It can be an uncomfortable feeling when you think about your own career development. It is common and natural for you to encounter anxiety and apprehension. Based on the work in my practice, here is a list of what clients said are their fears and how to overcome them.

1. Fear of Commitment to a Job or Career for Life
Many individuals are afraid to close off their options by making a commitment to one particular career, job or employer. You’re concerned that if you accept an offer too quickly you may get a better one later. It may be help to think that your next move will most likely not be your last. The average American will have three to five careers and ten to twelve jobs during their lifetime. By reading and researching about various careers, building your network and gaining experience, you will get exposure to careers that interest you the most. This will help you narrow your career focus and so when you do get an offer, you will feel more confident about your decision.

2. Fear of Holes in the Resume
Some clients have good work experience, but may have some gaps in their resume for professional or even personal reasons. It is important to update your resume at least twice a year so that you can continue to build on your strengths and accomplishments. Each time you think about making a move, my advice is to think about the advantages and disadvantages of this choice. Estimate how long you would stay in the position and anticipate your next move in the long-term. Since networking is the number one strategy, someone else may open doors for you regardless of possible holes in your resume. My advice is to learn from it for the future and not obsess about it because you can’t change the past.

3. Fear of Writing Cover Letters
Sometimes it is hard to put down in words what you want to say to a recruiter or human resources professional. For this reason, many job seekers procrastinate and then avoid spending the necessary time writing a quality cover letter. There are plenty of resources on the Internet that have useful tips and will also have samples you can use as templates. Be sure you have it reviewed professionally by a career counselor before it is sent out. Expect to do at least two drafts before you have a finished product.

4. Fear of Not Knowing How to Find a Job
Frequently, job seekers simply don’t know where to begin. There are books and resources that can help you develop learn all the techniques necessary for a strategic job search. A trained career counselor will teach you how to effectively utilize classifieds, networking, career fairs, employment agencies, job search clubs, professional associations and the Internet to complete your search.

5. Fear of Networking
Meeting someone you don’t know and asking for career advice can be intimidating. Networking is a skill that takes time to develop. First, try networking with your inner circle of your closest friends and family and then get their feedback on your approach. Ask them to suggest areas for improvement. Be sure you are prepared to highlight your skills for an employer.

6. Fear of Blowing the Interview
Many people get nervous when it comes times to go for the interview fearing that their mind may go blank. Other individuals are afraid to ask the right questions or are anxious about being rejected. Some worry that they will start sweating like crazy during the interview or are not sure how to dress. To help overcome this, schedule a practice or mock interview with a professional career counselor. They will give you expert advice on the entire interview process how to ace this much neglected and critically important part of the job search.

7. Fear of Negotiating Salary
“What will I do if they don’t pay me what I’m worth?” Sometimes people just take an offer without negotiating for a higher salary. You might have the opportunity to get 5 to 10% more in pay if you learn some quick negotiating tips. By Googling ,em>“Evaluating Job Offers and Negotiating Salary” you will find lots of helpful advice. Be sure to consult with someone you trust to handle this fear with finesse.

8. Fear of Not Fitting into the Corporate Culture
“I’m afraid I’ll get into a work environment that I don’t like.” is a common frustration among many individuals. Perhaps the people who interviewed you aren’t as friendly once you get hired: “What will I do if my co-workers or boss are jerks?” During the interview, by asking some important questions you can alleviate this fear and get a better sense of what it’s like to work there on a daily basis.

9. Fear of Job Insecurity
This is an important move and you do not want to be laid off shortly after you start. The issues of finances, unemployment and lack of benefits can create real apprehension for many job searchers. To tackle this problem, ask friends and other professionals about the reputation of the company. Conduct a Google search and read the company’s annual report, which will give you a better grasp of their financial picture and future growth. Use what you learn to make an informed decision about your job security with that employer.

10. Fear of Not Finding the Perfect Job
Some individuals dread that the work they will be doing for a company will be insignificant or below their ability. Getting stuck doing meaningless tasks is a real concern. To avoid a “boring” job, be sure you have a copy of the job description before you accept an offer. Don’t accept the offer immediately. Instead, carefully talk it over with your career counselor or someone else you trust. They will be able to help you sort out the pros and cons and help you make a decision with confidence.

© 2008, Careers In Transition LLC