Unemployment - Not just a job, an adventure

Very few look at unemployment as a job. We've all heard the expression "your new full time job is finding a job". It's true. Your ability to find a job in the shortest period of time is in direct proportion to the amount of effort you put into it. Very few adventures start with rolling out of bed and "half past whatever", strolling out to the kitchen at around "quarter to whenever you feel like it". Then, thinking about having a relaxing bath at about "quarter after Oprah".

Approach the job search from the perspective of the true adventure it is and each day takes on its own flavour. One day you are exploring new companies, the next day you might be working on creative ways of getting your foot in the door.

The other facet to the adventure is the fact you are working on a clean canvas. You now have a chance to create an employment environment that could potentially bring you even greater job satisfaction. It could be a better job in the same line of work, or, training for a completely new career in a new line of work. It's your canvas, what type of picture do you want to paint?

Focus your job search safari on places you would like to work as opposed to where the work is. Obviously you can't lose sight of potential job openings, just remember job postings will mean you are in for serious competition. When there is no opening there is also no competition. By focusing on places you would like to work, whether they have openings or not, keeps you in control. You picked the company, you found out who the decision makers are, and now you get to go in, and make another determination as to whether you would want to work for them or not. During your investigation you might discover everyone in the organization is a little left of centre, and it may not be the right environment for you. Or, you might discover you have similar interests with one of the people within the hiring process and there is potential there to develop a good contact for future opportunities.

New places, new faces, make for a job search adventure. The people who look for work by wandering into an Employment Insurance office to see the latest job postings and then meander out grumbling because there was nothing on the board that interest them, are missing out on the fun. A relatively small percentage of jobs are actually found as a posted position.

Start your adventure by thinking about the types of businesses you would like to approach. Think about people who might be able to point you in the right direction or people you should follow up on. Write out a daily to-do list. You probably followed some form of a to-do list when you were working. Daily to-do lists during a job search will give you a gauge to measure your results and no one will yell out you for not getting everything done. On the other hand, the more you accomplish the better you feel about yourself. When you feel good about yourself it comes through in your attitude, the main ingredient to any job search. Attack your job search with the right attitude and it will BE an adventure.

Glen Slingerland - Skills 101/Job Development