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.
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