Job Search Drift

By Robin Ogden, FiredUP Careers

Have you hit a wall with your job search?  Not sure where to turn or what to do next? Don’t worry – that is a common occurrence even in the best of times.  Job search has a way of turning into a winding road that seems to have no end at times, especially if you’re going at it without a roadmap.  One of the best ways to alleviate “job search drift” is to write down your goals and then make a plan to implement and achieve them.  Having a plan can make all the difference to your search efforts.  A well planned search will provide you with organized effort, a regular schedule, check-points and accomplishments to review.  So, here are a few things that you may want to consider when putting your plan in place:

Have a schedule:  One of the biggest problems with job search is that it can throw you into an erratic schedule.  You have probably been used to rising at the same time each day of the week and have a routine in place for dressing, eating and commuting to work.  When that routine gets broken with the loss of a job (whether chosen or not) you can get off quilter with your schedule.  So, set a “job search schedule” for yourself.  Rise at the same time each day and have a routine set up – perhaps 20 minutes to go over incoming emails, 20 minutes to search new job board listings, 20 minutes to do a blog post (if you’re a blogger), 20 minutes on Twitter, 20 minutes to…etc, etc.  Have a list of things that you will be doing daily that become your job search routine.

Create solid job search documents:  Set time aside to ensure you have created top-notch job search documents in order to quickly respond to resume requests, quickly target cover letters and thank you correspondence.  Make sure you have a library of documents you will be using during your search.  Be sure to include a professionally formatted version of your references in the event you are asked for this during the interview process.

Target Companies:  Be sure that you have 5 target companies that you are interested in and do all the research you can (each day you should have ‘research’ on your agenda).  You want to know everything about each company you’re interested in working for.  Having target companies in mind makes it easier for you to have conversations with people about your search.  Instead of just saying “I’m looking for a job right now”, you can let people know that you're actively pursuing new employment and are particularly interested in a couple of companies…state one or two of the companies.  This is a way for the other person to respond with anyone they might know inside those companies or ask you questions about what they do – it’s a way to easily connect and a way for you to get your arms around your search, so-to-speak.

Networking:  One of the most critical components of your job search plan needs to be active face/face networking.  That means scheduling time to actually go to the meetings and becoming a part of the networking community.  It is proven that over 80% of new jobs are found via networking – with this in mind, you should rapidly ramp up to spending 80% of your time networking and 20% doing online job search.  Thinking of it that way will help you stay “in-check” with your time allotments.

Stay Organized:  It is important for you to have a space in your home that is set aside for your job search process.  Be sure to file any paperwork you have, store online documents in folders that are easily accessible and set up either an excel spreadsheet with all of your contacts, employers, etc. or access JibberJobber (free online system for organizing your job search).  If you’re not organized it will be noticed if an employer contacts you regarding a resume you sent in to them – you need to be prepared with everything you know about them, what you’ve sent to them and the position they are calling you about.  This is extremely important in a competitive job search environment.

Watch Self-Talk:  One of the hardest things for us to do at times is to get out of our own way.  By that I mean we can be self sabotaging our efforts by utilizing negative self-talk.  By telling ourselves that no one is interested in us, that we don’t have the needed skill base, that there are no positions available and basically, that we are not good enough.  Be careful of this as it can impact your job search in many ways.  If there was ever a time to enlist positive affirmation statements, job search is one of them.  Write down several statements that affirm your worth, your abilities and your efforts.  Read them several times a day – out loud.

Create a Check List:  Having a check list in place to ensure that you are following your plan is essential and will keep you in sync while you’re performing your search.  You can create your own, or obtain a free check list to start with on our website, FiredUP Careers.  Even if you decide to create your own list, you may want to review ours as we have many useful links added to our list that may benefit you in your search.

About the Author

Robin Ogdenis Co Founder of FiredUP careers, a career coaching company focused on providing career products and services for professionals who wish to stay aligned with their careers, achieve success and truly dig what they do.

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