The Best Things about a Job Search
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Job hunting is usually not something we look forward to; instead we tend to think of it as an overwhelming necessary evil to be avoided. Hmmm…maybe that’s why so many people stay in jobs they don’t like. I propose we all change our attitude about this and look into this “cloud’s” silver lining to see what opportunities are there:

Change direction: Now’s a great time to reassess and see if you want to stay in the same field. Take stock of what you liked best about your last position – was it the environment, the people, the commute? Was it the tasks you performed and the challenges you got to tackle? Chances are, those things can be found in other workplaces regardless of industry. Determine your strengths and favorites and look to other options where they can be found.

Build your network: Networking is hands-down one of the best job search strategies out there. Make a point of visiting an association meeting each week and talking to someone new about your job search every other day. Always end your conversation with “who else do you know that I can talk to?” Your network should be ever-growing and cultivated regularly for support you’ll need at any point in your career.

Personal growth: Here’s a good opportunity to stretch and change. “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got” is a great reminder for job searchers. Do something a little different than last time – decide what your “dream job” would be and take steps to go after that; take a class and hone a skill you’ve always been interested in and add it to your resume; track your weekly progress and note your accomplishments.

Set goals and follow action plans: Sharpen your pencil and write down what you can realistically achieve in a week’s time. How many resumes and letters will you send? How many phone calls will you make? How many friends and associates will you reach out to? How much time will you spend on the internet job boards, networking, and making phone calls? Now put an action plan together outlining how you’ll accomplish these goals.

Revisit and revise your resume: Yes, we should all have our resumes ready to go at a moment’s notice, working or not, but that usually isn’t the case. Take this time to dust off that document, look at it with fresh eyes, gather some resume books or search the internet for samples, and give it a new look. Then, have someone proofread and give their honest opinion on whether or not it will get you in the door for an interview.

Polish yourself up: Take inventory of your closet. Shoes and suits in need of minor repairs? About due for a new conservative business outfit anyway? Do what you can to wear things that are professional, cast the image you want to convey, while being comfortable and showcasing your confidence. Test your handshake, project your voice, smile, and head for those interviews with the look of someone they’d be silly not to hire.

Research: Spend time at the computer looking into area companies and their websites and decide if that’s really where you want to work. Surf a little and find links that take you to related companies and industries you might not have thought of before. Learn all you can about an organization before you enter their door for your interview.

Pump up your attitude: When HR professionals are asked what trait they most look for in candidates, they say Enthusiasm! Even someone with all the skills and background can be overshadowed by another with more enthusiasm and less qualifications. Show how much you want that job. Be interested and engaged; ask questions of the interviewer, especially, “what’s the next step in your decision process?” No matter if this is your first interview with your first choice company or your eleventh interview with the eleventh company on your list – keep showing your enthusiasm. It does pay off. That job you want is just around the corner.

What an opportunity! Your job search can be so valuable in so many ways, rather than something to dread. Of course the ultimate goal is fulfilling, steady work with good income but job search is that step we all find ourselves in at one time or another. Make the most of it – stretch outside of your comfort zone and make it as enjoyable an experience as possible. See what a little change in attitude can do for you and your career!