Moving your Job Search out of Neutral and into High Gear

With love for my clients and true compassion for the job seekers out of work I am writing this post. I understand your pride has been hurt because you thought you were better than a lay off or being let go, some feel they have done all they can by posting their resume on a few major job boards and then expecting the phone to ring, and others in denial, decide to use this time as an extended vacation and do nothing. So, my question for theses scenario’s and the countless others is:

How’s That Working For You?

Is your phone ringing off the hook? Are people tracking you down and begging you to come and work for them? Is doing nothing landing incredible opportunities in your lap? Didn’t think so.

I am hoping this will be a gentle shaking or a  splash of cold water to wake you up to the reality that if you want to find a job you have got to be much more aggressive even desperate in your search.

Your search is about you getting a job, how you came to where you are today should not keep you from pushing forward in your search. Excuses, however valid they may feel, are only holding you back. They do not reveal your authentic self and your marketable value.

Disclaimer: Your job search won’t be easy, so expect rejection, uncertainty, and a little fear during the process but work to remain focused on the goal – finding a job. Realize also that it might take a while, but it will take much, much longer if you continue on your current course.

Think of the top 5 reasons why you need a job and what will happen to these reasons if you do not soon find a job. Write that them down and keep them in your wallet, purse, next to your bed, taped to your computer or to the dashboard in your vehicle. Make it a constant reminder of why you must stay passionate about your search.

How do you take your search out of neutral and into high gear? What ever you used to think about the job search – forget it!

Make the search proactive instead of reactive.

Research companies and find several (start with 10-20) that really feel like the type of company you would like to work for. Dig deep and find out about each company’s culture, goals, future plans, current projects and any recent changes, failures or issues that you can help with.

Continue researching these companies to find specific individuals you feel would be beneficial to meet. Use your contacts, networking groups (on and off line) and LinkedIn to find ways to connect with these targeted contacts. Prepare before you make contact with solutions and skills that you can provide to assist each contact and their company to improve, increase or expand their future.

You are doing the research, you are making the calls, you are choosing the companies and you are in control.

See the difference?

So job seekers, try something new if what you have been doing is not working. Not only is this process effective but presents you as a leader, expert in your field, go-getter, someone who knows how to find solutions and get the job done, and Someone Worth Hiring.

When I think of Veterans Day I usually think of the protectors of the past. Those that marched off to war before I was born or was just a little girl. I think of the few left that I now see marching in the streets in parades while trying to still fit into their uniforms from long ago wars. I think of my grandfather and my father-in-law who both served in World War II and all those men and women lost in the Vietnam War.

But as I turn on the news this morning I see today’s soldiers. The soldiers that are keeping my kids safe and letting me live in a free country through their selfless service. I watch as they show clips of troops in the Gulf and Afghanistan, soldiers patrolling our boarders, helping flood victims and protecting our leaders.

Today I want to remember you. I want to say thank you for your service, your loyalty and bravery because your choices are helping keep my choices alive. Thank You and may God bless you and keep you safe.

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Friday’s Free for All

Little humor to help start your weekend off right! First off, I don’t claim to have a good voice but I love music – all music. I can’t help but sing, tap, or do something when I hear music. My youngest daughter is the same way. I remember her at 9 or 10 months old, she’d be in the high-chair kicking her legs or bobbin her head to whatever music I had on the radio as I fixed her lunch.

So, this past week, I was driving her (now 13 years old) to a friend’s house and we were shamelessly belting  out an old tune, one you might know…”I love Rock n Roll” by Joan Jett. And when we got to the chorus we both started… I love Rock n Roll so put another dime in the …juke box right? Well, my daughter belts out ‘put another dime in the juice box baby’.

I looked at her to see if she was joking, realized she was serious and asked her to repeat the verse, which she did. Trying not to laugh I told her what the correct word was and she didn’t know what it was!!! Can you believe it, am I that old that that she didn’t know what a juke box was? Well, technically she later said she’d seen one on TV before but didn’t know the name for it.

Finally I couldn’t hold it in any longer and ended up laughing all the way to her friend’s house. I think I laughed because she knows the old music so well and also because she had never heard of a jukebox and the word she used was a replacement from her generation.

It also brought back Phoebe from Friends when she sang “Tony Danza” instead of “Tiny Dancer” …classic!

I thought anyone over 30ish would get a kick out of our singing, I know I sure did. Next time you hear Joan Jett I bet you’ll laugh too. Enjoy

FUN FRIDAY

It is that time of the year again when spring feels like it is finally really here to stay. I love listening to the outdoors in the spring; it is full with birds, mowers, chainsaws and kids yelling. It is a beautiful time of the year.

When I think of spring-time I think of garage sales! I started going to them even before I had kids, mostly with my mom and sister. We would take a day and go antiquing, hit an auction if possible and stop at all the garage sales we’d pass. It was fun spending the morning together and hopefully finding a few goodies along the way.

Remember, this habit was formed way before the invention and explosion of http://www.ebay.com/ or http://craigslist.com. I think that is why I’ve never gotten into either site too much. I still enjoy the treasure hunting part of the adventure. I love driving back roads, talking with real people, looking to find a bargain, working to get just a little bit of a better deal, and of course, trying to fit it in your vehicle.

When my kids were little – they loved it too! I’d give them each a couple of quarters and they’d have to decide what was most valuable toy to spend their money on. I would always laugh because my one daughter and son bought the first things they would see while my other daughter would look through everything in the sale before making a decision.

I have gotten out of the habit over the past couple of years since my kids are older and don’t like garage sale clothes like they used to (no surprise). With work, I just don’t have the time either. The best day of the week though was always Thursday and if I couldn’t make it then or if the weather was terrible, I’d try for Friday morning. Today is Friday, the weather is perfect and I’m just wondering … can I get away for a couple of hours?

Have a wonderful Friday everyone!!

I hope you have found me during my transition from Blogger to WordPress. I am feeling a bit like a work in progress. It is taking a little more time that I expected but I think it will be worth it – once I figure this all out. Please be patient!

Go State!!