Saturday, February 28, 2009

Maintain Motivation

Though I have the whole day to work at looking for work, I often find myself lacking motivation. Why? Because being unemployed and looking for work can be depressing.

People always say enjoy the time off while it lasts. But you can't because you're stressed and depressed.

Your de-motivation can sometimes come through your online communication when you're applying for a job. So, if you can't "enjoy" your time off, how do you maintain the motivation to keep looking and sound like a happy person to a prospective employer?

Though you need to put a lot into looking for a job, you also need to take breaks and do something else to take your mind off it. I advise having a project that you can focus on to take your mind off the job hunt. And not something like cleaning out the garage - unless of course that brings you great joy. I mean something productive or something you've been wanting to do but never had the time...because you were working!

For me, it was a home improvement project. I gave my bathroom a face lift. I would spend hours on the computer searching for jobs, drafting cover letters, submitting resumes and online applications. It was mind numbing.

So then I'd get the paint and brushes and started painting my bathroom. Every day I took my break from job hunting, turn on the radio - I listen to 98.1 - and start working on something I enjoyed.

You need to do this because it won't help if you're stressed and miserable all the time. And I need to find another project...my bathroom is finished.


Got any other ideas on how to keep motivated during the job hunt, please comment.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Rule #1

Rule #1
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

You did well with the phone interview and they want you to come in for
in-person interviews. Your interview schedule is with Directors and Vice Presidents. You're very excited.

Your in-person interviews go so well that they ask you to stay longer to meet the Chief Marketing Officer. You would've been asked to come back to meet the CMO but they liked you so much that they didn't want to wait. And that interview went exceptionally well. You're even more excited.

Then they ask for your references and you're sure they're going to make you an offer. All the while you have stopped searching for other opportunities, stopped sending in resumes, stopped networking because you don't want to have to deal with cancelling interviews since you're sure you're going to get the job. You've broken rule #1.

This is what happened to me...and I didn't get the job! Not only was I devastated at not being chosen, but back at square one with no prospects. So, don't put all your eggs in one basket. It doesn't matter how well the interview process is going, never stop looking for a job. NEVER! Unless you have an offer in writing.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Basic Tools

Remember the saying "It's not what you know, it's who you know." It was all about networking.

And more so today, but it's a lot easier and better with the social networking tools available.

Here are the 3 basic networks that can help in your job search AND you might also have some fun:

LinkedIn - is a professional network where you can create a profile which often looks like your resume. The great things about LinkedIn are (1) you can ask people to "endorse" you which is a recommendation; something valuable when searching for a job, (2) you can find former colleagues, get linked and then ask them for a recommendation, (3) you can join groups which give you an extended network, (4) you can search for job openings and apply online; (5) you can ask people in your network to help you with an introduction to the hiring manager of a job you've applied for, and (6) you can receive emails from a potential employer about a job through LinkedIn.

Facebook - is a social network used to keep up with friends, upload photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people you meet. And just like the olden days, you can let all your friends, family, and associates know that you're looking for a job.

Twitter - is a social network and referred to as a mini-blog. You can post short comments and you can "follow" others to be able to read their short comments. Another way to ask for help and advice on the job search.

Please leave a comment if you have additional advice or comments on these websites.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Why The Working Network

Why? Because I was laid off at the end of last year and it's been my full-time job to look for work. It's hard. And sometimes lonely.

I have friends who are looking too. And almost every day I hear of another person through a friend or family member that just got laid off and is looking too. It just gets worse.

But I've been told by several people that I should take this time to reevaluate myself, my life and find opportunities where you might not expect.

So, I decided to start this blog. This site is to share my experience of looking for work, finding out more about myself and to share the resources that I have found helpful in hopes it will help someone else. And to let others know - and feel - they're not alone.

I also hope that others will share with me on this blog so that we can all help eachother.