I ran across this article reading the Sun newspaper around Christmas time. I thought it was such a great motivational piece that I emailed the author. I particularly liked the idea of creating a ‘brag book’, and, of course, joining networking organizations (like ABWA!) and thought it would be ideal for our web site. Thank you Cyndi for your contribution! -Tracy
As you get ready to ring in 2009, is finding a new job on your list of resolutions? Here are 13 ideas to help turn your resolution into a reality:
1. Develop a profile of your ideal job. Are you really doing what you want to do? Are you targeting the type of work and organization that matches your true interests, personality and natural abilities?
2. Create an accomplishment-based resume. Instead of an inventory of previous responsibilities convert them into achievements. Quantify or qualify whenever possible. Successes are more impressive to hiring authorities than merely rehashing your job description.
3. Prepare a personal infomercial. In less than two minutes you should be able to communicate your skills, your experience, and what type of position and/or organization you are targeting. Being prepared to deliver a personal “sound bite” at a moment’s notice is critical to your job search.
4. Network! More people get jobs from personal contacts than by any other means. In the next week, pick three people whom you think could be beneficial to you to connect with in the new year and either call, schedule a time with them or send them an email.
5. Join a local “job club” or networking group targeted at supporting the jobseeker. Social support can be a great strengthener of motivation. Find such organizations by inquiring at your local public library, house of worship, college or university career centers, and your nearest
State Employment OneStop Career Center.
6. Find a job search “buddy.” Like hunters in the field who often team up for reasons of productivity and safety, creating a relationship of accountability and support with another job seeker will increase your likelihood for success.
7. Develop an efficient system for tracking your search. If you are conducting an active campaign there are a great deal of items to keep in order – networking contacts, follow up dates, correspondence to send, research to conduct, etc.
8. Start a job search journal. A journal is a safe place to reflect on your current situation, brainstorm ideas, analyze options, formulate plans, document the progress of your job search, and learn more about yourself and your career. Journaling also gives you an outlet to express your emotions about your career progress.
9. Create a “brag” book. Gather copies of performance appraisals, your best work, customer testimonials, thank you notes from co-workers, etc. Use the contents as a resource for strengthening your resume and preparing for interviews. Periodically throughout your job search take the time to review the content – it will boost your self-confidence.
10. Join a club or professional association. Being part of an organization is a great way to develop new networking contacts. By talking and meeting with people in your community or in your industry, you will learn about other organizations and the opportunities available within them. You may even find out about new openings before they are made public.
11. Take a course. Continuing to upgrade your skills is critical to success, especially in today’s job market. Take college level courses or attend a workshop or seminar that can sharpen your skills or expand your insight. You might also make valuable networking contacts or meet someone from your target company.
12. Volunteer. Helping a non-profit organization provides much needed support and enables you to meet new people. Volunteering may also generate a new set of contacts for you that could lead to re-employment or maybe a career in the not-for-profit sector. You can also learn new or strengthen existing job related skills. Volunteering is also a good self-esteem builder.
13. Find a job search mentor. Identify an individual that will motivate you and keep you focused, as well as hold you accountable. Plan regular meetings with your “coach.”
Resolutions are even more effective motivating tools when they are written down and then shared with someone else. Being accountable to yourself is important, but the satisfaction of proving to another that you can stick to a resolution is great incentive as well.
Make it a great year!
You can reach Cyndi McCabe by email at ImprvmntCncpts@aol.com
PROFESSIONAL JOB FAIR on March 14th from 12:30pm to 3:00pm where ABWA WOW will have a table to display our benefits, and sign up new members!
