This question was posted on CareerSuccessRadio.com's "Career Success Expert Panel" page, along with my response and suggestions:
Question:
A masters and a second under way and I’m still a superintendent … what am I doing wrong?
–Stephen N.
My answer:
Hi Stephen,
You’re definitely not alone….I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this similar question over the years!
First of all, I’m going to put on my Life Skills Facilitator hat and ask you to to ask yourself: What am I doing RIGHT?
Focus on your positive accomplishments and characteristics. Then maintain that positive focus and attitude during your evaluation of what you consider “wrong” steps. Reframe to a more positive view.
Remember: All steps brought you here. I truly believe there is a reason for everything…and that this–your life–is part of a much bigger synchronistic process than you and I can surely ever imagine. So, try to replace disappointment with gratitude. You are moving forward, with every moment…so focus your direction and intention. Focus on being in the now and being positive and peaceful in each moment. Replace fear of past or future, with faith in the here and now.
Remember: You are an individual that is: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Are you honouring all of those areas right now, by having faith in the positive for each one?
Do you whole-heartedly believe in your success? Work on developing/maintaining astute and immediate awareness of any doubts when they arise, and replace with affirmations until these positive actions become a natural part of your process.
Now, I’ll put on my Career Facilitator hat and share a quote: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results.” Soooo….it may be time to change something up!
What job search methods have you been using so far? I’d have to know more about the various actions you’ve taken, to more effectively answer your question, but generally speaking here are some things you may want to consider:
* If you are not able to find positions that you want and are qualified to do, you must remember that 80-85% of jobs are never posted and you need to tap into this hidden job market. How? Network within your industry, conduct some informational interviews, consider relevant volunteering, attend relevant events, association meetings, etc. Target, target, target!
* If you are not getting calls for interviews, you may have to make some changes to your resume. Is it specifically customized for your industry? For each individual job? Is the format in keeping with the needs of the position and company? Have you integrated key words? How is your cover letter? You may want to take your job search documents to a Certified Employment Counsellor or Career Coach–or whatever they happen to be called where you live –for review and suggestions for your specific requirements.
* If you are getting to interviews, but not getting hired, you may need to re-evaluate your interview style, the answers you are giving, etc. In addition, practice role-plays of the interviewing process with friends and video tape it, so you can play it back and observe your behaviours, mannerisms, etc.
In this age and economy of job search, having an intentional and specific methodology that is effective is crucial.
You can do this Stephen. You will do this. You ARE doing it! You are IN the process of creating the results you desire. You know what you truly want…you are ready…and you can achieve it! Intend it. Believe it. Know it. Then release the desire– the need–to control the outcome.
Take positive and intuitive action, while being receptive and allowing, as to how your intention unfolds. Let it happen. It’s okay.
Create your new story, starting in this moment, and simply write it as you go. Create where you want this story to go. Right now. It’s a choice. But you have to commit…either way. What are the experiences you want while on your journey? This is a time is where your life is going to change. Believe that it’s going to be big and it’s all happening… right now.
Hope this helps and best of luck!
Brenda
Brenda Blackburn
Personal & Professional Development Facilitator
Certified Employment Counsellor
Certified Life SkillsCoach
Corporate Trainer
http://www.brendablackburn.com
http://careercommuniqueradio.ning.com/profile/BrendaBlackburn