Maybe you read yesterday’s post and have been wondering how you’re going to get yourself out of the doldrums so you can approach your job hunt with a positive attitude that will appeal to employers. (Just having a positive attitude should also help make you feel better, but that’s another blog!)
I’m no Polianna – I understand how difficult a long and drawn out job hunt can be. It can be demoralizing to be out of work, especially around the holidays. I hope the following tips can help you get over a hump and get your search going in the right direction:
You are not alone! Heard the news? Read a newspaper lately? Take comfort in the fact that you are in great company if you are looking for a job.
Focus on the silver lining. Try to separate your thinking from the inevitable worry and stress a job loss creates to focus on your plans. Think beyond tomorrow – what do you REALLY want to do next? Is there a silver lining that will allow you to re-think your career direction or job location? Is this an opportunity to take the time to re-train for another field that has always interested you? Maybe you never really liked your job much anyway, and if you stopped to think about it, this job loss is actually a good thing for your career and maybe for your health as well!
It’s not all about you. While there are things that you control and should consider evaluating, such as your resume and written job search materials, your appearance and demeanor and actual job hunting skills, don’t take the fact that you can’t find a job personally. Even if you take care of all the things in your control and focus your search efforts properly, it may still take longer than you’d like to land a new position. Assuming you’ve done your part, it’s not your fault.
Plan your search. And plan time off of your search! You can’t stay chained to your computer 24/7. I’ve written about how important it is to take time off of your search. If you were a workaholic before, this may be difficult for you, but try! Take time off for fun. Rent a movie. Pop some popcorn and relax. Plan hours to search and hours to be off. Take control – it feels good!
Volunteer. This is a great way to help other people who are less fortunate. The advantages?
- First and foremost – you will be helping an individual or group. Using your skills to benefit others is very rewarding.
- Noticing that, even if you lost your job, you are still very fortunate relative to many others can be a reminder to stand up straighter and smile.
- You may inadvertently find new career avenues as a result of volunteer work. If you volunteer in an area that always interested you, but you never learned much about, it might be an opportunity to find a new direction.
- Volunteering can offer great networking potential. You’ll meet new people, expand your circle and demonstrate you skills and competence in a new venue. This is great for your job hunt!
Stay tuned for the rest of the series, including other tips for how to use your time well and how to find support when it isn’t coming from the typical sources.
If you’re looking for a job, I can help you. Take a look at our services to learn what we can offer.
photo by william hutton jr.
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