Job search burnout is real. If you are reading this, you may be thinking that your job search has gone on for too long and things are beginning to look grim. Perhaps you aren’t getting any traction with your resume, or you are generating first interviews but can’t crack the code for securing an invitation to the second round. You are tired, cranky and demoralized; you finally hit the wall.

This is the place that a couple of recent clients found themselves when they contacted me. Kudos to them for reaching out for help. New grads and seasoned professionals alike often believe that they should instinctively know how to conduct a job search. They put their shoulder to the grindstone and stoically attempt to willpower their way through.

Unfortunately, it takes more than willpower and endurance to get the job. In addition to the right marketing tools, a strong network, and confidence in yourself and your skills, it requires an active approach. Sitting in front of the computer looking at job boards for eight hours a day, five days a week doesn’t qualify as active. This approach is akin to a squirrel running on a wheel in a cage.

He’s busy but he isn’t going anywhere soon.

If this has been your modus operandi, it is time to change things up. First things first. Get feedback on your resume and LinkedIn profile. It is quite possible that these marketing tools aren’t selling you effectively. I remember one client in particular who had solid accomplishments and outstanding recommendations but no clue about what should and shouldn’t appear on his resume. Once we

created a resume that highlighted his impressive accomplishments, he easily attracted the attention of hiring managers.

Next, limit yourself to applying for positions that truly interest you and for which you are a good match. You don’t have to meet every requirement; however, be realistic about what is doable. If you meet the most significant requirements, go for it. If not, keeping looking. Always include a cover letter unless the job requisition specifically says not to. Make sure your cover letter highlights what you can do, not what you can’t. Above all, don’t apply for low-paying jobs that you are over-qualified for or suggest that you will take anything. Doing so implies that you are desperate and few employers are interested in hiring desperate candidates.

Before jumping into the search, use your network to identify potential companies, jobs of interest and people you should know. Instead of spending 80% of your time applying for jobs that you“could” take, spend 20% of your time identifying the few that are an excellent match for your skills and interests and spend the rest of the time networking.

Comb through your contacts for people who can help you connect with hiring managers or others at companies of interest. Being referred by an employee, professional or personal connection who has a relationship with the hiring manager exponentially increases your odds of getting an interview.

Add to your professional network every week. Call, text or meet with those in your network for coffee or lunch. Be positive and stay in the game.

This active approach can shave days, weeks and sometimes months off your job hunt.

Finally, be sure to thank those that lent a helping hand regardless of whether theirs was the winning one.

Mary Jeanne Vincent, career expert and strategist, has a coaching practice in Monterey. She may be reached at (831) 657-9151, mjv@careercoachmjv.com, or www.careercoachmonterey.com