I am often asked by potential clients what my success rates are. They usually follow with, “I know it can be hard to say…”

The truth is that with the right planning, marketing collateral, and job search strategies, job searching and career transitioning can be easy. And it is for A LOT of people that hire me to help them. However, for some it is not.

So why is it easy for some but hard for others? Let’s take a look.

Generally speaking, the job seekers who enjoy an easy experience have these things in place:

1. They know what they want and where they are going. They are focused on a particular industry and title. They align themselves with opportunities: industries that have solid growth and a good long-term economic outlook. They fish where the fish are.
2. If they are changing industries, they have a game plan and now what they need to do to keep moving forward toward their goal. This could include establishing a stronger foothold with the thought leadership in their industry of choice, or immersing themselves in new associations or additional certifications. In other words, they are on it. They hustle.
3. They take responsibility for their job search. They are fully aware that they are the ones who are responsible for not only implementing strategies, but keeping a leadership/positive attitude. They realize that they are the only ones who have the power to maintain that.
4. They are willing to learn and embrace new job search strategies that help them leverage themselves in the market. They hire certified professional help, because they know that help and support accelerates their results.
5. They understand marketing 101. Much like how businesses spend roughly 10% for their marketing budget, executives should set aside at least 1% to properly market themselves in their job search; and just like a business, they expect a much higher return for their investment.

So who calls and emails me telling me I helped them change industries, get 50k pay increases or triple their salaries? It’s these guys and gals. Is there a guarantee their salary will increase by 5k or 100k? No, but we can minimize the guessing through good strategy and planning, which is why the large majority of my clients land in this category!

For those job seekers who have difficulties, it may be that they are:

1. Looking in an industry that is in decline or in an economically soft geographical area, and for whatever reason, are unwilling to change or move.
2. Call it quits too soon. They unfortunately try something once or twice and give up when “it doesn’t work” instead of reaching out for help. They end up trying so many things, they can’t get any traction.
3. Struggling with maintaining a positive attitude, which has a boomerang effect.
4. Unwilling to step up and perform the extra effort it takes to move into a new industry.
5. Expecting to get all of their interviews by submitting to jobs on job boards.

I am sure there are other factors I haven’t covered here, but the main point is that it all comes down to a positive attitude. We have much more control of our destiny – at least when it comes to our career transitions – then perhaps we realize!