Job Search is Your New Job
Just laid off? Still unemployed? Job Search is now your full time job.
After the shattering experience of being laid off (i.e. "outsourced", "removed", "excessed", "separated", and other such odious words), one common approach is to pull inward and disengage from the world, from friends and family, and especially from the job market. It's normal.
But at some point, you have to re-engage with the job market, and find that next job. And between now and that next paying job, your new full time job is finding the next job.
Without going into the details (which we will get around to in future blogs), you will need to set a schedule and goals, and get moving with your new occupation as job seeker. Of all the tasks associated with job search, the most important is to create a daily schedule, and stick to it. Create daily and weekly goals and then accomplish them.
Don't plan of working on your job search all day long, every day, but do set at least half a day every day for job search functions. Keep records of who've you talked to; where you've applied; and a calendar of upcoming events. Spend time every day researching and completing your master resume and your master job application form. Keep your records organized and available whether in a notebook, binder, or PDA. Create some business cards (many free sources available on the web) and begin to hand them out. Develop your elevator speech and practice it often. Find out what services are available at your local one-stop employment centers and take advantage of them. Most offer free computer services along with training classes and a large reference library. Get out of the house and talk to people. Build your network.
You've got a lot to do, but don't devote all your time for job search. You also have a life to live. Exercise, work out, and meet with friends, and be with your family.
It will be a lot of work, but all you are looking for is just one job.
Camille
