Why waiting for a job is like waiting for Prince Charming

Do you know that feeling - you've written job applications or query letters and you're just waiting for someone (anyone!) to get back to you? Well, truth be told - if people are interested, they will get back sooner rather than later. So if you're still waiting after, let's say, a month, then something went wrong.

But instead of reflecting on what we could improve, we often either keep waiting or keep applying the same way, with the same strategy. I wonder what turns us into that electric toy that has reached the wall but still keeps running full speed ahead, walking in place? Is it because we are used to one method of doing something and feel secure doing it? Even though it may not return results? Or is it the process itself, the black abyss that applications and query letters seem to be falling into, never to be heard of again?

I was just thinking about that when an analogy struck me - waiting for a job is like waiting for Prince Charming! Destructive because it ain't gonna happen. But the question is why would we engage in as silly a behavior well into our careers? I mean, waiting for Prince Charming could be excused with inexperience. But waiting for a job? What makes us so hopeful? And why do we sometimes forget that unless we cause it, nothing is going to happen.

Not that we shouldn't be hopeful. Hope is a wonderful thing. After all, it keeps us going. But there should be some basis to it. Sure, we've written those applications and query letters, which is great. But if after the 20th letter, no response (not even a 'no') is forthcoming, then we should look at our strategy:

• Am I to the point? Are potential clients or employers turned off by a long letter or resume?


• Is my approach working? Am I putting my best foot forward? Or could I advocate myself better?


• Are my samples up to the mark? Do I need to do more research?


• Are my rates in line with market expectations? Am I competitive?


• Am I applying for the right kind of jobs? Maybe I need to scale down or gain more experience.


• Are my references up-to-date?


• And what about grammar, spelling, etc.? Should I give my resume one more person to read before it goes out? For an important job, the cover letter too. (If you're not sending cover letters - forget it! Why deprive yourself of that extra selling tool?)

Well, whatever it is, there are plenty of reasons to check and double check one's approach. So that the Prince-Charming job can be captured - hook, line and sinker!

What are you waiting for?