I don’t think anyone is disagreeing about the work it takes to be successful in a job search. However, after months of fruitless labor, whether a job search or a work project, the intensity and optimism toward a clear result is lessened. There is a reason very few entrepreneurs succeed. Not everyone is an entrepreneur. Job searching for an extended period is like being an entrepreneur. I am not denying that job search takes preparation and intense work, but without the entrepreneurial spirit, the workload is stressful, depressing and often unbearable for some (note recent suicides in California and Ohio).

In a time when our out-of-work labor force is extremely stressed and when traditional media is saying that reaching out to contacts and networking is becoming “nutworking” (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-talk_kyles_nutworkfeb02,0,7416436.story), any negative or pejorative or, I dare say, overly helpful, repetitive and without result comment toward a job seeker is unfortunate and has no place in a discussion for job seekers (or from one that helps job seekers).

I completely agree with Sophie that in addition to standard job searching, professional and personal development is key to staying abreast of current trends, to learn and practice new ideas and to develop new skills before you find a new permanent position. In addition, as every day passes, the ability to use “standard techniques” lessens and new ideas must be developed to break through the clutter and earn a seat at the table of choice.

I sent this in an e-mail to Jason but I will share it here as well. For all those that are career advisers, counselors, recruiters, friends, networking contacts, etc., treat those that are out of work with care and as the intelligent, motivated and well-educated individuals we are. Do not insult our intelligence. Do not think we haven’t tried the standard options. We have. Unlike those in a payrolled position, those without jobs are focused on doing the best they can to stay positive, somehow survive and work to develop increased employable skills — all without compensation, leadership or external motivation.

Coaches, advisers and the like must be in a difficult position. However, to profit off of a time like this by negating the emotion attached to it is harmful to those very people you are trying to help.

Robert, please support your fellow professionals. I can only hope you are not in the same position in the near future.

My point is that a job search should be conducted as you would your job–the same dedication, the same professionalism. I can’t see how that perspective might be “harmful”. It’s good practice–possibly a best practice for job-seekers.

Does how one practices/searches reflect how one performs when it counts? I think so. I think most coaches would agree that better practice yields better performance, too.

There are some people who, upon encountering good advice (here I mean Jason’s provocative discussions, for instance), learns and adopts what they find to be valuable. Then there are people who find good examples unbearable, threatening, and damaging to their self-esteem.

Which would you rather hire? Which would you want to work with?

Luck, hope, and faith are fine–unless they’re a substitute for doing the best you can while you’re waiting for them. Put another way–and if you like, you can refute Seneca and Thomas Jefferson here, too–”Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

I hope this comment isn’t harmful.

Robert

(1) Unemployed and looking for work: Yes, you should be working on job search-related activities full-time. But some of this may include training, self-directed learning, contract or part-time work (to make ends meet, make contacts and improve your skills), etc.

(2) Employed and looking for work: Ten hours a week may well be all you can assign to your search. That means it’s important to be as efficient as possible, and to take advantage of opportunities for efficiency. For example, early in the year many people have to set goals and identify training opportunities for the year as part of their employer’s annual review process. If you can pick goals or training that pull double duty, i.e., are portable to your job search, you’re ahead of the game.

To answer Abby’s question, I was laid off from my job of nine years last May; I spent three months in intensive job search, easily spending 60 hours or more a week — and it paid off. I improved my skills and presentation, I got multiple job interviews, and I had the chance to pick between good offers. But looking for work sucked, it was terrifying, it was demoralizing, and it ate through my savings. I was determined to get more than just a new desk for that three months of effort and anxiety, so I have been trying to bring the lessons learned into my work methods and habits.