Monday, September 21, 2009

Riding the Job Search Rollercoaster

Job search is truly a journey, especially in today's market. The biggest challenge along the way is often holding onto all that you bring to the table. When you get any buy signs - someone agrees to meet with you for a network interview, you get a call from a recruiter or you get invited to interview for a position - you may feel on top of the world.  When job search feels more like a black hole - you've applied to numerous positions on line without a nibble or even an acknowledgment or you feel as if your network has run it's course - you may begin to doubt yourself and your chance of ever landing a job.   Take heart and welcome to the job search roller coaster!

It is critical to feel good about yourself and the skills you bring in order to effectively and successfully journey through a job search, yet the process itself can often rob you of those positive feelings.  
The roller coaster of job search often ties into feeling out of control.  What to do?  Here are some tips about how to feel more in control and better about yourself.

1 - Make sure you have as fan, a cheerleader, someone who you've worked with or for who truly knows how terrific you are.  You may have worked with your fan in the workplace or on a volunteer project. 
Your fan could be a professor or teacher who knows the quality of your work and has been supportive.   This person should be someone who can remind you of what a key contributor you have been and are to any effort you're involved with.

2 - Make a list of your best accomplishments, those you are most proud of.  This may be work related or may have to do with a volunteer project or a surprise party you pulled off for someone close to you. Think about the skills you used to be a success in any of these endeavors and state them out loud. Saying something out loud often feels more real, more affirming. 

3 - Join a support group or form one of your own.   Contact others who are "in the market" and set up a weekly meeting at a local coffee house, a room at the library or your own living room.   Make these gatherings useful and positive by staying away from simply venting which can often drag everyone down.  If there is a need to vent, declare the first 5 minutes of your meeting vent time and let everyone talk at once.  After that five minute window, switch gears.  Talk about what isn't working (with the goal of how to change it) and emphasize what is working so everyone can pick up new strategies.   Share tips, leads, ideas and suggestions.  Be cheerleaders for each other.

4 - Get a hold of the movie "Cool Runnings".   It's the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team.  Yes, Jamaica, as in hot and sunny, and bobsled as in snow.   It is a wonderful story about determination and belief in oneself.  Watch it and it will put a smile on your face.   Feeling good about something outside of yourself can often help you relax and begin to feel better about yourself.

5 - Go out and do something physical. Take a walk, ride a bike or go for a swim.  Find a buddy to do this with you and it's even better.   Take a break and do something positive to keep your mind and body healthy during this stressful time.



6 - Volunteer to help someone else.  This could relate to job search or simply be a way of staying active and getting out.  It's also a great way to expand your network and explore new career options.


Remember, it's a roller coaster - peaks and valleys.  Utilize some of the tips above and you will hopefully find it to be an easier ride.




1 comment:

  1. Such great advice! I'm drinking the Beth Kool-aid!
    Chantal

    ReplyDelete