| p>During these times of economic volatility, it's a good | | | | 4. Invest your time wisely. Be sure to allocate your |
| idea to be prepared in case your employment situation | | | | time to each job-hunting activity according to how |
| changes. Whether you're currently employed and | | | | potentially effective it will be. For example, for your |
| looking for a new opportunity or unemployed and | | | | field, spending time networking may be much more |
| searching for work, you'll want to get the most out of | | | | effective than responding to classified ads. Also, |
| your job-hunting time and effort. To overcome feeling | | | | schedule and tackle difficult or unpleasant activities |
| overwhelmed, I recommend creating a plan and getting | | | | during the time of day when you have the most |
| organized - this will help you focus your efforts, stay | | | | mental energy. |
| motivated, and accelerate your success. Check out | | | | 5. Organize your paperwork. No doubt you'll |
| my "7 Simple Steps" article below for helpful tips. | | | | accumulate paper documents during your job search. |
| 1. Think about your ideal job. Take time to identify your | | | | Don't let your files become piles! Use a file box or |
| skills and interests and write down attributes of your | | | | binder to corral important paperwork. Create separate |
| ideal job. (You may ask a career counselor to help | | | | sections (with clear labels) for your resume, |
| with this step.) Also, think about the type of business | | | | references, company profiles, business cards, etc. |
| you'd like to work for, including aspects such as | | | | Every time you submit a resume to a company, |
| company size and location. Be sure to consider any | | | | create a section for that company with all relevant |
| transportation and time restrictions you may have. | | | | information (including a copy of the resume you |
| 2. Set goals. Next, clearly define your job search goals. | | | | submitted), so details are easy to find when you |
| For example, how much time will you devote each | | | | receive a call from a prospective employer. |
| week to job hunting? What specific steps must you | | | | 6. Follow up. Create a system to review open leads |
| accomplish to make your ideal job a reality? Write | | | | and follow up on interviews. Make a note on your |
| down specific tasks you need to accomplish each | | | | paper calendar or electronic scheduling tool, or use a |
| week. For example: "Research and review 30 | | | | contact management software program. Remember |
| company websites, make 20 phone calls, attend 1 | | | | to write thank-you notes immediately after an |
| networking event, update my resume, practice my | | | | interview as well as to anyone who helps with your |
| interviewing skills, and review classified ads." | | | | job search. |
| 3. Create an action plan. Now it's time to schedule your | | | | 7. Take care of yourself. Job hunting can be physically |
| tasks. If you work full-time, you'll need to squeeze a | | | | and emotionally draining, so it's important that you take |
| few tasks into a full day. Having a written plan of | | | | care of yourself by eating well and exercising. When |
| action - such as a specific list of people to call during | | | | you're feeling low, pamper yourself with an enjoyable |
| your lunch hour - will ensure you make the most of | | | | activity. |
| your limited time. If you're not working, don't fall into the | | | | Ready to get started? Choose and schedule one task |
| "I've got all day" trap! Create appointments with | | | | that will move you closer to finding your ideal job. |
| yourself to accomplish tasks that will lead to achieving | | | | Remember, the time you invest now can lead to a |
| your job-finding goals. To minimize distractions, consider | | | | future filled with a rewarding, fulfilling job. |
| conducting research at the library. | | | | |