Time to widen the search

I have been looking for a job following redundancy but without any success, although I've been short-listed for three positions. What am I doing wrong, or are the stories I have been hearing about employers waiting until the election is over correct?

I have good business experience - including sole-charge management development - and hold two tertiary diplomas. I'm willing to relocate more or less anywhere here or overseas and would like to think that at 41 I am not yet old enough to be unemployable. I have a good solid work history, my CV has had a professional makeover and I have had interview training. From what I have been told, the salary band I am seeking is not ridiculous. What do I have to do to succeed?

It sounds as if you are doing most of the right things already. You are open and flexible and you are targeting jobs that fit your skills. You seem to have a good background with a combination of education and experience, including the very valuable experience of helping to develop a business. These are all in demand.

I haven't seen your CV, but the fact that you have been short-listed for three jobs suggests you are coming across well on paper.

I suspect that you feel that you should be re-employed by now and are increasingly frustrated with the time spent searching for a job. In response to your question about timing, some businesses may wait to see the outcome of an election if they feel they would be affected by the result, but I have seen few private-sector employers give this as a reason for delay.

Generally, you can allow at least one month of job search for every $10,000 in salary, so it's a little early to be getting frustrated.

Continue with your search strategies, and seek feedback from interviews where you are unsuccessful, as well as any jobs where you were not short-listed when you thought you were ideal. Feedback from potential employers is the best information in refining a job search.

You imply that you are primarily applying for advertised positions - they reflect only about a third of available jobs.

To tap into the other two-thirds, your networks (previous clients and business associates) may be more valuable.

You may want to consider identifying firms where you would like to work and approach them about opportunities. When the labour market is tight, smart employers may take the opportunity to hire when talent presents itself, rather than relying on recruiting when someone resigns.