14/12/2020
SHOULD YOU COMMIT TO A JOB-SEEKING ROUTINE?
Finding a job can take time, and there’s nothing like a few knock backs to cause motivation to decline!
Embracing a daily routine can help ensure that you are doing all that you can to search listings, connect with your network and look after yourself along the way.
It takes resilience to keep on going, effort to plan, and commitment to keep putting yourself forward enthusiastically, especially when you've been knocked back.
Ultimately, it's the things you're prepared to do consistently that will get you the best result, especially those things that take you outside of your comfort zone.
Pick up the phone and make a call to someone in your network that you haven't spoken with for a while. They might just be that someone that might be able to help.
Create your own possibility and opportunity.
12 TIPS ON SETTING A DAILY ROUTINE
1. Start in the morning -
Focus first on well-being and mental health. Doing something right in the morning can increase your energy and mood for the day.
For example; exercise, meditation, something that you like that will put you in a better state of mind.
2. Don’t spend too long staring at a computer -
Commit two to four hours a day at a regular time each day to complete your job search. Anything more than this is unproductive.
3. Think broadly before you narrow down your search -
Have a good understanding of your strengths, skill set and adaptability. Remember, you don't need to fit 100% of the selection criteria. List the types of companies and industries you wish to work in, research these companies to develop a good understanding of how they operate and the clients they serve.
4. Are you finding it hard to juggle current employment and after hours job searching?
I'm a big fan of a 'one thing a day' rule. Whether it's an email or researching a new career possibility. One thing a day equals 30 actions per month. After a few months, that's 90+ small steps you've taken towards your next role.
5. Make yourself accountable -
Roughly 20% of your job search time needs to be spent on follow up and tracking your efforts. Only 3% of job seekers follow up on their efforts. Be in the top 3% and watch doors open.
Set a time every Friday morning to review progress and refresh your goals and action plan for the week ahead. That saves wasting half of Monday 'planning' and gives you Friday afternoon to make a few more calls to set up networking meetings for the coming week or two.
6. Choose when you apply for jobs -
Understand how your body clock works so that you feel energised and motivated when applying.
7. Stay connected -
Time spent on research is an investment into your future, so keeping on top of who is hiring and what roles are in demand and this will form the basis of your job applications.
8. Register with the right recruitment agencies -
Don’t just look for work yourself, let recruitment agencies come to you with opportunities. If they already have your resume and have pre-qualified you, the right opportunity could land in your lap!
9. Make networking a goal -
Network with people and businesses in the areas that you wish to be employed. Get your name out there and make an impression with everyone you meet.
10. Understand what you want -
Actively looking for work doesn't just mean applying for every opportunity by sending out 100 copies of your resume. The most important part of your job search is discovering who you are. What skills, abilities and talents do you have? This way you will know what value you have to offer.
11. Look after yourself -
They say looking for work is a full-time job, but I completely disagree! When looking for work, if you try to control every element, you’ll be frustrated and disappointed. Keep notes of your time spent and reflect on your progress. What jobs have you applied for? What follow ups have you made? What feedback have you received?
12. But it’s coming up to Christmas -
There is no reason to stop job hunting during the festive season. You can if you want or need to, but others either don't celebrate the holidays or can't afford to stop searching. If you have time on your hands, or if you are available to start work immediately, then this is, in fact, a great opportunity to step ahead of the game and get an advantage over your competition.
