Has your search gone on longer than what you expected? Have you run out of steam? Are you nervous about what you hear on the news? Here are some tips on how to get you back to work:
1.
Invest the time. It is now even more important that your job search becomes a full-time job. Develop a daily routine and follow it. If you work this as a part-time job, you get part-time results. Set goals for yourself, once you meetthem for a week, up them for the following week. A job search is like running your own business.
2.
Keep track of your numbers. Where are you getting the most hits – networking, internet,headhunters…who from networking – friends, peers, business associates? Identify what method is opening more doors for you andreally work it!
And it is now even more important that you set your networking appointments
face-to-face. Networkers generally don’t remember a telephone voice, but they will remember a face.
3.
Keep your pipeline jam packed full of opportunities. As quickly as you are filling the pipeline, opportunities are dropping out. With the times we are in, we can’t afford to take time off from the search. You must work it every day.
4.
Expand your geographical search. Maybe you will have to drive farther, relocate, or take a job out of town and come home on weekends.
5.
Set yourself apart from the rest of the pack.Make certain you write
thank you notes, NOT e-mails. It is very rare that someone receives a handwritten note so when you send one after an interview or a networking meeting, the recipient will have a favorable impression.
Appearance…Upgrade your appearance by losing weight, getting a new hairstlye or glasses, or even quit smoking. Remember you are marketing a product and the product is you!!
Send articles or news pieces to potential employers that would be of interest to them. Keep the lines of communication open.
6.
Think creatively how you can expand your network: volunteer or join professional associations and alumni groups.
7. Strategize how you can
transfer your skills into another industry. During an economic downturn you have to open your search to more than one career path. Identify two, three, or four paths that you could pursue and then go after them.
8. Can your spouse or significant other find a job, expand hours or find work that provides insurance benefits to your family? This can take the pressure off of you while you conduct your search.
9. Think about or research other alternatives to conventional employment. Freelance, contract, consulting…
10.
Continue to sharpen your skills – add tools to your toolbox! What is the latest skill in your field? If you haven’t added something new to your resume recently, take a course, attend a class or workshop, teach a class in your area of expertise. Keep your skills on the leading edge.
11.
Finances – tackle them head-on! Bankers don’t want to talk to you when you are in desperate need. Talk to them early on and partner with them on how to manage your money or lack of it during your job search.
12.
Be bold!!! Follow up with notes or calls. Let the employer know this is your job! There is a fine line between being bold and a pest. Don’t call every hour on the hour, but every few days. What is the worst they can say to you but back off. If you want the job, go after it!!!
Lastly, what is your alternative? You are the role model for your family. They are watching you and how you are handling this situation. In my 18 years of career coaching and experiencing economic downturns, I have learned that if you aggressively work at your search, you will land.
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Dana Glasgo has been a Senior Career Consultant for the last fifteen years for businesses of all sizes including Fortune 1000 companies. She is also a Certified Career Practitioner with the Institute of Career Certification International, qualified in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator- 2005, and recently was certified in Six Sigma.
