Welcome back to “The Voice of Job Seekers” podcast, this is Mark, your host of the show. I’m grateful you decided to listen to this episode. This is a solo edition of the podcast where I will lend my views in some areas where your job search possibly needs help. I would love to hear your thoughts, opinions, and ideas on this show. Here’s how:

1) Leave a voice mail or text message at 708-365-9822. Let me know if I can share it on future shows
2) Email me: mark@thevoiceofjobseekers.com
3) Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com and press the “Send Voicemail” button to leave a message online

You can do this on your phone, right now, if you want. All of this is set up so you’ll have the most convenient access possible.

Announcements

I will be taking a short spring break and time to celebrate 25 years with my wife, so I won’t publish another show until March 29.

1. The rough road
You are not finishing anything completely to anyone’s satisfaction. You read advice but rarely follow through completely. Then you go to someone who you respect saying you have tried everything. Your resume, cover letter, and other necessary marketing materials are done, but what about your social profiles, LinkedIn profile, or other efforts completing your branding? Why are they incomplete? LinkedIn picture? Other profiles incomplete? How about your networking efforts? Are you having great conversations? You get the point. You know what happens when you go down a road needing paving? Your car gets damaged in more ways than one. The same will happen in your job search when it’s incomplete.

2. The long unwinding road

Did you know your references can sabotage your job search efforts? Are you sure that the people you have listed as references can speak to your competencies? You must know there are areas that your references can speak in your favor. Do you know what they will say? A few months ago, a client got the interview, completed the entire process until her reference check process didn't pan out. The interviewer knew (or, at least, had familiarity) with her boss, and asked about her. Her boss replied, “She can’t be trusted!” Of course, my client was devastated but understand this could go on if you are not sure what your references will say. If they can’t speak positively, it will be viewed negatively. Know what your references will say and avoid this road that will never end.