generally not proven. Rarely have I seen the time when a relative or friend can truly give good career advice because they have not been in the situation you currently are in. Some people are very blessed by having good counsel and can depend upon that counsel for strong guidance. Most do not.

The saga of land mines and potholes continues into networking. The most common ones I hear about is contacting everyone you know, telling them you are out of work, do they have work for you, and mass mailing resumes. Most job seekers, even those who have professional occupations, generally network on amateur level. Once again because of the emotional state, the networker is more reactive than logical.

Resumes are not untouched by this phenomenon of land mines. Most will listen to their friends again to get the best advice. Others will read books on how resumes will guarantee the interview. Resumes like religion have numerous translations. Whom can you trust? You trust the ones with the highest rate of positive results. Seek out those who can provide these results.

The interview is also hotly contested. Because you are on the block as the product or service you must convey your skills and abilities to the interviewer in a positive light. It still surprises me to this day how many people feel they're an expert on interviewing when they haven't been on interview more than five times in their life. Because they've won maybe one or two interviews they feel they know how all interviews are won. I personally have been on over 3000 interviews and I am still surprised how some interviewers conduct themselves. Questioning, environment, testing, and stress related procedures can all be interpreted differently. Once again seek counsel from those who have a track record and can produce results.

Salary negotiation is another topic where and everyone has an opinion and the potholes and land mines are numerous. Salary negotiation is like playing chess. There are so many factors that one must take time and their due diligence to look at each item and see how that's going to affect their lifestyle. Money is only the beginning. Benefits, perks, commute, and working conditions are all components to be look at and analyzed carefully. There is very little room for emotion. One must be as logical and forward thinking as possible.

Another area is follow-up. Follow-ups skills are usually very limited. Most job seekers feel that after they have been on one or two interviews know the employer will follow up in a stated “week or so”. Because they have taken the interviewer at their word, there is very little motivation to follow up before that stated time. Approximately 80% do not send a thank you note. They feel if they do follow-up before the stated time, it could jeopardize their chance of employment. Over the years we have conducted numerous surveys and have found that most do not follow up due to fear. Fear is generally stated (masked) as being cautious and respectful of the interviewer. With the tens of thousands of interviewers we have spoken with over the last 29 years, most would welcome professional based follow up. It conveys desire for the position and establishes a track record on how you will handle your duties once you are hired.

These areas of the job search are but a few that are laced with land mines and potholes. Always question advice. Do your due diligence in finding the latest techniques and stressing a professional image. Not only will you be happier, but your paycheck will be as well. May God bless you richly in the job search.

Ecclesiastes 12:11
A wise teacher’s words spur students to action and emphasize important truths. The collected sayings of the wise are like guidance from a shepherd.

Isaiah 28:29
The LORD Almighty is a wonderful teacher, and he gives the farmer great wisdom.

Isaiah 30:20
You will see your teacher with your own eyes, 21and you will hear a voice say, “This is the way; turn around and walk here.

Psalm 32:8
The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

By: Jeff Farmer, CCC
©Christian Employment Resource, 2000