Here are six tips for taking the frustration out of your job search. Looking for a job can be a disheartening experience. It can be difficult to keep yourself motivated to maintain the search. If you lose momentum, it can be even harder to get going again.
If you’re on the lookout for a new job and the frustration is getting you down, try using the following tips to bring some life back into your job search.
1. Don’t Get Distracted
One of the most frustrating things about being out of work is family and friends may unintentionally distract you from your job search. You may find people lining up with odd jobs that need to be done and even suggestions of things you can do to “fill your days.” It’s vital not to allow these distractions to interfere with your progress.
It’s an excellent idea to maintain a daily routine built around finding a job. Treat it as though this is your job. Spend the time you would normally spend at work, looking for a job. Schedule breaks just as you would in your workday.
Tell family and friends this will be your approach, and you shouldn’t be disturbed between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, or whatever hours you decide upon.
2. Re-vamp Your Resume
Embarking on a search for a new job is an excellent reason to re-vamp your resume. Don’t be tempted to dust down and re-use the one that got you your previous job 5 years ago.
It’s critical to keep your resume current in both content and style. A quick online search will show you dozens of websites with helpful tips on improving your resume and making it the best that it can be. Your resume is the first thing that allows a prospective employer to build up a picture of you. Time spent getting it right is never wasted.
3. Develop New Skills
Being out of work will inevitably give you more free time. It’s essential to view this as an opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones. Even something as simple as taking a short course to increase your keyboarding speed will be beneficial. It will also stop you from sitting around feeling downhearted about your prospects.
4. Continuously Network
Networking is a great way to look for work, and the internet has made it a hundred times easier. Make an effort to get in contact with people and find out what’s going on. If you have contacts working in the industry that you’re interested in, the more, the better.
5. Raise Your In-Person Profile
Attending local events can be a great way of raising your profile. Find out about business events in your area. Job fairs and company open days are a great way to start.
If you have a business card, take some along with you and be ready to give them to key people. Even if a particular company isn’t recruiting within your area of expertise at present, offer your business card anyway. This shows a prospective employer you’re proactive and professional. You never know what may come of it.
6. Try a Recruitment Agency
Think about involving a recruitment agency. This can take a lot of the stress out of job hunting and can greatly reduce the number of “dead ends” for you. Many people have found great jobs through temporary and recruitment agencies.
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