Getting unstuck (2)
- 1. GETTING UNSTUCK In Your Job Search Process Linda (Lin) Phillips, MS, NCC, NCCC, MCC Career and Life Transition Counseling
- 3. A Problem Well Defined… • Identify all possible problems preventing you from getting the job • Choose the biggest problem • Restate the problem as a question. E.g. How can I …. • Brainstorm possible solutions
- 4. Five Common Problems • Lost • Stuck in Traffic • Dead End • Overwhelmed • Mechanical Problems
- 6. Build Your Road Map • Have a clear destination – Know what you want • What job or role? • In what industry? • What size company? • What geographic location? • Write your elevator statement
- 7. Build Your Road Map…continued • Identify and list all qualifying employers – Currently open positions – And beyond. Ideas might come from: • Networking • Yellow Pages • Chamber of Commerce • Industry directories • Internet search • Job postings • DM Business Record “Book of Lists”
- 9. Stand Out from the Others • Build Relationships – Get involved: • Professional Associations (Encyclopedia of Associations) • Breakfast Club • Chamber of Commerce • Service Organizations • Fraternities / Sororities • Networking events • Religious Organization
- 10. Stand Out from the Others…continued • Build Relationships – Make contact with: • Alumni Association / College Placement Office • Recruiters • Former employers • Friends / relatives / former co-workers
- 11. Stand Out from the Others…continued • Create Outstanding Documents – Design your letterhead…and use it – Use key words of the industry / employer in cover letter and resume – Match the order your qualifications to the job ad – Use a QR code to route the reader to your web-site – Print and use personal business cards – Create a business-style e-mail address – Design and use a portfolio
- 12. Stand Out from the Others…continued • Follow Up with the employer. . . – 1 week after sending resume – On the date the position is closed – On decision dates – Once a month • Send a Thank You letter following each contact
- 13. Stand Out from the Others…continued • Innovate – Prove you fit the employer’s culture (match messages) – Incorporate a QR code on your resume / business card – Meet face-to-face – Offer to help first and get hired later – Give three solutions to a problem the company faces – Provide a work sample
- 15. Create an Alternate Route • Gain new skills • Keep up with current trends • Change Industries • Expand geographic locations • Add second choice career • Work a temporary assignment • Be a Consultant
- 16. Create an Alternate Route…continued • Accept contract work • Become an entrepreneur • Volunteer … www.unitedwaydm.org • Step back one level • Look at lateral position • Take an internship • Seek professional help
- 18. Get It Together • Get Focused: – Look Inward • Values • Themes • Abilities – Look Backward • Accomplishments • Results • Past Dreams • Repair bridges that need to be mended
- 19. Get It Together…continued • Get focused (continued) – Look Forward • Ideal • Self-employed vs. work for another – Look upward • What is my greater purpose • What is my calling
- 20. Get It Together…continued • Get Organized – Set weekly / daily goals – Schedule goal related activities each day – Keep track. Hint: Use JibberJobber or Becomed.com, on-line organizational tools – Establish an in-home work space • Reward Yourself when you have met your goals
- 22. Use Preventive Maintenance • Take a break • Do something for JOY • Eat right • Get regular exercise, build endorphins • Wake and sleep on same schedule • Avoid isolation
- 23. Preventive Maintenance…continued • Give purpose to your life • Volunteer… www.unitedwaydm.org • It’s OK to grieve …privately • Get professional help – Career Counselor or Career coach • NBCC.org thecoaches.com coachfederation.org – Mental Health professional
- 24. Contact Information Linda (Lin) Phillips, MS, NCC, NCCC, MCC Career and Life Transition Counseling 200 Army Post Road, Suite 3 Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-285-1240 www.iowacareercounselor.com