Looking for a job is a full time job in itself, so it’s really important that you have structure, clear actions and objectives just as you would in a full time job.
1. Organise your Day Don’t start getting in to the habit of sleeping in through the week. Set your alarm as if you were going to work. Dress smartly and allocate yourself a start and end to your working day. Your new job is finding a new job and you need to take it seriously!
2. Have a set routine Like with any job, you need to have time out. Schedule yourself breaks and if you’re spending a lot of time in the house, make sure you get out. Perhaps go for a walk or maybe even go a bit further and go for a run. Exercise is a great way to keep energised and feel good.
3. Put together a clear Action Plan It’s really important to have structure. An action plan will keep you focussed and on track. Plan what you need to do today, by the end of the week, by the end of the month and so on. Set aside time for catching up on emails, surfing job sites, checking your business connections and researching
4. Plan what your objectives and goals are Agree specific goals such as; by the end of the week have a target for how many C.V’s and job applications you are going to send off; how many new connections you want to add to your network; how many interviews are you going to aim for and when you want to have secured a job.
5. Be Pro-active Those who are more proactive and resourceful with their job search tend to be successful much more quickly than those who are passive and waiting for an opportunity to come their way.
6. Be Patient, but be Realistic Don’t set yourself unrealistic goals but make sure you are challenging yourself. Adjust your Action Plan if you need to and review your progress.
7. Research and Network As always researching the job market and networking key contacts through friends, family, professional bodies, organisations, social networking is absolutely key. Remember 80% of the job market is ‘hidden’ so don’t spend 100% of the day on 20% of the on-line job market.
8. Consider Volunteering Spending some of your free time volunteering [www.do-it.org.uk] is a great way to keep busy and feel good and can often lead to great job.
9. Invest in Yourself Consider investing in some basic business cards with your name, mobile and email details and your Linked In or Twitter details with your Job Title – it can become your new ‘mobile C.V’ which you can hand out to new contacts.
10. Reward Yourself Finally, at the end of your working day take time out and reward yourself for doing a good job and working hard. It will all come to fruition eventually and you will be reaping the rewards of a new job and you will have really earned it!
