Career Money Life certified supplier and Career Coach, Robin Mitchell, discuss the importance of having structure, routine and goals in your job search process.
It’s the first day of your retrenchment.It feels weird doesn’t? For some it may be a relief but for others it may be quite an empty feeling . . . a ‘what do I do now’ sort of feeling.Consider your feelings. Are you exhausted after years of doing the same thing each day?
Do you need a break? If so, consider the time of the year. After the Christmas break in Australia, work begins to pick up in late January/early February. This usually continues for the rest of the year until November arrives again. So for the job seeker, taking time out for a much needed break may be a wise thing up until say, August. But as the count-down to Christmas begins, the job market can become quiet. So pick your break time thoughtfully.
One of the major traps in job search is not having a dedicated daily job search plan. I have mentioned before about the ‘hidden saboteurs’ of job search – the well-meaning partner who asks you to drop-off or pick up the children from school or who gives you the shopping list to do.
I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t take much for me to use these tasks to fall into procrastination. Then days fly into weeks and pretty soon you haven’t achieved much in your job search but for a few frustrating hours in front of online advertisements.
7 HINTS TO GET SOME ORGANISATION INTO YOUR DAY
#1 Start off by putting aside a designated time slot for your job search. Say to well-meaning loved ones that you WON’T be available from 10am -3pm every week day and really dedicate that time to your job search.
#2 Each night, plan what you will do and hope to achieve the next day. Make a list just before you go to bed. You will sleep much better!
#3 Spend time on what you ideally want to do and have in your next role. Make a list of must-haves and print it out.
#4 Pick out 5-10 companies that you think might have your ideal role and really research these companies. Use Linkedin, the internet and the company’s own website for information. Print out this list of companies.
#5 Meet close friends, relatives, colleagues etc for coffee. Show them your 2 lists and find out as much as you can about these companies.
#6 Spend only 2/5 of your dedicated job searching time on online advertisements.
#7 Create a fitness program which you do before and after your dedicated job search hours.
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