From time to time, I see individuals who are simply unable—or unwilling—to push their job search forward. There are a number of explanations for this: the search bogs down, interviews don’t materialize into offers, countless applications lead nowhere, and reasonable expectations are not met. Under these circumstances, it’s only natural for some level of dejection and depression to settle in.

Maintaining one’s emotional health throughout the process can be difficult. Individuals can sometimes feel that events are beyond their control and become defeatist. This then colors all of their job-hunting activities, from making calls to potential employers to giving an effective interview. Friends and family often offer well-intentioned advice as they see this person sinking into despair, but to the jobseeker, this advice may be irritating and unwelcome.

Current unemployment statistics in Utah—at an all-time low at 2.5 percent—aren’t helping either. “You should be able to find a job in this market,” I’ve heard many people utter, not understanding that, even in a red-hot economy, it’s not a simple matter to find a great job, the right job—one that gives satisfaction.

Here are five main reasons the job search can get stuck in first gear:

1. Emotional issues.

It's hard to say which comes first—a negative attitude or a stalled search—but attitude alone can cause a search to bog down. There is a tendency for situational depression to arise in a long-term search. Looking for a job month after month is tough work. Defeatism can overwhelm an individual, and negative attitudes can even begin to infiltrate the interviewing process. Human Resource recruiters pick up on a negative attitude instantly. There is a difference, however, between someone struggling to maintain an upbeat attitude during the career search and someone whose emotional life and difficulties are getting in the way. In that instance, the jobseeker should postpone the search and concentrate on getting professional counseling. This is where a coach can play a positive role—by taking an objective look at the individual job-seeker’s emotional situation.

2. Lack of focus.

Successful job seekers are focused individuals. Clarity in defining goals and pinpointing employment sector and type/level of position is extremely important. If you don’t know what you are looking for, how will you know when you see it? Your résumé and cover letter must be focused, and you must be very purposeful in your search. When individuals come into my office and say, “I just want to see what’s out there,” I know that they probably don’t have the focus to find it.

3. Poor self-marketing skills.

Many individuals are opposed to the concept of marketing oneself, as they deem it too commercial or materialistic. Like it or not, marketing is critical to the job search. You need to evaluate yourself as a product, potentially a brand, and figure out your optimal placement. Many job seekers still believe they will be hired based on what they’ve done previously, not on what they can help an employer achieve in the future. Your résumé is the place to show and shout your accomplishments. Modesty has no place in the job hunt.

4. Inability to network.

Networking is about connecting with people who might have information that could lead you closer to employment. This can happen anywhere: the supermarket, the hairdresser, professional organizations, and social events. Networking is the greatest direct line to all of those unadvertised positions, the so-called “hidden job market.” Many job hunters don't understand how to network or claim that they are too introverted. My advice? Think reciprocity. Networking is a two-way street; it is not only about what others can do for you.

5. Lack of structure.

Finding a job requires successfully completing a series of “baby steps,” or interim goals, such as securing references, writing a résumé, obtaining and calling networking referrals, or practicing mock interviews. To organize your efforts, a three-ring binder can be useful for storing a printout of the position you’re seeking, listing the date you applied, a copy of your cover letter and résumé you submitted, and any follow-up efforts, such as thank you notes and goals to accomplish each week.

What are the factors that are holding you back?

If you are stalled in your job search, I can help: Julie Swaner, (801) 585-5036.

For more information, go to www.alumni.utah.edu/career.