New Year's resolutions for the job seeker

From the Examiner | Dec 14, 2009

2010 is days away and most of us are forming our New Year's
resolutions now. For those who are actively seeking a job, this is a
great opportunity to give your job search a fresh look and positive
momentum as 2010 begins. Maybe you got down on yourself and down right
frustrated with your job search and weren't giving it 100%. Maybe you
were throwing yourself a pity party and sleeping in until Noon
everyday. Maybe you weren't doing the necessary networking that is
proven to be successful in a job search. Maybe the notorious job boards
were your only element of your job search. There are many things that
can slip from a job search as it carries on, none of which are you to
blame for. It can easily get frustrating and  hard to stay positive and
focused on a successful job search. Make your New Year's resolutions
now and kick off 2010 with a newly redefined focus. Below are five
actions you can take to kick off 2010 with a bang:

1)Networking:

Old
fashioned networking should be the cornerstone of anyone's job search.
It's easier for some than others to aggressively network. But it's
vital and typically what will get you back to work the quickests.
According to About.com,
over 80% of job seekers say that their network has helped with their
job search. Sometimes the hardest part is feeling embarrassed or guilty
for continuously contacting people in your network for help in your job
search. One must be creative and constantly thinking of new ways to
grow their network and meet new people as well as rework your existing
network. The Wall Street Journal recently published an excellent
article providing advice on the art of working and reworking your network.
I'll bet you'll be surprised with today's economy, that more people
than not will be more than happy to lend a hand and speak with you to
help you network to a new job.

Actionable item
#1: Make an effort to speak to five people (preferably different
people) a day, exchange emails, meet for coffee/lunch, etc. I'm willing
to bet this gives your job search a boost of energy.

2)A Job Search is a Job, so Treat it Like One:

Many
of you have heard the statement. "A job search is a full time job
itself." Ok, so treat it like one. It's very easy to get lazy and slepp
in every day, watch TV all day, and become complacent. If you're truly
actively seeking a job, you need to stick to a schedule and put in 100%
effort to find those hidden gem job opportunities. Most of the jobs
posted on the boards (Monster, Careerbuilder, HotJobs,
etc) are generic and there are probably thousands of people applying
for them. Treat your job search like a job by staying organized,
sticking to a schedule, and dressing the part. By the latter I don't
mean you have to put on a suit or skirt everyday, but at least shower
and get out of your pajamas. I bet you'll find youreself more refreshed
and ready to tackle the job search each day. I think
Careerbuilder.com's article "Treat Your Job Search Like a Marathon," is an excellent summary of how to treat a job search.

Actionable item #2: Stay organized by tracking your job search using a job search spreadsheet

3)Not Using LinkedIn? What Are You Waiting For?

LinkedIn
might be one of the best resources out there for anyone actively
seeking a job. LinkedIn is equivalent to a Facebook but on a more
professional level. You essentially create a profile which is the same
as an online resume. But it goes much further. You can ask for
recommendations from people in your network. One of the most powerful
uses that I think is under-utilized is the ability to search for
insiders at a company that you're interested in working for. Maybe you
applied for a job at "Company A." Either you'll happen to know someone
who works for "Company A" or someone in your network on LinkedIn is
connected to someone who works there. Leverage this connection and ask
for an introduction or their contact info. This can help you push your
job applicaton along. We all know how much it sucks to sit around and
wait to hear back after formally applying for a job blind online. By
blind, I mean you don't know anyone on the other side of the job
application. Getting to know someone on the inside is so powerful and
adds a human element to your application. Besides the whole networking
aspect of LinkedIn, it also has its own job board, which hosts its own
jobs as well as a robot that scours the web and aggregates all the jobs
it finds based on your search query.

Actionable item #3:
If you don't yet have a LinkedIn profile, create one ASAP. If you do,
try to take full advantage of what it has to offer. Sit down and think
about everyone you may know personally, professionally, through
college, trade organizations, church, you name it. Connect or "Link up"
with everyone you can think of. You never know where a connection might
help you out.

4)Stay Active and Social

It's
very easy to hibernate and throw yourself a pity party as you continue
a job search. While everyone is working and going about their lives,
what is one to do during they day. You can't sit at your computer all
day looking at job boards and playing with social media. Get out. Meet
your working friends for lunch. Do you know other folks who are
unemployed. Makes plans to meet them for coffee or go to a movie.
Exercise. I think this might be the MOST important. You need to burn
off stress and stay focused. What better way than working out.
Volunteer. I'm sure the local food bank could use your help. If not
that, what other areas are you passionate about and interested helping
other people. I personally volunteer at PAWS animal adoption agency.
Take classes in areas of your industry you want to learn more.

Actionable
item #4: By far the most important, start a regular workout routine. I
guarantee you'll feel much better about yourself.

5)Stay POSITIVE!

Staying
positive is important for several reasons. One, for your own health and
well-being. Just remember there are many others who are facing this
terrible predicament called unemployed. You're not alone. Some days
it's easy to lose sight of this, but you must strive to stay positive.
Check out these 10 quotes for inspiration and motivation.
It's also essential that you stay positive because it does carry
through in your tone when speaking with people, particularly if you are
interviewing with people. It's easy to let your guard down and think
you're just fine, but believe me, potential employers can pick up on
this.

Actionable item #5: Everyday think of one thing
you are blessed with or thankful for (your parents, friends, education,
health, etc)