I saw this article today, 7 Habits of Highly Successful Job Landers, and I wanted to share my own thoughts on this topic.
First of all, this article is great. The habits it speaks of include:
1. Have Branded Marketing Materials
2. Have a Job Search Plan
3. Embrace Social Media
4. Reach Out to Contacts
5. Track Your Job Search Activity
6. Keep Positive Momentum
7. Take Care of Yourself
And I have to say a solid, AMEN, to every single one of them! Every single one of these are top notch ideas and tips.
But let me add my own suggestions to this list, to round it out to an even 10!
8. Get Quality Support and Advice
Creating your circle of support is vital to surviving your job search!
First of all, you want to think about who you want to be your close circle of supporters. There is no need to let just anyone in. (Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life is a good book on this topic, if you would like to read it.) Only allow those who are naturally positive, optimistic, forward-thinking people, who will have your back 100%. Truly. You need to think of this as your own personal cheer section and pep squad, while you’re on the field – fighting to get that next touchdown (interview).
You also need to make sure you are only taking advice from qualified individuals who have the experience to back it up. In my work, I see so many jobseekers that are led off the path by very good-hearted, well-meaning sweet souls. That just don’t know what they are talking about. Go to the experts and get quality advice from those in the field.
9. Focus Your Job Search Time on Activities that Get Results
This is a basic time management tip. There are tons of “activities” that people do in their job search. But just like any other sales job (and you know I believe that your job search is one long sales pitch), you need to spend your time doing those things that help you get closer to closing the deal. Start asking yourself – is this gonna help me make money? No? Then stop wasting your prime hours doing it!
Statistically, only 9% of jobseekers get their job solely from applying online. But about 60+% of jobseekers I meet tell me that’s what they spend all their time doing! When someone comes up to me at a speaking event and starts bragging about how many applications they send out in a week, it’s really hard for me not to start rolling my eyes. Really? You found 50 positions open right now that you’re perfectly qualified for online? How many hours did you spend filling each one out? Oh, and you needed to rewrite your resume for each application, adding even more hours to each application. Maybe that’s because you’re trying to force your resume to fit jobs that are not the right fit for you. I try to be really polite and ask them nicely, “So, how’s that working out for you?”
There is a difference between being busy and being productive. Being productive is working hard on tasks that are getting you closer to your goal or generating results. Just being busy is a waste of time. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
10. Get Out of the House
Don’t bury yourself in your house and think you can do your job search in your sweats and pajamas! You must leave your house. You must network.
There is just something psychological about getting dressed in business clothes. It’s going to positively affect your outlook and mood. You’re going to start thinking in actual sentences again. You’ll have a calendar of events that will keep your mind in the game and you’ll have to start scheduling around. Even though you’re not working, you’ll still be visible in the work world and people will not be thinking of you as that “unemployed guy” but as a mover and shaker who just happens to be in between gigs.
Also, you’re going to be meeting new people. Making new “friends.” These new friends are going to be the ones who introduce you to even more new people, who will refer you to their boss or pass along your resume. Pretty soon, your calendar will be so full of meetings and events and interviews, it will be a relief to go back to work for it to calm down a bit!
There, those are my tips! Until next time!
Julie Mendez