Is you job search stuck? Here are 5 ways to jump start your career.
We've all been there. Sometimes it seems like no matter how hard you try, you just aren't seeing any results. When you are looking for a new job, there are times when you just hit a wall and start to think that all of you efforts are useless.
If you have been devoting all of your time and energy into finding a new job, only to end up frustrated and at a dead end, it is probably time to re-energize it and break out of the rut.
Here are 5 ways to jump start your job search:
- Don't panic – I know this is a whole lot easier to say than do, but hear me out. When you let panic take the driver's seat you can find yourself freaking out and grasping at straws. This type of desperation shows in your cover letters, your phone manner and it certainly comes across in an interview. Hiring managers are all too familiar with the gleam of desperation in a job candidate's eyes, and it makes them significantly less likely to hire you. If you are in panic mode, the best thing to do is take a couple days off from your job search, or at least cut back the number of hours you are devoting to it each day. Instead of scouring the internet for job openings, try a different tactic.
- Look for non-traditional networking opportunities – By now, I'm sure that you know how important it is to have a strong social network. The typical networking events like job fairs and conferences are still great, but look for other places to network. This could mean talking to people at the park, attending a charity fundraiser, going to a city council meeting or having lunch with a few professional colleagues. Sometimes when you are focused on the job search, taking time out to have a social life can feel like slacking, but it just isn't the case. Taking the time out to touch base with your professional contacts can help you find out about job openings and boost your spirits while you're at it.
- Offer your services – Look for ways that you can use your skills to help others. No matter where you live, there are plenty of non-profit organizations that could use your help. Maybe you could lead a workshop, help set up tables at their next event or just offer your help. Getting involved in your community is really one of the best ways to make you feel productive and it can bolster your self-esteem. Besides, volunteer work looks great on your resume.
- Start an industry-related blog – These days, just about anyone can become an expert on something and there are many places online where you can set up a blog easily and for free. All you have to do is decide what part of your industry you are especially knowledgeable about and write about that. You can chose to write a consumer help blog or a blog designed to help other professionals. After you have several blog posts up, network with other bloggers and participate in the discussions on their sites. As your audience grows, you will gain some recognition and may even grab the eye of an employer. Even if you don't, your blog will help you stand out as an industry leader on your resume.
- Change your routine – This is something that helps me a whole lot. When I start to feel like I'm stuck in a rut, I look for ways to change my weekly schedule in order to still be effective but prevent burn out. Sometimes I'll start going for a walk in the early morning, just to clear my head, and then getting to work. Other times, I will schedule less actual work and more time networking with others and looking for new opportunities.
If you have been doing the same thing over and over again, without seeing the results you want, you have nothing to lose by shaking things up a little bit. Take a week or two and try something new. You might be surprised by the results.
What do you do when you start to get discouraged or feel that you are stuck in a rut? Please share your tips in the comments.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for Administrativejobsblog. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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