Structuring job search may sound tedious, but it works
Q: What is the best way to keep my job search moving? I have been unemployed for a couple of months and could use some advice on patience while waiting to hear from networking contacts and employers. The last few weeks have been the most challenging for me to stay positive.
A: According to the Holms and Rahe Stress Inventory, work-related events are mentioned approximately nine times in their life stressors scale. Anytime you experience a change in your work status, it will often increase your stress levels. Maintaining a sense of patience while waiting to hear back from people takes energy and awareness.
You can boost your chances of staying positive during uncertain times by using a structured approach in planning your job search. Searching takes more effort than you might have previously thought. Some describe the amount of time spent looking for a job as equivalent to working full time.
Job candidates commonly stay behind a computer screen all day, making it equivalent to a full day's work, hoping to discover a good opportunity. But using your time wisely will be the catalyst for a successful search.
The best approach for job searching begins with an easy formula, starting with the three P's of preparing, practice, and perseverance. When you break down your job search using these three areas, your search becomes easier to manage and gives you the confidence to help you through the waiting time for replies.
Preparing for your search is the first area, and while this may sound labor intensive, if you skip over this one, thinking it is unimportant, your job search could become stagnant.
Preparation gives you more options to use when searching. For example, you find yourself repeating and relying on the same networking methods with a need for better results. You can prepare to meet new people by using a different approach, such as creating a list of open-ended questions in advance to take to events to build rapport and gather further information.
Preparing helps you focus on whom to contact, the companies that interest you, and the direction you want to take. Taking the time to structure your weekly goals helps alleviate stress and increase patience while waiting for results.
The second area is practice, which will help you throughout your search in serendipitous ways, such as feeling good and confident in knowing what to say to others when asked how they can help.
Practicing answers to questions that an interviewer could ask is another way to help you stay mindful of your skills. Practicing your responses gives you a sense of calmness instead of anxiety when faced with inquiries about your accomplishments and interests.
Perseverance is the last area, and it will get you through times of doubt. At some point in your search, you might face disappointment and feel your efforts are in vain. All job candidates go through a roller-coaster of emotions, but success in landing an offer appears when you focus on your action plan.
Persevering during the unknown elements of a job search is the area that helps you stay grounded. It is a mindset that reminds you of your goals and what matters most. When you structure your daily activities around these three areas, it will increase the likelihood that your efforts will pay off sooner than expected.