Job Search Progress: Are You on the Right Track?

Starting a job search can feel like hopping in your car and driving without Apple Maps, Waze or Google Maps guiding you. You might find yourself feeling lost or stuck, wondering if your efforts are leading anywhere or if the job search is taking too long. I’ve been there, and I want to share how I checked my progress and adjusted my approach to get back on track. If you’re questioning your job search journey, this post is for you.

Recognizing When You Feel Lost or Stuck

When I first started my job search, after walking away from PwC many years ago, I was excited to do something different and part time at that phase in my life - as my new baby, and being a new mom was my top priority; yet I needed to find a part-time professional role to contribute to our family income. But after weeks of sending out resumes and hearing little back, I began feeling lost. I wasn’t sure if my resume was good enough, if I was applying to the right jobs, or if I needed more skills. (And I was an HR professional and recruiter- I should have known how to do this, but I was lost!)

This is a common experience. Many people feel stuck when their efforts don’t seem to pay off quickly.

Did you know that 70-85% of jobs are found through networking NOT job postings?

If you’re in this place, ask yourself:

• Am I applying to jobs that match my skills and interests?

• Have I tailored my resume and cover letter for the jobs I'm targeting?

• Am I networking or reaching out for job search help?

• Have I set clear, achievable weekly goals and job search activities for my job search?

  
  

Answering these questions honestly can help you see where you might need to adjust your strategy.

How a Career Counselor can help you

As a career counselor or career coach, I help individuals who were in my shoes:

• Identify their strengths and transferable skills

• Target industries and roles to fit their background

• Improve their resume

• Develop confidence in interviewing

• Develop a realistic timeline for their job search

• Develop and implement a ROBUST networking strategy

• Utilize LinkedIn and job boards as a tool- NOT THE ANSWER

  
  

Signs Your Job Search Is Taking Too Long

A job search can take time, but sometimes it drags on longer than it should. Here are signs that your search might be stuck in neurtral:

• You haven’t received any interview invitations after multiple applications.

• You’re applying to many jobs but not customizing your materials.

• You avoid networking or reaching out for job search help.

• You feel overwhelmed or discouraged regularly.

  
  

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

-Albert Einstein

Tracking job search progress with a calendar

Practical Steps to Get Back on Track

Here are some actions I took that helped me move forward:

• Set weekly goals: I aimed to apply to a specific number of jobs and connect with professionals in my field.

• Tailor applications: I customized my resume and cover letter for the 2-3 types of roles I was targeting.

• Expand networking: I joined groups, volunteered and attended events to meet people and learn about opportunities and then meet 1:1 for job search advice.

• Seek feedback: I asked trusted family, friends for feedback.

• Stay organized: I tracked applications, follow-ups, and responses to avoid missing deadlines.

  
  

These steps helped me feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

When to Ask for Job Search Help

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the job search still feels like a dead end. That’s when reaching out for job search help is crucial. As a career coach and recruiter, I help my clients:

• Personalize advice based on their situation

• Stay motivated and accountable with weekly and/or bi-weekly meetings

• Build a job search action plan and networking strategy to overcome obstacles

• By providing them with best in class resources in my Career Journey Playbook so they don't have to 'Google' it all

  
  

Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re feeling stuck or if the job search is taking too long. Getting support can speed up your progress and reduce stress.

Taking notes during a career counseling session

Final Thoughts on Checking Your Job Search Progress

If you’re wondering whether you’re where you need to be in your job search, take a moment to reflect on your actions and results. Feeling lost or stuck is normal, but it doesn’t have to last.

Ready to move forward and get unstuck?

Schedule Your FREE 1:1 Career Call Now!