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Health & Fitness

4 Tips on How To Respond to the Question "How's Your Job Search Going?"

Counselors Nathalie Centinaroa, and Fran McTernan share important career tips in a presentation for the Scotch Plains Careers Group at the Scotch Plains Public Library.


“How’s your job search going?” can be the most dreaded and emotionally loaded question long-term job seekers face for two reasons.  When you are having a particular slow period feelings of inadequacy surface and if you have lots of activity you may not want to speak too soon.  Holidays and family gatherings can increase this anxiety because there is always some pushy relative or friends who just wants to help by giving outdated advice.

Counselors Nathalie Centinaroa, a social worker and executive coach, and Fran McTernan president of the International Coaching Associations shared a few tips on how to deal with the difficult questions friends and family ask about your job search in their presentation for the Scotch Plains Careers Group.

 

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#1 Be prepared for the conversation.

Expect that when attending holiday or family functions that someone is going to ask about your job search and decide before you attend what you will say. Keep your answer short and to the point and remember that people want to help and are asking out of concern for you. Use this opportunity to give your 30-second pitch.

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Family and friends can be extremely helpful with your job search if they know what you are looking for in your next position so don’t be shy about sharing this information. Make sure you mention company names of interests, locations and job titles because they are easy for most people to remember.

 

#2 Be Proactive

Start the conversation about your job search instead of waiting for people to ask about  it. Your individual personality and style dictates the best way for you to do this. Perhaps there is a family members that works in a company you are interested in or has connections you want to meet..

When dealing with a neighbor or other associate who asks about your search be tactful; you never know how these casual relationships can help with your search. Mention positions a few companies you are interested in, you may be surprised to find that person has a contact to share.

Pass out your business and ask them to contact you if they know of positions or contacts in that company.  Many job seekers have landed positions by using this tactic. 

 

#3 Be open to suggestions but firm in what you want

A lot of the job search advice you get although offered to be helpful is dated.  Just because you have a degree doesn’t mean you are qualified for entry-level admin positions or that companies will hire you. Companies can afford to be picky in the candidates they bring in for interviews. 

You may want to try this response if a well-meaning family member or friend persists in their job search advice. “You sound very concerned about me and I thank you for it. But I ask that you trust that I am doing all that I can in my search.”

This response cuts to the chase of the matter without offending the concerned family member or friend. You are able to follow this up with positions and companies you are interested in pursuing.

#4 Be ready with your business card, resume or marketing plan*.

Having your resume, marketing plan or resume handy is important in your search. It shows friends, family and associates you are serious and have put a lot of research into finding the right job. Always carry business cards even when doing errands. Sometimes you can meet people who can help with your job search while walking the dog, in church or grocery shopping.

The important thing to remember that friend, family, associates and neighbors can all be part of your search. Instead of dreading family get-togethers develop a plan that can get people to help you land your next position.

 

*A marketing plan lists your name, contact information, core skills, and the positions and companies you are looking for in your next opportunity. The marketing plan differs from a resume because it a documents used to get people to help you with your search. A resume is used for a particular position. Friends and associates are less intimidated by the marketing plan because you are asking for advice, contacts or leads into an industry and not a jo

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