What's missing from this job hunt

Columnist Michelle Singletary writes about a Katrina survivor learning to "survive the job market." Latanya Howard relocated to Maryland, has received considerable training and support by still can't find a job. Howard seeks a job as a cashier or receptionist, while nearly all my readers seek professional level careers. Still, some factors influence every job campaign at every level. (1) Relocating to a place that doesn't enhance your strengths. In New Orleans, Howard took public transportation to work, but her new location calls for driving. Howard doesn't drive. Every region and every city will hold different challenges and opportunities: weather, cultural style, lifestyle, likelihood of finding other newcomers and more. Very few people will be happy living "anywhere." (2) Depression Not surprisingly, Singletary notes, Latanya Howard suffers severe depression after losing her home, job, possessions and most of her life. I tell clients to deal with their emotional and psychological well-being before setting out on a job hunt, let alone a career change. Depression, anxiety, stress and other psychological conditions will get in the way. Career consultants can't help. (3) Motivation To succeed in a job hunt, Singletary notes, you have to treat job hunting as a full-time job. My own clients often are surprised at the amount of time and energy a job hunt requires. Outplacement, career consulting and coaching all help sustain motivation and momentum. Singletgary's column appeared in today's Seattle Post-Intelligencer .