Ten Tips for the Ardent Job Seeker: In 2009, Get a Life!

“The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.” Pearl S. Buck

2008 to 1998 unemployment rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Counties labeled by FIPS code. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Finding Meaningful Work in Tough Economic Times…
Unless you’ve been living under a rock in the Arctic region, you know by now that millions of people in the USA, and to some extent globally, have become casualties of the economic downturn.

Since the housing recession began in 2007, we have seen unprecedented job losses, and many of us have been directly/indirectly affected by the shifting winds of the job market. A quick Google search on current unemployment numbers in the USA produced 779,000 results, or communiqués from a wide range of sources, government and otherwise.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 12 months (Jan 08-Jan 09), the unemployment rate increased from 4.9% to 7.6%, with 11.6 million people out of work. While the federal bailout plan could eventually create job opportunities, it will not happen overnight.

What does this mean for the typical job seeker? It means more people are competing for a finite number of jobs; you may have to wait longer to find certain types of jobs, and many may experience enormous frustration and anxiety while searching for suitable work and managing finances. Putting your life on hold while you frantically search for positions is the wrong approach; pause, take stock, take control of your efforts, and get your life back on track. Basically, get a life!

If you have been looking for a few months or longer and feel frustrated, pause and take stock of your strategies. Have you reviewed your resume, interview skills, and elevator pitch? Have you considered other career paths/options? Have you put your life on hold while chasing job leads and appointments? Have you kept yourself fresh, focused, engaged, and involved in YOUR life so you can convey the same in an interview with a prospective employer?

“Enthusiasm spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.” Norman Vincent Peale

Labor by Pearce-Highsmith (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The last thing you want is to become a frustrated professional job seeker who has little else to talk about or do. As you reformulate your job search, use these ten tips to stay on track with life and find the perfect job.

 Volunteer your time/skills to a local community center, hospital, or charity. Being of value to others in need will give you a different perspective on your condition, help keep your skills in use, and potentially expose you to new people/work opportunities.

 Exercise is often the first thing to get tossed aside when job searches and interview schedules are in high gear. Don’t give up your exercise routine. If you no longer can afford a gym membership, walking or hiking outside are terrific alternatives. You can also negotiate with your gym to offer your time/services in exchange for class access.

 Learn a new skill or brush up on existing skills to stay marketable and keep your mind fresh. Is there a trade/skill you have always wanted to learn? This is also a good time to explore state- and local government-sponsored training programs.

 Another important aspect of learning is reading, so add new books to your to-do list and visit your local library to shore up your reading materials. Staying informed is critical to your job search and interview.

 Connect with new organizations; join clubs, networks, and alums groups at your local level or in neighboring areas. Join a group connected to the field you want to work in or whose work you’d like to learn more about. Join a prayer group, or nurture your spirit through meditation, your faith, or other endeavors.   More Below!

“I’m doing what I think I was put on this earth to do. And I’m really grateful to have something that I’m passionate about and that I think is profoundly important.” Marian Wright Edelman

Bureau of Labor Statistics measurements U1, U2, U3, U4, U5 and U6. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 Build a digital identity by registering on online sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, TED, Flickr, and many others that help users engage in social media networking. Use WordPress to blog, or use Google, Yahoo, AOL, and other search engines that also offer great space to blog and create a personal “About Me” page.

 Attend social and business events to stay abreast of trends and meet new people. Maintaining a healthy social life while staying engaged in your job search and related industry events will add some cheer to the process.

 Don’t forget to ask your core circle, friends, family, and close colleagues, for help from the start of your job loss and throughout your search. Seek professional coaching and/or mental health help as part of your support team. Line up references early and keep your circle informed about who might contact them to inquire about your abilities.

 Accept temporary/survival work and use it as a platform to promote yourself and your strengths. Sometimes, this work can open doors to a new career path or a more fulfilling direction in your field.

 Start your own business. Even in this economic climate, there is tremendous opportunity for pursuing an entrepreneurial venture. You could use your downtime to develop latent hobbies into a business. Keep in mind that the skills that made you marketable could be parlayed into your own small business. Do your homework and carefully consider if this is the right option for you.

What are you doing today, as an ardent job seeker, to keep yourself fresh, focused, engaged, and involved in your life? Trust that your job search efforts will pay huge dividends if you invest time in your own mental, physical, social, and spiritual health.

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

Related articles

• Job Seekers, It’s Not You. There Are Too Few Jobs To Go Around In Every Sector (aarp.org)
• The Key for Unemployed Job Seekers (halliecrawford.com)