Searching for a new sales and marketing job is hard work. It’s easy to feel dejected if you’ve been looking for new opportunities for awhile now and haven’t had much luck. Instead of becoming discouraged, accept that you need to make a few changes and use this as a learning opportunity.

If any of the following six signs sound familiar, it’s time to readjust your job search strategy:

1. No One is Calling You for Interviews: Are you submitting the same generic cover letter and resume for each open position? If you are, this is probably why your phone isn’t exactly ringing off the hook with interview requests. Personalize your cover letter and resume for each job to make it clear you’re a great fit. Leverage the marketing and sales skills you have developed to help you “sell” your skills and experience to a potential employer.
2. The Internet is Your Only Job Search Tool: The value of face-to-face networking cannot be emphasized enough. It’s important to constantly attend networking events to get your name out there and expand your list of contacts. Oftentimes it’s who you know that can give you a competitive advantage with a hiring manager.
3. Your Former Colleagues Won’t Help You: Many people are more than willing to introduce their former colleagues to people in their networks who might be able to help them find a new job and recommend them for opportunities they come across. If you’ve tried this strategy to no avail, you may need to take a good look at yourself in the mirror. It’s highly possible that you’re inadvertently doing something to turn people off. Figure out what it is you’re doing wrong and make the necessary changes.
4. You’re Becoming Bitter: It’s definitely discouraging to spend a great deal of time looking for a new job and feel like you’re getting nowhere. However, it’s important not to let yourself become bitter. No one wants to hire an angry candidate, so you’ll need to maintain a positive attitude to make hiring managers want you on their team.
5. You’re Not Getting Invited Back for Second-round Interviews: If you’re making it into the first round, but not the second, you’re probably applying for the right types of jobs with an impressive cover letter and resume. It’s likely that your interview skills are to blame for the fact that you’re not making it to round two. Improve your technique by practicing responses to common interview questions with a friend or family member.
6. Your Job Search Has Lasted More Than Six Months: Finding a great job certainly takes time. It’s actually not uncommon for a search to span six months or more, but if you’ve been working hard and still haven’t gained much traction, it’s time to re-examine your strategy. Consider having a professional rework your resume and cover letter to specifically target the types of jobs you want.

Need help finding a great sales and marketing job in the biotech, pharmaceuticals or medical industries? With years of experience, SMR Group Ltd can help you get your job search on track and assist you in securing a job opportunity. As the leading recruiting firm for sales and marketing, we have the experience and connections to help you find the right position for you.