Getting That Plum Job: Begin with a Plan
November 3rd, 2008. Published under Career Hunting. No Comments.
Job hunting? Whether doing it again or for the first time ever, taking the right approach can help you avoid unnecessary stress.
Notice the word unnecessary. When you are searching for a new job, you are a kind of performer, and even the most experienced performers get stage fright. Yet they value their fear, saying that it helps them keep their artistic edge. Think of your stress as a store of energy that will propel you forward if properly channeled.
Begin with a realistic plan. Decide how many hours you can devote to job hunting each week. Some say it’s a full-time job to find a full-time job, so 30-40 hours would not be too many. If you don’t have that kind of time because of other responsibilities, calculate how much free time you have, and plan to use 90% of it on “the hunt.” Then make sure you spend the other 10% doing something relaxing!
Record on a calendar the number of hours spent each day on your search. Consider this calendar your personal time clock. Punch in and out faithfully. In addition, keep a work-search diary. Here, list each potential employer you have contacted, whether by phone, postal mail, e-mail, or in person, plus the date you made the contact.