What happens to many people as they look for work? They become stuck, inefficient and discouraged. To become more productive and get to your next job, you’ve got to think differently, perhaps seeing yourself as a one-person business. So now you’re CEO of You, Inc. Here are some initial questions to consider:
Have you set goals that are realistic and that excite you?
Where have you had traction so far?
What is clearly not working?
Where do you need help?
The reason you want goals that engage you is that they will be easier to accomplish. As a career coach, when I work with someone who is having difficulty getting things done, I often find that they’re not really interested in the work they’re pursuing. And by realistic I mean that you have the resources (time, money, patience, education, and so on) to reach your goals.
Next, pay attention to what’s working and what isn’t. Are you getting calls from the postings you’ve answered? Are recruiters calling you? Or are you finding that doors are opening as a result of your connections or networking? Do more of what’s working and less of what isn’t. (I know this sounds simplistic but you’d be amazed at how many job seekers are addicted to techniques that aren’t working.)
And lastly, where could someone else help you? If you’re having difficulty finding quality information, you might need to sit down with your local reference librarian. Or if you aren’t reaching out to people, you could get help growing your networking skills. Perhaps your resume isn’t as strong as it could be—look for resources to help you make it more effective (free community-based groups or a career coach.)
Now let’s look at the trademarks of a search that’s run as if it’s your own company. Distinguishing factors would be:
A daily or weekly schedule of at least 25 hours a week
Good organization—a spreadsheet for contacts as well as a system for tracking your major activities
A clear communication strategy that includes who you are, what you’re good at, why you’re seeking a new opportunity and what sets you apart from others
An emphasis on networking as this is the best way to:
— tap into the unpublished job market
–get advice that will save you time and effort
–motivate others to help you
Relentless follow up. (Because it is in the second, third or fourth time you connect with someone that you get the best help.)
To re-energize your job search, make sure you’re invested in your goals, pay attention to what’s working and what isn’t, and run your search as if it were your own company. And a last word of advice: be as flexible as possible and try not to say “no” to ideas that sound dubious. Getting to that next opportunity is rarely a straight line and help comes from surprising places.
