So, you are ready to start down the path to a magnificent new career. Set your expectations high because in the next few moments you will be fully armed with effective strategies for attaining your dream job.
These tactics have been developed for job seekers just like you to make their job hunt a success. Go ahead and reach for the stars, the sky is your limit. What we need from you…100% of your commitment!
Here is your mission-->
Treat searching for employment as if it's your current job! Work regular, steady hours, and set up a space where you will feel comfortable spending time. Sample tasks might include drafting a cover letter researching companies, networking, setting up informational interviews, and applying to positions on the Internet.
Prepare
Put everything you need within hands reach. Set your desk up with office supplies, folders for tracking information, or anything else you might need to personalize your space.
* Use an Excel spread sheet as a tracking tool
************
Start now!
If you find yourself highly distracted and spending time doing everything, but searching for a job, STOP…it's time to reprioritize.
Best ways to eliminate job search procrastination:
- List everything you have to do
- Write down your career goal and keep it in eyesight
- Set realistic goals
- Make each task meaningful
- Remind yourself of the rewards
- Eliminate tasks you never plan to do
- Estimate the amount of time you think it will take you to complete a task
- Make sure your resume is completed and ready to send out
Creating weekly or even daily plans of attack will keep you on target. Breaking goals down into an easy to read checklist can make you feel empowered as you see the list shrinking before your eyes.
An example list may include:
* Make __# of phone calls
* Send __ # of resumes
* Follow up calls
* Attend networking activities
Don't worry, lists are always subject to change.
Deadlines:
Make a promise to yourself that you must meet every deadline! Often a little bit of pressure will get your motor running into high gear.
Remember to develop realistic deadlines so that you can achieve all of them.
* By Wednesday:
Research completed on how to write an effective resume
* By Thursday:
First draft of resume completed
* By Friday:
Get feedback from someone who knows how to create an effective resume
*****************************************************************************
Write your thoughts down
It can become very overwhelming keeping track of all your activities when you are applying for numerous jobs on multiple job boards daily.
Developing a master list of all your activities no matter how big or small helps you remember what has taken place and it is a great reference.
- Dates you applied for jobs and when to make follow up contact
- What jobs you applied to on what sites
- Names, dates, and times of job interviews
- Names of people to network with
- Dates of follow up contacts made
Entrust the people who can help you with the process of researching companies, conducting mock interviews, and proofreading your resume and cover letters.
Who?
- Friends and family
- Unions
- Career counselors
- Employment agencies
- Teachers or mentors
- Community organizations
-->Don't burn the candle at both ends:
-->Don't start your brand-new job on sick leave!
We all know that searching for that perfect job can be anxiety provoking; leaving you feeling emotionally and physically drained, but don't stress we will make sure that you are fully equipped with the tools necessary to keep your spirits high; so when it comes time for the interview you are fresh faced and clear headed.
- Get plenty of rest; wake up and follow a normal schedule
- Searching from home? Try leaving the house; even if is just to your morning Starbucks
- Take a breather - walk around the neighborhood
- Work within designated time frames
- Stay hydrated and eat regular meals
- Reduce stress by shifting to a deeper breathing pattern, taking in breath from the lower abdomen. Do it several times a day, every day
- Check your posture. How you hold yourself can impact how you feel
- Stay positive (red flag the negative thoughts) remember you are not alone and with persistence will find your dream job
- Surround yourself with optimistic people
- Ask friends and family for support
No comments:
Post a Comment