Unemployed? Your New Job: Find a Job!

Where career advice pros and job seekers connect

Posted by Darlene McDaniel on May 15, 2008 at 9:58pm

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This is a modification of a post I wrote back in 2006 at Interview Chatter, called Unemployed? Congratulations! You're Hired. If you are unemployed, your new job is to find a job. I know that it very difficult to find a job in the tight market we have out there right now. But don't let that stop you. There are jobs to be had. You may need to get creative. You may need to take some risks, but don't allow yourself to get complacent, or wallow in self-pity. Most people work an 8 hour day. How much time you spend working your new job is completely up to you. But I am convinced that whatever time you invest in your job search will be a direct correlation of how quickly you get fired from this job and hired by a company who will pay you for your work.

Here are some things to consider as you navigate your new job of finding a job:
1. If you are frustrated or sad, get over it and move forward.
2. Take charge of your future by creating goals, and action items. Just do it - Set goals and accomplish them.
3. Network, network, network
4. Think outside the box - don't just send resumes out - get out of the house and visit organizations you are interested in working.
5. Reward yourself when you accomplish small and large goals.

My recommendation is that you spend a minimum of 20 hours per week working on your job search. If you want results, than work more. Make sure you are organized in your approach. Get out of bed EVERY day and get a shower and get dressed for work. Dedicate a place to work. You need a computer. If you don’t have one available at home, go to the local library. A career coach and a support group would be great as well. Put people around you who will encourage you in your search. Laziness is not an option if you really want to work.

Tags: a, career, charge, chatter, coach, dedicate, find, future, interview, job

Comment by Greg Lachs on May 16, 2008 at 1:49pm: These are very practical and helpful. Great job!

Comment by Sabrina Compagno on May 16, 2008 at 2:16pm: Well said. You need to retain control of your job search. Be aware that your emotions come through the phone - Stand Up! It energizes your voide. Smile - they can hear it. Have a separate answering system for messages - the kids are great but not what recruiters and company people want to listen to. Set up a separate email address with a professional name - sorry, booboobear@yahoo.com doesn't cut it - a bad first impression. Talk to people - ask them how they are doing - can you help? Don't ask them for a job - ask for mentoring, contacts, advice. Take the pressure off accepting your calls and emails. Be there for them and they will be there for you. Sell your value!

Comment by Darlene McDaniel on May 16, 2008 at 10:40pm: Hi Greg and Sabrina! Thank you both for your comments.

Sabrina - I agree with your other recommendations for people in the midst of a job search. I especially like the email address. Many people make that mistake, using inappropriate email addresses with hiring managers. Thanks for sharing. I may use it for a future post!

Have a great night!

Comment by ROSS on May 19, 2008 at 12:12pm: Good Morning! Thanks so much for the encourgement today. When the kids and my wife are off to school and work you know something is worng when your'e still at home. Get up. Get Dressed for the day. And don't come home until you have 5 applications in hand!

Comment by Darlene McDaniel on May 20, 2008 at 8:00pm: Hi Ross,

If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. I am an excellent coach and I am more than happy to share what I know, answer questions, to help you get the YES you need to get that next job.

Comment by Kira Hesser on June 5, 2008 at 6:18am: And with the proponderance of advanced job search engines out there, there is no reason why at least 5 well-researched applications with thoughtful cover letters can't be sent out per day. The internet can be a beautiful thing for the job search.

Comment by Darlene McDaniel on June 5, 2008 at 8:47am: Hi Kira,

Thank you for stopping by. The internet is a beautiful thing. Serious job seekers will treat their job search like a job, and work it. Sending out well researched applications/resumes and cover letters are just the beginning. Networking your way into an organization is even better than the internet. Have a great day!