Always Take the Hardest Route

Always Take the Hardest Route If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is, right? Now, apply that to your job search.   If it is too easy to do, try harder.   I dont think this is really what you want to hear, is it?   But, for a second or two, think about the times youve taken the easier route.   What happened?   Or a better question would be, what didnt happen? Here are examples of things that are too easy (in red) and the work around (in green): Applying for a job online only Send your stuff online, then find people who work in that company so you can talk to them and learn more about the position and get them to advocate for you. Sending your resume in an email and waiting Follow up with a phone call after youve sent it and find out where they are in the review/hiring process Asking someone for a job Ask for information instead Saying over and over that you dont know what you want to do next Take the time to figure out what it is you REALLY want to do Winging an interview Very few people are naturally great at interviewing, role play/practice out loud Not knowing who to send your resume to at a company Research the company on LinkedIn or start at the top of the company and work your way down Waiting for the interviewer to contact you Never wait, always ask when you can follow up With any of these situations, it is EASY to say that youve done all you can do.   But is that really true?   There is so much more you could really do if you wanted the opportunity badly enough.   Risk has its rewards!   What has been your job search obstacle and how did you overcome it?