Should your job search be a full-time job?
I was just reading an article about how to work on your job search full time. The article on The Dollar Stretcher, recommends taking a couple of weeks off and then diligently working 40 hours a week on your job search. There are some excellent suggestions in the article for organizing a full time job search such as using a calendar, planning your day, getting out and networking, and hitting the pavement full speed. This is good advice for those job seekers who feel like they are looking for a job full time while they are sitting behind a computer and sending out resumes. They can easily become disappointed by their efforts. I would like to suggest that you step back and first look at what you really want and need.
When you end a job whether planned or not, it's important to take time to appraise your values and strengths, find your motivation, and know what you really want.
- Do you need a job NOW?
- Do you have time to find out what you really want to do?
If you NEED a job NOW to avoid financial crisis, I would recommend starting your job search as soon as you have looked into resources available to you and done a self-evaluation. Then hit the pavement running using all of the strategies possible while getting out and meeting people. If you have not gotten a job using this strategy, follow the guide below.
If you are not near crisis, but need to get a job I would suggest a combination of:
- Using resources available
- Self-evaluation
- Learning job search strategies
- Spending quality time with family
- Spiritual growth
- Physical fitness
- Networking
- Volunteering
- Working with a professional association
- Working in the community
- Planting a garden
As part of my coaching practice, I do pro bono work c0-teaching a class at the community garden, networking with a colleague, helping women who have challenges to employment, growing herbs, and talking to community gardeners. I often meet gardeners who spend time helping the community, growing vegetables, networking and working on their job search at the same time. They are able to save money by growing vegetables for themselves while taking time to de-stress and stay fit. The energy and health they get from gardening and talking to fellow gardeners will help them look and feel better for an interview. The worst thing a job seeker can do is sit in front of the computer all day sending out resumes and letters. That is only a small part of the job search process. The key to being the job seeker who gets the job is:
- Know your strengths
- Say what you want
- Have a great resume
- Prepare an interesting cover letter
- Follow up each contact with a thank you
- Stay active and involved
- Meet new people
- Don't wait for someone to come to you
This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations.
Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller
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