Is your job search lasting longer than expected? Are you struggling to find a new direction? Are your relationships suffering? It is probably time to reevaluate your job search!
Recharging Your Job Search
Is your job search lasting longer than expected? Are you struggling to find a new direction? Are your relationships suffering?
It is probably time to reevaluate your job search!
Searching for a job can be a scary process, so this month’s article hones in on three simple topics and accompanying questions that can help you recharge your search.
Ready to redirect? Grab a notebook and a pen, and let’s begin!
First and foremost: Who are you?
This question is easy to answer when we are employed. Like it or not, our jobs define us. But the job search can strip us of our identity. That is why it is important to create a new identity. Here are some questions to guide you in that process:
- How are you feeling about yourself? You control your attitude, energy, and effort.
- Who is making you a better person during your search? Who is preventing you from succeeding?
- What is your new career passion? Are you exploring it?
- How much time are you spending time on your job search? Is it your full-time pursuit?
- Why are you not moving forward in your search? Be honest with yourself!
Next: Where are you in the job search?
And, why are you there…or not there? The job search requires us to put aside many of our reservations, preconceived notions, and old habits. For example, have you considered relocation? How about furthering your education? Or perhaps fear is holding you back from chasing a dream you have always had. Take an honest look at yourself and answer the following questions:
- How prepared are you for your job search? Do you have the tools you need?
- Who do you want to meet? How will you go about making that meeting happen?
- What professional advice should you be following?
- When do you need to have a job? What timeline have you created to get there?
- Where should you be looking that you are not currently looking?
- Why should others help you move ahead? Do they see you “working to obtain work?”
And because Thanksgiving is around the corner: For what are you thankful?
I know firsthand how challenging it is to maintain a thankful attitude when faced with the reality of job loss. However, attitude is key to progress and ultimate success. During my career transition, I found that the more I worked to find delight in even the smallest things, the happier I became! I find that I do not take things nearly for granted as I used to do. Try a project that worked well for me: for one month, list three things each day for which you are thankful. One of the things you will see with an improved behavior is a new and more positive attitude. Need some help brainstorming? Write down as many answers as possible to the following questions:
- Who has made you a better person? Whose influence has literally changed your life?
- What events in your life have made you smile? Laugh? Cry tears of joy?
- Do you feel uplifted and happy? They say it takes more muscles to frown than to smile!
- Where do you go to feel happy?
- Why do you have the gifts, talents, and abilities you have?
Taking an honest look at ourselves can be challenging but also refreshing. Use the feedback to these questions to create your new “plan of attack” for your job search – and get excited! Everyone needs something to do, someone to love, and hope for the future. What hope will you create for your future today? Take the notes you just made and get to work! There is a new job out there for you.
