Job search support and career inspiration
Reflecting on the clients that I have had the pleasure to work with I thought it appropriate to provide some observations regarding career search. One thing that immediately hampers a job search is poor feelings of self-worth. The power of positive thinking is something that should not be dismissed as unimportant. The happier you feel, the more that feeling will make you feel happy; and it will spread to those that come in contact with you.
Some of the things that you should be doing to engage in the job search process are as follows:
Engage your network: It is amazing to me the amount of people I speak to that think that applying for jobs on job boards is a proactive way of looking for work. I am not saying that you should not post your résumé at all; however, this should not be the first thing you do. Your exploration of new opportunities will be time consuming, sometimes stressful, and take up a lot of your time. There is no magic bullet – and I am not referring to that blender-type thingy that you see at 4am on the infomercial channel. What should you be doing?
Get on LinkedIN: I connect with everyone who asks me. I see the value in every connection; and I truly enjoy reaching out to others when people ask me to see if I can establish interactions. In my opinion the entire point of LinkedIN and other similar sites is to help people! I have no problem sending emails or making a phone call to facilitate someone’s job search. If I help just one person with their search efforts, it truly makes my day. Don’t be afraid to engage with people on there – what is it for if not that? Join some groups, start discussions, add value. You will become empowered. With time and perseverance your efforts will pay off.
Speak to your friends and family: Ok, I understand that you have probably already had multiple conversations with these people. You are thinking – How many times can I go to the well? Well, my answer is this: Out of sight, out of mind. It is easy to think only of oneself – not because people don’t care or don’t want to help. The bottom line is this: we all have busy and active lives. Your job search is not at the top of anyone’s list but your own. Of course, they have their own needs and agenda items to deal with. I am not suggesting that they want to take out a restraining order. Keep your pipeline and conversations active. People are continuously interacting with others. Your diligence will keep you top of mind – in a positive way.
Give and ye shall receive: I share this same word of advice with everyone: Before you ask for something from someone else, see what you can offer him or her. Everyone wants something. It can be a little off-putting to focus only on what you need. Perhaps there is something you can do for someone else? Not only will you feel good about your efforts, but also your sincerity and willingness to give of yourself will pay you back. This includes volunteering your time, which can also reap professional rewards in addition to the personal satisfaction you will gain from helping someone in need.
Reenergize and refocus: Sometimes you need to take a break. It’s ok to put your search aside for a little while and do something for yourself. Take time to reflect on your own needs and let yourself heal emotionally – especially if you have been downsized or rightsized or whatever size it is they are calling it. Loving who you are is important and believe it or not will enable you to present a happy and positive face during a demanding search. If you like you, others will like you, too.
Write Direct: Don’t be afraid to do the research and get the name of someone within an organization with whom you can start to explore opportunities. You never know where an exploratory dialogue will lead.
It is your responsibility to act on your own behalf. If you still feel directionless and in need of help consider a career coach. Coaches can really help put a framework around your search and give you the ‘juice’ you need to get going. Don’t fall for programs that promise lists of contacts and other things that make it seem like the people will come beating down your door to offer you interviews. If it sounds too good to be true it likely is. The work will be done by you – period, end of story.
Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of Careers Done Write, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
Debra can be reached at -
DWheatman@ResumesDoneWrite.com
ResumesDoneWrite.Blogspot.com
Careers Done Write
Connect to me on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter