Priming the Pump

If you ever spent time in the country and had a hand pump for getting water, you know it takes some priming and pumping to start the water flowing. The same is true for getting a job. Trying job offers and understanding what you are doing and how well it is being received will take time. Do not get discouraged. Job seekers go through this. If you work at it, you should e seeing some offers for interviews within three or four weeks.

Getting work is a job within itself. Keep a good record of the following:

• Who you apply to
• When
• what the manager is looking for
• Why you want the job

You need to know that most applications do not get immediate action, and I have had managers call me 6 weeks later to talk about a job.

The longer you look for a job, the more comfortable you will be with the ins and outs of getting employment. And yes, the more you apply, the faster the process gets, and the sooner you can land a job.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof