Eight Days a Week

What day is today?  Seriously, when I don't have a job my days seem to just run together....  Can you relate? Do you find yourself unable to believe how much time has passed since you last worked? 

A couple of posts ago I shared my secret for finding jobs.  I suggested that you would create and complete an "X List" every Monday.  As promised, today I'm going to share examples of the types of things I do to keep up, stay ahead, and maintain my energy.  Day by day, here's what you can do with the rest of your week that will provide structure to your week and help keep you motivated.

Tip of the Day

Have a structured job search plan, and stick to it.

Monday - Create and complete an X List

For specific instructions check out my blog post entitled "Can you keep a SECRET?"

Tuesday - Follow Up Day

After you have documented the jobs you found on Monday, Tuesday should be spent applying for those jobs!   The two key factors to consider while emailing prospective employers are:  1) your resume 2) your cover letter.  Your resume should have at least 10 key words that match the job posting.  If it doesn't, edit it so it does.  The same rule applies for your cover letter but it can also provide you with an opportunity to inject your personality, or highlight special skills or training that might be buried in your resume.  If you are applying for a job you are only marginally qualified for, say so in your cover letter and give them reason to contact you by highlighting your "cross-over" skill set.  (skills that you have, that will be valued in ANY position)  For more ideas about how to create an eye catching cover letter you can find them on my post entitled "Cover Letters - You had me at Hello."

Wednesday - Research Day

I have to say it.  The internet is an amazing tool.  (Yes, I know, overstating the obvious) When it comes to research, nothing matches the speed and efficiency of the most popular search engines and social networking websites like Google, Bing, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  Spend a few hours researching the companies you have applied to work for.  Are they an older company or a newer start up?  Do you have an friends that work there?  Do they have a good reputation for how they treat their employees?  How many of their employees are on LinkedIn?  Are they a large company or a small one?  Do their values match your own?  How well do they market themselves and their services online?  Answering these questions, and making notes, will help you get a feel for the company, it's culture, and will make you absolutely SHINE at an interview!

Thursday - Networking Day

Networking can be done anywhere.  Networking is all about staying in touch with encouraging and connected, friends and family.  Extend your reach.  Find new people to connect with by joining a club like Toastmasters, attending a lecture, or joining an online activity club like Meetin.org.  Get out of the house.  Schedule time to have coffee with a friend, find a mentor, volunteer for your favorite charity.  You never know where your next opportunity may come from!  You can find more ideas about networking on my post entitled "Networking 101 - It's not all about you!"

Friday - Mental Health Day

You've worked hard all week at finding a job.  You've put in at least 4 hours every day in your endeavor to find your next perfect job.  Feel proud of your efforts. Friday is all about you.  What do you love to do?  Knitting, reading, hiking, taking your dog for a walk, or watching movies?

I like to clean.  It feels so great to have a house that looks and smells clean.  I feel so accomplished when everything is done and I can relax, without guilt.  This rarely happens any more so, nowadays, its REALLY great to find time to organize, purge, deep clean and then.....relax. 

Take a few hours each week to celebrate your work, your accomplishments, your interviews.  Take a few hours to intentionally look forward to your next job instead of worrying about how to pay the light bill.

To Temp, Or Not To Temp? That is the Question.....

I've been working since I can remember. Very early in life I developed a passion for animals and that meant spending several hours every day taking care of them. Before and after school I could be found feeding, grooming, and cleaning up after my horses, cats, dogs, goats, geese, chickens, ducks, and pigeons. My rubber boots, often covered in mud, were a permanent addition to the back deck decor.

As soon as I was old enough to weed, mow lawns, spread beauty bark, trim rose bushes and plant shrubs, I worked for my father's nursery business. Inside the house there was lots to do as well. I learned very early to cook, clean, dust, and vacuum. When I was 16 years old I was sent to boarding school where, for two years, I worked the first half of every day for four hours at the local saw mill to help pay for my tuition.

As an adult, when I am unemployed I spend most of my time getting caught up on household projects.  Said projects range from painting and garden work to, yes...you guessed it...taking care of my animals. Even with my very long TO DO list I have to admit, it is VERY easy to get used to the life of an unemployed professional.  I often wonder how I manage to get everything done for my kids and household when I AM working, and gone 50 hours per week.  But, somehow I do.

So, what's my point here?  I know, I'm rambling.....

Today's job search involves a lot of internet research, registering for job search websites and online employer and agency applications.  Invariably the question always arises. 

Are you looking for:
   a) part time work
   b) temporary work
   c) full time work
   d) permanent work

Tip of the Day

Your answer should always be e) All of the above

If you're not a huge fan of change, the idea of working somewhere as a temporary employee for only a few months is certainly less than comfortable.  Pull up your big girl panties and do it anyways.  It will expose you to a whole new network of professionals and may even lead to a full time job. 

I can hear you now. 

"But, Michelle, if I am working part time, won't that take time away from my job search?"

Are you really spending 8 hours a day dutifully looking for work?  Even I'm not THAT productive!  Working a part time job will force you to be more efficient in your job search and.....at the risk of sounding like a broken record.... "It will expose you to a new network of professionals and may even lead to a full time job." 

Circling back to my cute stories above...In a nutshell, I love to work.  My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me that I am, frankly, thankful for.  I feel productive, energized, and proud of my ability to support myself and my family. (and my animals) Part time jobs fulfill my need for social interaction, temporary jobs lengthen the time I can collect unemployment.   Nothing bad about that.

If you don't love to work, find something you can get paid for, that you DO love.  It's easier said than done but make it your goal to find enthusiasm for ANY work in the meantime.  Find something admirable about what you do, or who you do it for.  Think of the benefits of any kind of work and be proud of your own ambition.

When I grow up I want to be a barista.  I want to have enough money generated by my "other projects" (the subject for another blog) so I can afford to make coffee for strangers.  I want to wake up early, smell the coffee, and know that all of my hard work has paid off...

I will be finally doing what I love!

Nothing bad about that!