In today's job market Canadians are hit with bad news on a daily basis, with little relief in sight. The February Statscan results show unemployment at 7.2% with manufacturing, transportation, warehousing and building the most affected. With figures like that there are a lot of people on a job search mission. And yet, with seven out of every one hundred people looking for employment how does a person face a job search with so much competition? It is very difficult in times of stress and limited possibilities to keep yourself motivated and to maintain a firm belief in yourself during the job search process.
The following is a guide to keeping your chin up and keeping alive the greatest motivator of all - hope!
1. Get up at your normal time, shower and get dressed in reasonable attire - sweats will do nothing for your self image, it's just depressing. In any job search you need to feel as if you are still in the game, still working - which you are, you're just working on getting a job.
2. Keep to a routine and leave the building ie: leave your home every morning as you did before. Your job search will seem much more business-like if you keep to a schedule rather than sitting around watching the morning television shows. You need to have a destination planned, so go to a networking group, seminar, etc. There are a lot of job search support groups out there and they are a great source of job leads. Additionally, job search groups are usually facilitated by a career professional who can offer suggestions for improving your job search strategy.
3. Mix with positive people who are helpful with mentor-like guidance. Remember, misery loves company and you don't need to go there! This includes people in your job search group as well as friends and family. Sure it's bad out there but who knows, with positive people around, you might discover something about yourself that that results in a whole new career change.
4. Update your qualifications and add to ones you do not have. You don't have to sign up for a PHD, just something that keeps you moving forward. It can be part-time and allows you to be available for interviews. This is a huge key in the job search solution because not only are you becoming better trained, it also shows intent and motivation. It can also make your job search easier by putting you in close contact with other people in your industry.
5. Make sure that you have more than one resume on hand. You need to be able to sell different aspects of your skills and experience - one size does not fit all. In a job search you're not just looking for one particular position in a certain venue with the same type of business. You have to be versatile. Just because you have had experience with one type of job does not mean that your skills and knowledge cannot be transferred to another, so re-write your resume to better reflect the job you are applying for.
6. Have a positive, friendly voice mail and promptly get back to the people who call you on your job search. When returning calls be persistent, not annoying.
7. Joining a sports group or other club is a great way to network and to meet people that you would otherwise not meet. You never know what it can lead to and the networking will keep you positive and feeling that you are accomplishing something in your job search.
8. Maintain your personal presentation. There is nothing like a good haircut to feel attractive and more confident and in a job search looking and feeling good is half the battle.
9. Consider investing time and money in a career coach. In the job search process this may be the best investment you have ever made. In just a short amount of time you will learn a lot about who you are, your strengths, weaknesses and how to maximize each.
10. Eat well and get exercise - there is nothing better to ward off stress during a job search than a healthy body.
Work seriously on your job search, keep your chin up, meet new people and enjoy the ride!
The Career Council is the #1 person-to-person solution for Job Interview Coaching. We offer the answers to your interview questions, share with you the "Secrets of Successful Interviewing" and teach you the "30 Second Sell". Face-to-face or via Skype we will give you the skills training needed to transform you into a Key Candidate. Check out how we can help you at www.careercouncil.ca |
