The Top 10 Ways to Find a Job in This Economy
Many people in the last decade have experienced either a layoff or termination in their lives or the lives of somebody they know. While some of these people affected have experienced outplacement-consulting services, many have not and they may be in for a rude awakening – corporations no longer “take care of you” or are in a financial position to provide services for their departing workers.
Managing your career while finding a job in these tough economic times requires a job seeker to have a game plan and an understanding of themselves and of human behavior. This psychological knowledge may be the advantage that separates them from the other 100’s and sometimes 1000’s of candidates that are also looking for work right now.
That is why outplacement consulting and career coaches have become so popular and are being sought out by individuals, not just corporations. A career coach can help you manage more than just your career, they can help you communicate better and get along with others better. In the end, it really is about relationships isn’t it?
1. Know Thyself
Most people don’t know what they really want in their careers. They have a degree and they went out into the world. 20 years later, they don’t have a clue why life sucks. There are some very good assessment to determine personality types, preferences, skill, attitudes and interest. An honest assessment of what you like to do in the style you prefer and with whom you want to do it with, goes along way in determining what you should be doing in you career and in life for that matter. I would suggest the DISC or MAPP or I-Speak Your Language as beginning behavioral assessments before getting heavy into the Birkman for example. More importantly, how will you use this knowledge to your benefit in networking or interviewing…anything beside that is just a feel good assessment.
2. Establish a game plan
What is most important to you in your career? You must know how to navigate using the tools granted to you by God. When was the last time you actually wrote down what creates satisfaction in your job. What talents and skills come to you naturally?
3. Think of yourself as self employed…always
Job search is not something you do daily; as your skills in a sport get rusty without practice, so do your job search skills. What are the latest techniques and best practices, how can you maximize your network, etc. Are you using social networks to brand yourself and keep yourself “alive and fresh” in the eyes of your network?
4. Develop a clear and concise message about who you are and what you most want to-do
When you know what you’re good at and what you want, you go for it, and people stand out of your way. You no longer have competition. You no longer self sabotage or tolerate the behavior of other associates or bosses. The good book says to ask and it will be given…how many times do we not ask because we are unsure or lack the faith (confidence).
5. Tell everyone in your network what you want
This goes without saying….there are only 3 degrees of separation in a job search….not six, this is good for you. By developing a clear message or communiqué and getting that to the masses, you ensure that you will be referred to someone that has the authority to actually hire you. Get help developing this message.
6. Stay motivated
It’s not about pumping you up. It is about realizing how you were wired since birth and how to use that programming to achieve happiness. We call these values and beliefs. Knowing what is important will make it easy to say NO to things and people that waste your time. At the same time, you will discover opportunities that in the past have eluded you.
7. Continue to promote yourself
Most people get caught up in the politics of life. Circumventing this will energize you and put you leaps and bounds above your peers. The old adage of you should not brag about yourself, do not apply during job search. You can speak about your accomplishments while remaining humble…this is an attitude of gratitude that people recognize right of the bat.
8. Get out of your comfort zone
We get caught in our comfort zone; before long however, this comfort zone becomes a rut. It is at this point that we become complacent. Complacency probably led to poor performance and poor performance might have led to job termination. Continue to take calculated risks. There is no failure in life ….only outcomes…if you don’t like the outcome, make a mid course adjust or “change” your approach and keep on moving forward. Don’t lose your momentum.
9. Stay in top physical condition
There are more people on “drugs”; today than ever in our society. Adderall, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Xanax, Valium, Viagra, while some people have medical reasons for taking these, research has shown that many of these disorders stem from “burnout”, lack of focus or coping skills. Exercise can produce chemicals in your bloodstream that are safer and have other beneficial affects. Also, psychological stressors actually release “bad” chemicals into your bloodstream such as cortisol and adrenaline that in high doses can cause other ill effects. Knowing what is important in all areas of your life as well as your career allows you to have peace of mind and balance.
10. Re-evaluate your values and goals yearly
How did you do this year, what needs improvement? What areas of your life need more attention? How are you measuring and tracking that? Who will help you develop those metrics?