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Find a Job: Keep Your Job Search Fresh and Focused
It’s tough out there, isn’t it? Finding a job takes time, initiative, and tenacity.
If you’ve been out of work for an extended period of time, the end of the year can easily deepen your frustration and disappointment. Holidays, the entrance of 2010, and even fewer hours of sunshine influence your outlook.
Remember this. “Tough” does not translate to impossible. It is possible to move forward in your job search…it is possible to find a job…even if it’s November.
Our local newspaper recently did an article on the length of time it’s taking to find a job. Nationwide, the article said it’s taking an average of 27 weeks. (If you’re a job seeker who suddenly felt all the blood drain from your head, take a deep breath. You aren’t in this alone. There are steps you can take to use your time wisely, and set you up for success.)
One statement in the article has been on my mind the last few days. “As the months fly by, skills diminish, networks disappear and depression set in, making it harder to keep motivated in a job search.” That didn’t sit real well with me. Yes, it is true that it gets tough to stay motivated if you’ve been looking for awhile. But I don’t agree that your skills need to diminish or you lose your network.
Here are my suggestions for keeping your job search fresh and focused:
Become an expert. Worried about staying fresh with your skills? Concerned that you aren’t up on the latest developments in your industry or field? Do something about it. Read. Study. Attend a workshop. Take a class. Focus on developing the skills your future employer is going to be looking for. The library is filled with information that will help you stay current.
Make a list of the skills required to do the job you’re looking for. Grade yourself on your level of competency for each of them. If you can’t give yourself an “A,” put yourself in a study program that will keep you at the top of your game.
Stay connected. Your network should never, ever disappear. Networking is all about relationships. Building and nurturing them. So if you’ve made your list of 100 and connected with all of them, start over! Reach out and ask them how they’re doing. The conversation doesn’t always need to be about you. Keep your name and face in front of them. Then when they hear about an opportunity, you’re at the front of their mind and you’ll be their first call.
As I mentioned in last week’s posting, the holidays provide an excellent time to reconnect with people. Job opportunities change daily. Stay in touch with your network; let them know you’re still looking and you continue to be grateful for their support and assistance.
Make sure you’re talking to employed colleagues and friends in your field. What are they working on? What’s the buzz? How are they responding to new regulations or technology? Attend networking events or association meetings relevant to your work. Stay current.
If you’re finding that “the blues” are becoming more frequent and your job search has hit a brick wall, reach out and help someone else. Volunteer. And ask for help. You aren’t in this alone.
Put your 60-day plan into action. What will you accomplish during the last couple months of 2009 that will set you up for a successful 2010?
Plan your work, and work your plan.
