Job Hunting in a Recession
Top 10 Job Search Tips
Job hunting is tough and sometimes it can really get you down. Often the bad feelings come from losing your perspective and seeing things in a negative way. Here are some specific suggestions for regaining your perspective and ways to alter the way you are looking at the situation so you can see things a bit more positively.
1. Get Perspective - Keep in mind that a job is just a job. What is important is your health, family, spirituality, friendships and recreation. A job search is an activity you are engaging in and not who you are.
2. Quit job searching and start searching for where you can add value – Use this attitude when you network. You will be surprised by the information you receive and the opportunities that exist.
3. Let the past go – If you have not found a job yet, learn from it and move on. Think about how to better prepare for the next interview or broaden your search methods.
4. Stay true to yourself – Think about what your interests are, and listen for internal cues – your gut instincts. They will tell if you are on the right track.
5. Be open to risk - Give up trying to predict where the next lead will come from or who will be the most helpful.
6. Take one day at a time while planning your search. Break big tasks into small bite size pieces.
7. Create a new way of looking at a job search. It is not a one time event, it is a life long process.
8. Reinvent your career by adding any missing ingredients. Start by planning how to acquire the skills you need to move forward.
9. Exercise – You don’t have to go to a gym or sign up for a class. Just take a walk for 20 minutes or rake leaves or ride your bike. Exercise increases endorphins and makes us feel better about ourselves.
10. Meditate or pray for at least 10 minutes a day. Clearing your mind of all the scary thoughts gives you a mental break and helps your brain function better. Just try to focus on your breathing and nothing else. Many people find praying and handing the situation over to a higher power helps them feel less burdened.
Still feeling stressed about having to look for a job during a recession? See our post on Recession Job Search Tips and feel better.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Woman Work On The Web
