As I work with clients to help them figure out their direction in life one thing has become very clear to me, your attitude as you approach a job search makes a huge difference. Everything starts with your attitude. It’s interesting how many of us “stand in our own way”. We don’t mean to, we may not even know that we’re doing it, but our attitude affects our approach to the job search.
Even if it is not a bright, sunny day, be sure to start your day with optimism. Open your eyes and really look at the world. You choose how you feel each day! I know it’s hard but try to develop some positive habits that help frame your day. Treat yourself to your favorite coffee, practice gratitude, take some deep breaths and do some exercise. Be kind to yourself as you are your own greatest support. Practice positive self-talk, such as “I’ve got this…I have so much to offer the world and just need to find the right fit..that’s all”…Work on your “inside” and you will get the results on the outside. Reframe things and focus on what is good in your life. Be sure to OWN the process - don’t blame a former employer or depend on somebody else for your success. Become the author of your own story…the captain of your own soul! Create that next part of your life story!
Remember that today is a new day and we do not know what it will bring. That is exciting! There are lots of possibilities out there. Relax, get centered and think about what you really want and what skills you really bring to a job. Then launch into doing some exploration of companies and jobs. Don’t be overwhelmed but develop a solid job search strategy.
Focus your search. There are hundreds of job search engines so do not let yourself get overwhelmed as you search for electronic leads. Some of the better ones include the following: www.indeed.com; www.glassdoor.com and www.simplyhired.com. Set up job search agents to easily alert you to jobs that might be a match. Are you Interested in federal jobs? If so, then search at www.usajobs.gov. Check out state jobs at http://jobs.virginia.gov. However, do not spend your entire time searching for leads online.
Use a variety of approaches in your job search. Visit www.linkedin.com, develop a profile and examine where people work and how they are connected. Need a tutorial on how to use the job search feature on linkedin then check it out at http://www.lynda.com/Monster-tutorials/Finding-jobs-LinkedIn/162275/169671-4.html.
Remember, the number one way to find a job is by exchanging information and connecting with other people. You are not alone in your search. Share the fact that you are searching with others and so they can support and encourage you. The idea of networking is really that we are all connected and can help each other. I have helped hundreds of people find their way in the world of work and it is a reciprocal relationship. You help others when they need it and solicit ideas or help when you need it. Remember, we are all human and actually have similar dreams, needs and desires.
Narrow down your search geographically and use sites like www.vajobconnections.com. You need to start thinking like an employer or recruiter, not a job hunter. If you were an employer and had to fill a position where would you advertise it? First, you would use the path of least resistance and probably advertise the listing on your own website, right? As a job hunter, make sure that you think about what employers are in the area and take the time to visit their website. Do research. Look at the nature of the company, what types of workers a company needs to fulfill its mission and view the job listings. Think hard about people that you know that already work for that employer and start contacting them. Be sure to help them, help you. Share the skills and qualities that you have to see if there is a possible fit. Develop a letter of inquiry and follow up on the lead.
Most of all, do not get discouraged. Take it one day at a time. If you are frustrated with your search then take a break and step away from it. Exercise, take a long walk or sit quietly and relax. Do not continue to spin your wheels and get paralysis by analysis. Still need help? Contact Christine at [email protected].
Christine in a Master Career Counselor who has worked in numerous environments including corporate, federal/state government and higher education. You may reach her @ Career View at (703) 969-3992.
Even if it is not a bright, sunny day, be sure to start your day with optimism. Open your eyes and really look at the world. You choose how you feel each day! I know it’s hard but try to develop some positive habits that help frame your day. Treat yourself to your favorite coffee, practice gratitude, take some deep breaths and do some exercise. Be kind to yourself as you are your own greatest support. Practice positive self-talk, such as “I’ve got this…I have so much to offer the world and just need to find the right fit..that’s all”…Work on your “inside” and you will get the results on the outside. Reframe things and focus on what is good in your life. Be sure to OWN the process - don’t blame a former employer or depend on somebody else for your success. Become the author of your own story…the captain of your own soul! Create that next part of your life story!
Remember that today is a new day and we do not know what it will bring. That is exciting! There are lots of possibilities out there. Relax, get centered and think about what you really want and what skills you really bring to a job. Then launch into doing some exploration of companies and jobs. Don’t be overwhelmed but develop a solid job search strategy.
Focus your search. There are hundreds of job search engines so do not let yourself get overwhelmed as you search for electronic leads. Some of the better ones include the following: www.indeed.com; www.glassdoor.com and www.simplyhired.com. Set up job search agents to easily alert you to jobs that might be a match. Are you Interested in federal jobs? If so, then search at www.usajobs.gov. Check out state jobs at http://jobs.virginia.gov. However, do not spend your entire time searching for leads online.
Use a variety of approaches in your job search. Visit www.linkedin.com, develop a profile and examine where people work and how they are connected. Need a tutorial on how to use the job search feature on linkedin then check it out at http://www.lynda.com/Monster-tutorials/Finding-jobs-LinkedIn/162275/169671-4.html.
Remember, the number one way to find a job is by exchanging information and connecting with other people. You are not alone in your search. Share the fact that you are searching with others and so they can support and encourage you. The idea of networking is really that we are all connected and can help each other. I have helped hundreds of people find their way in the world of work and it is a reciprocal relationship. You help others when they need it and solicit ideas or help when you need it. Remember, we are all human and actually have similar dreams, needs and desires.
Narrow down your search geographically and use sites like www.vajobconnections.com. You need to start thinking like an employer or recruiter, not a job hunter. If you were an employer and had to fill a position where would you advertise it? First, you would use the path of least resistance and probably advertise the listing on your own website, right? As a job hunter, make sure that you think about what employers are in the area and take the time to visit their website. Do research. Look at the nature of the company, what types of workers a company needs to fulfill its mission and view the job listings. Think hard about people that you know that already work for that employer and start contacting them. Be sure to help them, help you. Share the skills and qualities that you have to see if there is a possible fit. Develop a letter of inquiry and follow up on the lead.
Most of all, do not get discouraged. Take it one day at a time. If you are frustrated with your search then take a break and step away from it. Exercise, take a long walk or sit quietly and relax. Do not continue to spin your wheels and get paralysis by analysis. Still need help? Contact Christine at [email protected].
Christine in a Master Career Counselor who has worked in numerous environments including corporate, federal/state government and higher education. You may reach her @ Career View at (703) 969-3992.