With these particular times, unemployment reaches new levels every day. Unemployment is very stressful. And related job search is very frustrating. These will affect your self-confidence and raise your level of anxiety. On the other hand, employers are looking for dynamic, confident, motivated candidates. Then how can you manage your stress level when looking for a job? How can you impress in a positive way an employer?
No matter how long your job search will be, it is important to pay attention to your mental health. Just because you don’t have a professional activity now, does not mean your life has to be paused.
Here are some tips for a successful and worry-free job search. This is about how to organize yourself in your job search and the mindset you need to adopt in order to maintain your well-being and a positive attitude.
What is your purpose?
Before starting applying for jobs, take some time to analyze what you really want to do. Your career is a puzzle that you build pieces by pieces. You need at least a middle term career objective in order to figure out what is the missing pieces today. To find your way, there are some questions you need to ask yourself: Which activity brings me joy at work? What is my purpose in life? What other people are appreciating me for? How do I want to position and brand myself on the market? These answers will give you your road map for your current job search and for the future. If this seems difficult, you can always ask help to a Career Coach.
Your tools kit update
Once you know how you want to position yourself on the market it's time to update your resume and your LinkedIn profile. Both have to tell the same story about yourself, in keywords related to your field.
In terms of self-confidence, by putting your experience on the paper, things will look brighter than they were before.
Your new job schedule
You are ready now to start your job search. But you have a big saboteur now by losing a regular routine. Lack of organization and irregular rhythm add stress and bring in ineffective search. Also, using your time effectively when you don’t have a clear schedule can be very challenging. That’s why you need to treat your job search like a job!
Start a job search routine. Wake up at normal working hours and plan a 2hours (or more if you need) daily job search activity. Better do this in the morning. You will be fresh and focused and this activity will boost your well-being for the day. Treat it as a task for a project at work. Take it seriously!
Set up measurable goals
Goal setting is another important part of staying focused and motivated in your job search. Set up realistic quantitative objectives. Having clear measurable objectives will motivate you to continue your search and will give you satisfaction when achieving your targets.
Example: you set the target of applying for 2 positions daily. This means 10 CVs sent at the end of the week with chances to have 1-2 phone interviews.
Your turn to do the math now and adapt objectives to your situation.
Your dashboard
As a Project Manager of your job search you will need some tools to follow the evolution of your project. An Excel might be just right. You need it for listing positions you applied for, date, source, status, some comments. Seeing numbers and how you advance will boost your self-esteem and bring in positive energy.
This will also be useful for analyzing what is blocking on your job search and therefore improving yourself on the way. I suggest an analyze of your data every 2 weeks and look for improvements.
Examples:
You have sent 20 CVs and you have no positive feedback. Check your CV and the jobs you are applying for. Improve your CV. Better target the jobs.
You get easily to phone interviews but no other interview follows. Check your pitch and what you need to improve about your speech.
Step out of your comfort zone
Don’t just apply on job boards. Don’t forget there is an important hidden recruitment market, where positions are filled by referrals and networking. Diversify your search channels. Online and offline network! Expose yourself and your ideas, look for volunteering projects, go out of your comfort zone. By acting you will get to know more people, you will share your ideas, you will feel more confident. You will eventually meet your future employer.
Be your authentically self in interview
During the interview is important to be authentic (about Authenticity you can read on my article "Be real, be you"). Trying to show a different self will raise your stress level and negatively affect your interview. Showing your true self will help you land the company that shares the same values you do. You can be sure your well-being will be high working for this company.
If you receive a negative feed-back after the interview, don’t worry, it means it was not for you and probably it's better this way.
Following these simple steps, you will be able to find another position without frustration and even boosting your self-esteem on the way. It's simple! It's all about being organized, perseverant and determined.
Good luck in your job search! And remember! If in need, ask for help!
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