Top 7 Tips For When You Feel Stuck in a Job

Do you feel stuck in your job? The most obvious solution is to seek out a new one. Sometimes, though, you won't have immediate luck landing a new position. You could find yourself sending out application after application without even getting an interview, let alone a job offer. 

Don't let yourself get discouraged. To fire up your job search, you may need to tweak your job-hunting strategy. That can mean expanding your network, revamping your resume, looking outside your preferred field, or seeking out help from coaches and other professionals. 

If you feel stuck in your job, and are stalling out on your job search, try following these tips and advice. 

Consider Other Job Options

Low Section Of Man Standing Amidst Arrow Symbols On Footpath
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When you are having a difficult time finding a job in your current line of work, consider what other jobs you might be able to do. Just because you've always worked in one industry doesn't mean you need to spend your entire working life in it. You can seek out similar work, like moving from marketing to public relations. Or, maybe a more drastic change makes sense, such as a salesperson starting a dog-walking company or moving from a salaried to hourly position.

Any job — including positions unrelated to your career — gives you additional experience. Even if you feel like you're moving down the career ladder, you never know how the job might work out and you could end up with a job you like much better than your last one. 

Makeover Your Resume

If your resume includes experience going back twenty or thirty years, it needs a makeover. If you are listing how many years of experience you have on your resume, it is likely time for an updated version. If you are including your high school information on your resume, it may benefit from a rewrite.

Providing too much information, especially if you are an older job seeker, can be a surefire way to knock your resume out of contention. Find out how to revamp your resume so it gets attention from hiring managers.

Get Free Job Search Help at the Library

Your local public library is an excellent source of job search help. Not only will you find helpful books, but many libraries offer job search classes and job clubs. In addition to getting help with your job search, you will also be able to interact with and get support from other job seekers who are also struggling to find a job. 

Explore Local Resources

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, what you can do on your own to find a new job isn't enough. You may need a career counselor to help you figure out what you can do differently to get your job search on track. These professionals can help you identify jobs to apply for, share cover letter and resume advice, give tips on how to interview well, and so much more. Here is how to find free or inexpensive resources in your geographic area, including career counselors and coaches.

Look for Jobs in the Right Places

Are you looking for jobs in all the right places? Something as simple as not using the right search terms or not using the best job sites can hinder your job search. If you can't find jobs to apply to, your job search isn't going to go anywhere. Here are the best job sites and how to use them effectively. 

Make Job Search Connections

It's never too late to build a network of contacts who can help your job search. If your job search isn't working take a look at both your online and in-person network of contacts. Who might be able to help with your job search? If your network is flimsy or non-existent start building it — today. Try these tips to grow and use your career network. As well as expanding your network, consider asking friends, mentors, and close colleagues for feedback on your resume or a cover letter, or on your overall job-hunting strategy. 

Try Temping

Working as a temp lets you earn a paycheck, can be a path to permanent employment, and is a means to gain resume-building experience. Get details on temping, including the types of temp jobs that are available, temp-to-perm jobs, how to search for temp jobs, tips for working with a temporary agency, and advice on interviewing for a temporary position. 

Give Your Career a Makeover

 If nothing else you've tried seems to be working it may be time to give your career a makeover. Here's how to do a career switch to get back on track.