Looking for Work is Work
Posted on Thu, Jun 24, 2010
What's the difference between Job Hunting and Internet Surfing?
A Hunter's Survival Guide -Part 3
No matter how or why you are looking for a new job, the number one indicator that you are doing your job search correctly is that it feels like you have a full time job. Looking for work is your new number one priority above everything else. So if you are out of work, you are waking up at 7, and working until 5, or if you are currently employed, your evenings and weekends are filled with resume writing and cover letters. I know, you already know.
But, have you ever talked about ways to spice up that day job of yours? Just like in your regular role, doing the same task every day with little result can make you feel pretty frustrated. So, here are a few tips to keep the job search fresh:
- Seek out a new networking group. For example, the Boston Public Library holds a job seekers forum once a month on Wednesday that might give you some new ideas. You will get to meet some new people, exchange stories, and you never know, find a new lead.
Find a networking event in your neighborhood:
Dorchester - next meeting on July 2, 2010
Boston - next meeting on July 7, 2010
- Reward yourself. If you set a goal to have 10 resumes and cover letters out the door each week, then when you get to #10 on Thursday spend part of Friday rewarding yourself. It's the summer time so there are a number of free things to do, so don't let cost be your barrier. Go see a free movie on Friday on the Esplanade. Wander through one of the many festivals downtown this time of year and do some people watching. Or, if you are downtown at the Boston Public Library, stop by for a free concert on Friday afternoons. Getting out of the house and out behind the computer will help you keep your sanity.
- Keep learning. If you are out of work, spend a couple of hours a month taking some free webinars to stay up to date on the industry. A few of my favorite organizations who offer free programs are:
AMA Webinars
Corporate University Webinars
Elluminate Webinars
Training Magazine Webinars
- Look outside of OD. Attend a networking event not in Organization Development. I know, this sounds crazy. But, we work with all kinds of organizations. Why not attend an event for an industry you have worked for in the past, or would like to work for down the road? You might make a great contact that could provide you a referral.
Generally speaking, keeping the job hunting process fresh is going to help keep the momentum going. What tricks have you tried to keep your sanity while trying to find new work?
About the author: Kristine Dunn is part of MassBayODLG