Treat your job search as a full-time job. Although you do not have
to search from 9-5 every day, you will only get out of it what you put
in. Have a plan. Research companies, go on informational interviews,
network, analyze your skills.
Stay healthy. A job search can be
stressful. Don't let it affect your physical health. Eat well, exercise
and practice relaxation and stress management techniques. Put energy
into your spiritual life!.
Create a "to-do" list for the week.
Carolyn Couch, of the Career Services Department of Wake Forest
University, "This list could include the networking calls you will make
that week, the web sites you will review, the time you will spend at the
public library doing research... Once you have completed the items on
your list you can relax and be less likely to worry about what you
should be doing, knowing that you are working toward your goal on a
regular basis."
Form a support network. Rely on your
friends and family to encourage you and provide you with networking
contacts. "As long as you fulfill your responsibilities for your career
change and don't expect others to do things for you that you should be
doing for yourself, there's nothing wrong with seeking support and
feedback from others along the way," says Dr. David Helfand, career
counselor and author of Career Change : Everything You Need to Know to
Meet New Challenges and Take Control of Your Career (VGM Career
Horizons, 1995).
The Pep Talk
It's inevitable that at some point in this
process, you will feel run down and need a good pep talk.
There are always jobs. If your job search method
isn't finding them, change it. Remember that rejection does not make you
an unworthy worker or a bad person. It just didn't work out for that
particular job.
Finally, remember not to give up! There is a
good job out there for you--in fact, there are many. Keep your head up,
and you'll find them!