I’m too old. The economy is not right. Employers won’t give me the chance. I don’t have the right contacts. Employers only go for candidates with this type of background, experience or qualification.
Ever heard yourself saying some or all of the above?
I’m sure we all have said some of these or a variation of them.
Like all challenges (and getting that next job definitely is a challenge) it is easy to blame external factors.
Yet in reality it is more often than not down to you and how you respond to the challenges.
So what are some of the biggest barriers to you getting your next job?
Barrier 1: Wanting it to be easy
If it was easy to land that next job everyone would be doing it. Fact is anything worthwhile achieving requires commitment, effort and persistence.
Barrier 2: Not pursuing the right opportunities
It’s strange how people think they can just apply for anything and get results if they have the right professional qualification.
Well you can but it is a bit like those leaflet drops at home. It’s what I call a spray and hope strategy.
Being targeted generally produces much better results.
Barrier 3: Not knowing your strengths
How easily could you talk about your top strengths? Most of the time when I’m working with clients they struggle to confidently talk about their 5 top strengths initially.
Unless you have really thought about this in some depth it is always going to be a struggle to speak about your strengths with confidence and conviction.
Barrier 4: Not knowing what it takes to succeed at the next level
You might have a vague idea but do you really know what’s critical to success at the next level?
If not take the time to find out.
Barrier 5: Not having a decent CV
Too many CV’s especially those created by accountants and professionals lack impact.
As a result it doesn’t market them effectively.
Barrier 6: Being too shallow with answers in interviews
A job interview is your opportunity to showcase you, your experience, your skills, your attributes and what you can contribute.
Unless you are well prepared you run a big risk of giving shallow answers and under selling yourself.
Bottom Line: Getting that next job is tough. So what barriers do you need to overcome to get that next step in your career?
Duncan Brodie helps accountants and professionals build successful careers. Learn more here.
