Great domestic job growth. Lowest unemployment rates in twenty years. Yet you are having trouble finding a new job. Here is how to stay positive in your job hunt, as well as the steps to find a new job.
Accurate Self-Assessment
Whether you are job hunting while employed or are searching from the unemployment line, make sure you know what your skill set is. Reaching too far above where you are in your career is a recipe for rejection and compromising below what you are capable of means you will just be unhappy in your new position. Make sure your resume accurately reflects what you can do, what your strengths are and, if you can, where you are headed.
Write Down Your Goals
Are you targeting a specific industry? Company? Career advancement? Do you want to utilize very specific skills you already have or want a position that predominantly adds to your skill set?
After you complete your self-assessment by answering the above questions, then you need to set goals for your job search. Be realistic in setting these goals so they are achievable and leave you with a feeling of success in just reaching the incremental goal. Research one company a week. This includes reaching out to people at the company in your area of expertise whether there is a job opening or not. Apply to one job a day or a week depending on your marketplace. Make the goals specific and quantifiable so you can feel success from achieving each step.
Maintain a Routine
Unemployment can be hard. Get up and go to bed at set times. Maintain a regular exercise schedule. Eat right. Achieve your job search goal for the day whether it be applying to one job, researching a company or networking with 2-3 people. Having a regular schedule provides a sense of stability and purpose during uncertain times and helps you stay positive in your job hunt.
Stay Connected
Rely on the support of your family and friends to stay positive in your job hunt. Let at least a few of these people know you are actively searching for a job. It is easier to stay on track and meet your goals if you make yourself accountable to others.
Build Your Career Network
You should build your career network throughout your career, not just when you need a new job…but it is particularly helpful when job searching. In fact, research shows that 80% of jobs are landed through networking. 80%!
Bring together a group of people in your field to meet periodically and remind each other why you enjoy what you do and figure out a way to help each other. Throughout your career create a cycle of give-and-take that lays the foundation for strong professional relationships. Found an interesting article, share it! See a job posting that is perfect for an associate, send them the link! Comment on posts on LinkedIn. Attend networking events, industry conferences and online forums. Utilize social media to connect with recruiters, hiring managers and other professionals in your industry. Increase your visibility to people in your chosen career area whenever and however possible. Don’t be afraid of cold outreach. It might not payoff in this job search but it just might down the road.
Every conversation, every new relationship can build your confidence. You have more people in your sphere of influence, and more support to rely on when you really need it.
It is normal in the job hunt to face setbacks and obstacles along the way. Stay resilient, stay positive and keep moving forward.
