Financial issues aren’t the only ones that go along with unemployment. Feelings of frustration, inadequacy, isolation and depression can also begin to emerge. You can head off some of these emotional issues by being self-aware and proactive. As with any stressful life issue, it’s paramount to make sure that we surround ourselves with family and friends. It is also helpful to seek out others experiencing the same issue. Groups, such as the ones found on LinkedIn, are a good place for those dealing with unemployment and job searching.The Internet is an excellent avenue in which to set a professional presence. Investing time in a professional profile and seeking online contacts set the stage but those things alone will not get you employment. You need to approach your job search from several sides.
First, take a look at yourself. Make sure that the licenses and certifications that you have are up to date. Do you have any transferable skills? What was applicable in your previous employment may not currently be useful. If you are seeking to brush up on or learn new skills, check out GFC Learn Free. Getting a little insight about your personality is also useful. Take a mini personality test.
Gather information from multiple sources. The Internet is good but what about reading the business section of the newspaper or listening to business programs? Companies that are hiring utilize multiple outlets and so should you. The newspaper and business programs will feature companies that are doing well and industries that have new ideas and projects.
Be prepared at all times. Don’t be shy about telling people that you are looking for work. Wherever you go you, tell people that you are seeking employment opportunities. Don’t say, “I’m looking for work right now.” Give it a spin, “I’m looking for my next best opportunity.” Work it into a conversation and convey it in a positive tone! If you mention the fact that you’re seeking employment and you get a response, have an “on the spot speech” ready. Be specific and say what it is you are looking for. Remember to always carry your resume with you! If you don’t have a business card, make a “calling card.” If you have software like Microsoft Publisher, make a “calling card” that has your name, phone number and email address on it. If you don’t have publishing software, Vistaprint is an inexpensive way to get cards made. A “calling card” makes it very convenient to exchange your contact information.
Networking is essential to job seeking and one’s career. I have done this throughout my career and am fortunate to have some awesome contacts to call upon. Take the time to make face-to-face connections. You’ll probably find a section that lists all sorts of groups in your local newspaper. Quite a few of them are business oriented. Meetup.com lists every type of group that you can imagine. Don’t limit your networking solely to business-focused groups. If you have a hobby, join a group. You may just meet someone who can lead to your next job.
Volunteer! It is so rewarding for both the volunteer and the recipient of service. Realizing that looking for a job can be a fulltime job in itself, making an effort to volunteer somewhere with in your community is multipurpose. You’re helping your community but you’re also receiving the benefit of sharing your skills and keeping those skills sharp. In regard to benefiting your employment, employers do look at your volunteer work and the availability to network through volunteering is huge.
Employers/Hiring Managers can receive hundreds of résumés for one position. This makes it difficult to get noticed. Get a little creative. Experiment with different styles of résumés and ways to deliver that résumé.
In a tough economy, no one can afford be passive about their job search. Our current job market is tight but not necessarily hopeless.
©2009 Cultivating Careers
