Q. When do I know it’s time to quit applying for a job I’m just never going to get?
When reality bites you need to take the feedback objectively and not personally.  If you are applying for jobs that you are either over or under qualified in one of the tightest job markets since the Great Depression, then you need to take a hard look at your career objectives.  It’s best to focus your attention on what you want and not distract yourself from applying for jobs you know in your heart you will never get or want.  It’s ok to be picky even in this market, just know what you want before you go shopping for it.
 
Q. I’ve had my share of rejection lately. I’m tired of interviewing and being turned down for another job but I really need to work.  Is it okay to take a break from my job search for a while?
Taking care of yourself during the interview and job search process is the most important thing you can do.  It’s not about how many job interviews you go on or how many networking events you can attend in a week, it’s about the quality of the job search as much as it is about the quantity that will lead you in the direction you need to go. If you are feeling burnt out and rejected you are not in a healthy frame of mind to present your best self to a prospective employer. Take some time off from your job search and if someone calls you for an interview during that time, tell them you are on vacation and schedule something when you get back.  Your job search can be more grueling then being in a full-time job and it’s perfectly normal and respectable to take some time off to regroup, recharge and renew your faith in yourself and the wonderful things you are capable of achieving when you find your next position.
 
Q. I’m up for the same job as my friend.  I’m thinking of pulling out because he needs it more than I do.  What should I do?
It’s admirable that you feel for your friend but if the decision is down to the wire between you and a friend for the job, don’t you think it’s best to let the decision maker decide?  If you do happen to get the offer over your friend then you can decide to turn the job down.  And, if your friend happens to get the job offer, then he can decide to turn it down.  I don’t think making a hasty decision and jumping out of the interview game just because you may lose a friend in the process is the right approach for your job search and your friendship.  Let the interview process take its course and see where the road leads.  If you both don’t get offered the job then you can go out and commiserate together!
 
Q. I’m sick of my job but all my friends are out of work. Do I still go out and interview even though I might not really want to make a change?
Well, you have to be honest with your motivations for wanting to find work.  If you are looking to interview out of revenge for your boss and your current job situation, chances are you are not in the right mind-set to present your best self to be considered for a job.  A perceptive recruiter will pick this up and more than likely you will not be asked back for a second interview.  If you are holding yourself back and not looking for a job because you are feeling guilty that your friends are not working while you have a job-stop!  You need to take care of yourself and your needs in order to be happy and productive and that means leave a job you are not happy with.  When you decide your real reason for looking for work and get past the guilt or fear you are placing on yourself, you will be ready to step fully and confidently into your job search with great success.
 
Q. How many networking events should I attend in a week while I’m out of work?
There are never enough networking events that you should attend if you are out of work or, if it’s an opportunity to meet and introduce yourself to new people for the purposes of finding work.  If you find that you are meeting the same people at the same events, or that most of the attendees are unemployed looking for work, then you probably need to assess whether you are making the most of your time and broaden your network to include other areas or groups.  Networking is a form of socializing with the intent of finding & meeting people who can help you find work.  Networking with other unemployed folks while comforting, is not going to help you get the job you are looking for especially if you find that you are competing for the same job. Find groups where you are exposed to employed executives, attend seminars, workshops, forums where you can mingle with the guest speakers and find out more about companies and jobs you’d like to work for.  Use this time wisely and remember to have fun.