Marlene writes:
I will be earning a master’s degree in mental health counseling in December. I have a disability that renders me unable to work full-time. I have sent out a couple of resumes but have not been contacted. How do I explain to the potential employers that just because I will be working part-time, does not mean I am not serious about the job. My first job I worked for 4 years. My second job I worked for 10 years. I am on my 3rd job now for almost 5 years. Thank you in advance for your help.
The Career Doctor responds:
I know the beginning of my answer is going to sound a little flip, but job-hunting is a full-time occupation — regardless of whether you are seeking full-time or part-time employment. In fact, it may be harder to find jobs that do not fit the normal 9-5 routine.
You say that because you can only work part-time that employers should not question your desire or interest in a job, but your actions say otherwise. I use two metaphors when describing job-hunting. First, you can think of it as you might dating; you need to continually pursue (and woo) prospective employers to get their attention and interest. Second, think of it as a marketing and selling experience, where you need to track down prospective employers and sell them on your unique mix of skills, experience, and accomplishments.
Whatever way you want to look at it, you are not doing your job. You cannot simply send off a few resumes and expect employers to be pounding down your door — especially in this job market! You need to be aggressively (but professionally) following up every resume, every job lead, with a phone call or email. You need to continue to show your interest, enthusiasm, and fit for the job until the employer either calls you for the interview or asks you to stop.
I would also recommend using your graduate school’s network of alumni, as well as the career professionals in its career services office. You should also check with your professional association (such as the American Mental Health Counselors Association) for networking and job possibilities. The more sources you have, the more job leads you can pursue.
You might also want to read this article published on Quintessential Careers: 10 Reality Checks of Job-Hunting: Overcoming Common Job-Search Mistakes.
