If you are looking for work at this time, you know what a royal pain in the "you know what" it is. As if the awful news about all the layoffs and the usual rejection, or worse yet, the lack of response, isn't bad enough. Now the frustration is multiplied by lack of a schedule, confusion, esteem issues, loneliness, maybe even depression, and unburned calories while you sit at your computer for hours. If you think you are really on your "search" while you are on the Internet, you may be slightly mistaken.
The Internet is good for checking things out. Finding out which employers are appealing to you, who are the ones advertising vacancies on their own site, and what should you know about a company if they should call you in for an interview. But, if you are mostly surfing the "job posting" sites, you might be in for a nasty surprise. Many jobs are advertised and result in hundreds applying for the same position. Some of those vacancies may no longer exist but haven't left the list yet. If you choose to post your resume, the majority of those looking at it are recruiters who may actually not have the right kind of job for you. Remember, those recruiters are working for a company or organization, not you. When my husband got a lot of calls and e-mails for his pharmacy background, most of the positions were not what he was looking for since they had not bothered really reading the resume.
What, you ask, is a better way to spend my time? Networking, networking, networking. While it may sometimes feel like a waste of time, getting to know more people and asking them to help you with your search, is a very valuable way to spend your time. Where, you ask? Start by going down to your local library and finding a resource guide about the local professional and fraternal organizations. Or take look online to locate a professional organization that may be national and also have a chapter in your neighborhood.
When you are exposed to others, you will want to be ready. Ready to tell them in no longer than a minute who you are and what you want. Yes, it is okay to be unemployed, but instead of focusing on what you did, let them know what you can do and what your target goal is. Then ask them if they know of anyone who works in those industries or organizations. Don't be afraid to go further and get a contact name and number. When you call that person, this will be a warm call rather than a cold call. Ask if you can meet with them briefly to learn more about ____. (you fill in the line) Show them at this brief meeting who you are by looking and acting the part. Prepared, informed, interested, enthusiastic, etc. True to your word, just have a few basic questions you want answers to, and then ask, "do you know anyone else I can talk to about (this organization) or (this industry)? Make sure to write them a thank you note and proceed on to your referrals with the same preparedness. Be open to hear about possible vacancies, but most of all, be open to learn more about the target company, or the target industry you are interested in. By all means, have your resume set to hand out, but do not make this the focus of these conversations unless you want their opinion or advise.
Devise a regular schedule for yourself and develop the discipline to do what you need to do to follow your plan or campaign. One of the best ways for extroverts to keep going is by joining a local job club or getting a buddy to share with.
In the local North County , San Diego JOB CLUB I lead, I find that participants need a little encouragement, sharing of ideas, and recharging their will to find the right thing. The next day I often get e-mails thanking me for this opportunity and telling me how much better they felt. Since your job search will reflect your basic attitude and approach, you might as well do something that will keep you fresh and motivated.
My best of luck to you in your job search. If it gets lonely, drop me an e-mail and ask a question you were wondering about. SimonaCherlin@GetCareerInGear.com
Visit: http://www.getcareeringear.com/

Tags job search, networking, employment, jobs, job hunt, looking for work, seeking work

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About This Author

Simona Cherlin

Career Consultant, Job Search Coach, Simona Cherlin, Career Consulting and Job Search Coaching

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