Ready For A Job Change?
Your job search is often a race against the clock. So, you need
a structure to stay focused. If you don't have a focus, your
budget, patience and stamina are going to wear very thin.
If you've just lost your job then focus becomes critical to
getting a new job fast. If you're making a job or career change
while you're still employed, then focus will help you avoid
frittering away your time and resolve.
In either case, to help you stay in focus and get the job, we
recommend you take the following actions immediately:
1. Prepare a time and money budget. Estimate how long your
financial resources will carry your through your job search.
Assign time each day to dedicate to your campaign. This is
especially true if you're fully employed.
2. Create a schedule. Running a job campaign is like running a
small business. There are certain activities that have to be
done in a certain sequence. If you don't have a planned schedule
to accomplish them, then, chances are you'll find all kinds of
welcome interruptions like TV, social visits, sports activities,
etc.
3. Make an office for yourself. Dedicate a desk or room devoted
to your campaign activity. Supply it with a phone, computer and
office supplies. And then use it to separate yourself from other
household activities so that you have quality time while your at
work in your office.
4. Prepare a list of contacts to use for networking and
information-gathering. Start with family and friends. Then
expand to include professional contacts, religious leaders,
civic leaders, service clubs, etc.
5. Identify networking opportunities in your area for the next
several weeks, i.e. situations that allow you to rub shoulders
with decision-makers and knowledgeable people who could be in a
position to advise you, e.g. business seminars, religious
functions, civic activities, service club meetings, etc.
No matter what your situation, finding a new job is very
stressful and requires a lot of energy. Getting your job search
in focus right upfront will go a long way to expedite your
campaign.