Let’s face it, job hunting sucks!
I’ve never met a person who truly likes to look for a job. It’s a necessary evil – like going to the dentist. So if you feel like you’re at the end of your rope and just can’t build up enough courage to keep looking for a job, or you don’t want to go through another interview and face another rejection, these tips are for you.
Tip #1 – Treat your job search as a job
Get up early each morning as you would normally do so if you had a paying job. You should devote anywhere from 30 to 40 hours each week working on your job search. The more effort and time you put into your search, the faster you’ll be gainfully employed.
Tip #2 – Dress as if you’re going to work
Well, you don’t have to wear a suit and tie (if that’s what you would normally wear) but you should be showered, dressed and ready to face the day – after all, your job now is to find a job. Pajamas will not put you in the job search mindset!
Tip #3 – Plan your job search campaign
Buy a notebook and use it exclusively to keep track of your job search progress. Make a list of all the things you need to do on a daily basis when looking for a job. Then take out your calendar for the coming week and pencil in all the activities you plan to complete each day. Allow for at least six “to do” items for each day. Figure out how much time each item should take in half hour increments. Then stick with the plan each day until you have completed all items on your list.
Tip #4 – Do the hard stuff first
Whether it’s making cold calls to prospective employers, or writing thank you notes, you decide. Just be sure to do those tasks first.
Tip #5 – Use a multi-strategy approach for your job search
So many people spend the majority of their time scanning job postings on job boards and then applying for positions in response to those ads and think they are conducting a successful job search. This is a HUGE time waster. The main reason is you’re facing too much competition; literally hundreds of other people are applying for the same jobs. There are other, more effective ways to find a job. While I wouldn’t recommend eliminating responding to job postings altogether, I would suggest you only spend about 20% of your time doing so.
Tip #6 – Schedule time for your “escapist” activities
Did you ever notice how when it’s time to put your nose to the grindstone and get working, that’s the time you suddenly have an urge to check your email or call your best friend? Designate specific times during the day to do those things and don’t even open unimportant email until after you’ve done the hard stuff first.
Tip #7 – Track your progress
Keep a daily account of your job search efforts either on a spreadsheet or in your job search notebook. For example, if your goal is to contact 10 companies, talk to 3 recruiters, and network at 2 meetings this week, your log will not only help you to keep track of your efforts, it will also let you know which efforts were the most fruitful. There’s nothing like crossing off each item as you complete it - you’ll feel that you’re making progress. Instead of thinking “I don’t have a job,” you’ll realize that you are progressively moving forward and are therefore, that much closer to getting a job.
In next week’s newsletter, I’ll give you some suggestions that will help to keep you motivated and get you up when you’re feeling down.
