I have been actively looking for work in the social services field for the past two years but have only managed to secure three small contracts amounting to 100 hours each. I have an MSW, five years of experience in the field, in both clinical and community development settings, and have networked extensively, attended intense job finding workshops etc. What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions?

During a typical job search, it can be very frustrating at times, and everyone feels discouraged from time to time – it’s only natural. But if left unchecked, this can quickly undermine your job search efforts and lead to avoidance of job search activities entirely in some cases. It can be very helpful to review your job search strategies occasionally to determine their effectiveness, and modify your approach if necessary.

Many strategies to choose from

There are many different ways to find a job in your chosen field. Your job search strategies should be balanced, and can encompass job boards, executive recruiters, newspaper ads, professional associations, volunteering, university alumni contacts, etc. How much time you spend on each depends on many factors, but the most effective method has historically always been through networking. Often, however, networking is easier said than done. It is not something that comes naturally to a lot of people, especially if they feel self-conscious about it.

The right approach

You have to go into networking with the right approach. Many people think networking is simply asking people if they have a job opening, and then moving on to the next contact. The real objective of networking is to find out information about where the jobs are.

Use your eyes and ears

Asking your network contacts directly for a job is likely to cause them discomfort, since most are not in a position to actually provide a job. People are much more comfortable providing information – and you are essentially extending your own eyes and ears for job opportunities in your field.

Review your networking plan

When I am reviewing job search action plan progress against objectives with my clients, and they note a problem with their networking, there are typically only two possible elements that may be going wrong with their strategy. Either they have the wrong message, or they are talking to the wrong audience.

1. You are communicating the wrong message. You have to spend time understanding your message, and make it easy for people to understand your “label”. Be as clear as possible about what type of work you are looking for – the more precise you can be, the better. The job finding workshops you attend should help you in understanding your specific strengths, skills, and what you can contribute to an organization. You can also ask your network contacts their opinion of your current job search strategies, and for any other pointers they may have for you.

2. Wrong audience. When we ask job seekers about networking, many will say, “Oh yeah, I’ve networked. I’ve seen lots of people”. However, when pressed, “lots” can be fewer than a handful, comprised entirely of their friends and family. It is critical to target the people who can make a real difference to your job search. The most important question you can ask in any networking meeting is “Do you think there’s anyone else who may be able to help me?” This information will allow you to expand your network, and keep it “energized”. Many of us can easily be discouraged after our initial burst of enthusiasm proves to be less than fruitful. Networking is a long-term strategy, and it can sometimes take months to be effective.

Some people seem to be naturally good at networking, and seem to know everyone who’s anyone. When you find these people (you’ll know them when you see them), treat them like gold — they can be immensely helpful. Capitalize on the contacts you met while working on your short-term contracts.

Follow-up is key

Remember to personally thank those who have helped you in your job search, and keep them apprised every 4 to 6 weeks on your progress. Once you have found your next position, thank all those in your network, and try to maintain it by updating your contacts every few months, just to say “Hello”.

The most important thing in any successful job search is to persevere. You should always celebrate the accomplishments you have had – for example, the small contracts you’ve managed to secure are a start, and can often lead to full-time work. It is a full-time job just looking for a job, and the race is a marathon, not a sprint. Good luck!

Michael Mayne, M.B.A., CMA, is Managing Partner and a Certified Professional Career Counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a Career Transition, Counselling, and Outplacement firm. Michael has been involved in the not-for-profit sector for many years, and is currently President of ALS Canada. To contact Michael, visit: www.catalystcareers.com.

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Disclaimer: Advice and recommendations are based on limited information provided and should be used as a guideline only. Neither the author nor CharityVillage.com make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in whole or in part within this article.