Job hunting has changed. The way companies screen applicants has become
ridiculously automated. You need to design your resume with keywords just to get noticed. You must have a LinkedIn account with stellar recommendations. Even with all of these things, the sting of rejection comes consistently. Or worse, the silent vacuum of no response keeps you wondering "why?". In the face of all this frustration and rejection, we must stay confident. We, the job seekers, have to build our community of support.
I've put forth an idea to a few of my unemployed friends that we meet and share ideas to make the sting of the search a little less harsh. It can be lonely, job hunting solo day after day. You need your friends and colleagues to keep up your confidence and spirits.
We'll be documenting any brilliant ideas we come up with for saving some cash, pooling resources, job hunting and staying sane. The following is a list of things I've been doing through my bouts of unemployment. They are exercises in keeping confident and are, by no means an exhaustive list.
1. Wake up with purpose
Get out of bed like you have somewhere to go. This will not only keep you in practice for when you get your next job, but it keeps that sense of purpose that is so desperately needed when you're in the doldrums of unemployment. It's easy to do the opposite. It takes determination and effort to keep going. Keep the momentum.
2. Schedule your day
This not only makes getting out of bed easier, it keeps you going throughout the day with a sense of purpose. I use the first 2-3 hours of the day to submit resumes, update LinkedIn and follow up with emails. I have lunch at the same time every day. Other things to work into the schedule are networking, working out, and maybe some volunteer work.
3. Make a list of your skills. Add to it often
It's really hard to sell yourself to employers if you don't, yourself, recognize what you're good at. This doesn't have to be purely a list of professional skills, include other things like "Athletic" or "Enjoy crafting". But be sure to list at least 10 things you're good at to start. I'm sure you are good at many things, and if you can't think of them, ask your friends. Try to add a new thing to the list every week or so.
4. Write down your daily accomplishments
No matter how big or small, write down something you accomplished each day. Recognize that you are doing something worthwhile every single day. This is important. It's easy to lose momentum. All these things help you keep it.
5. Start a twitter account
Stay connected to the world. Why Twitter and not Facebook? Twitter lets you follow all sorts of different people and organizations that you don't necessarily have to commit to being "friends" with. You get a constant connection to the outside world and you'll keep updated on global happenings.
6. Exercise
Nothing keeps you going like exercise. It's not only good for the body, but great for the mind and spirit. If you are not a member of a gym, not a problem. Go for a walk. Walking for 30 minutes a day can reduce the risk of diabetes and breast cancer, and keeps your head in the game. There are numerous articles about this. Including this one. You can also get yourself a yoga or other exercise DVD and do it at home. The point is, find something you like to do and get moving. It's more important than you think. You need to make time for it.
7. Learn something new
The internet is your oyster. You can learn so many things. Read blogs. Attend free webinars. Listen to podcasts.
Technorati has a great blog directory that you can browse according to category. I have my RSS feed set up to get info on my favorite social media blogs. There are so many awesome blogs out there, that you are destined to find one, or many that interest you. One of my favorites is
Sustainable Eats, a blog about urban gardening.
8. Lay off the TV until evening
Just as you would during work hours, commit your day to productivity. Playing video games or watching TV all day is just a way to make the hours go by without actually accomplishing anything. TV is tempting, but try putting on some music instead. You will find that you're more inclined to do the dishes or browse job listings.
9. Volunteer
There are so many organizations that need your help. What are you interested in? Animals? Volunteer at your local animal shelter. Sports? Help coach an intramural team. Take a look at the skills list you have made (see #3) and find a place that can use some of them. Or, better yet, identify something you want to learn and find an organization that can help you learn it. This is a great resume building exercise. And it keeps you involved with the work world.
10. Connect with your real life friends
Schedule meetings with the people in your personal and professional network. At least once per week schedule a time to meet with someone to chat. It's great to connect with old colleagues over lunch or coffee. Often, these can lead to different perspectives on your job hunt and give you new ideas for a professional plan of attack. If nothing else, commiseration over coffee with a friend can help you vent your frustrations.
Confidence. It's the key to everything and it takes work. If you've got more ideas, I'd love to hear them.
