Kick-Start Your Job Search! ,,, and Beat the Dead-end Doldrums

Are you getting frustrated with your job search? If you are like most people searching for a new job today, you're finding it difficult to even land an interview, much less get an offer. As an experienced professional, you saw no reason to worry at first, thinking you would surely find gainful employment soon. As the weeks and months tick away, it has become more discouraging. Maybe you are even starting to believe that it's not worth the effort - that new employment prospects are just not there for you.

You CAN get past those dead-end doldrums and get back on the success track to new career opportunities. A fresh approach to job-hunting can help you overcome your disappointments. Here are a few tips to kick-start your job search and get you back in the game.

Meet new people who have jobs
One mistake many clients make is to only attend networking functions for people looking for jobs. These groups can be helpful, but shouldn't be the only types of events you attend. Focus your energy on going to events that business owners and managers in your field attend. Look for professional organizations for your industry, the Chamber of Commerce, or service organizations like Rotary or Kiwanis. These are the people you want to meet and who need to get to know you.

Market yourself with new business cards
Get some blank business card sheets for your printer at the office supply store. Set them up with your name, the title of the job you want, your email and phone number. When you attend professional functions, keep your ears open. Find out who people are, where they work, and what their jobs are. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and let them know you are interested in what they were saying. Ask for their cards and present yours, then follow up later, if appropriate, with your résumé. It’s important not to abuse membership in these professional associations. Get to know the members by getting involved in their community projects. Take the lead and let them see your skills and abilities.

Look sharp
Shaving, putting on makeup or a professional suit and tie starts to feel like too much effort when you don't have a job. It’s easy to get spoiled by sleeping later, wearing shorts and working on projects around the house all day. Now is not the time to slack in your attire and appearance! How we dress affects how we think about ourselves and how we perform. Dressing up, getting a haircut, and acting professional helps you put yourself out there in the public eye - and shine. You never know when you are going to run into your next boss while you’re out.

Finally, accentuate the positive
First of all, stop complaining. This may be the hardest of all habits for you to reform. There’s power in the words that come out of your mouth. You’ve heard of the self-fulfilling prophesy, right? You become what you speak and who you hang around. So do yourself a favor and don’t hang around with dejected job seekers who have no hope. Find a positive and optimistic support group and focus on the positive events that you made happen that week. Read or listen to material that promotes positive thinking - works by Dale Carnegie, Norman Vincent Peale or Anthony Robbins (all available at your local library!).

These behaviors may not be easy, but the dead-end doldrums are worse. Moving forward with your job search and staying out of the doldrums will pay off in a better future for you. So, choose one of these ideas and start today. Add another in a week or two… Congratulations, you just picked up the pace in getting your next job!

Marsha M. Leap, Ed.D., a Florida Certified Workforce Professional and a Certified Job & Career Transition Coach, brings the power of more than 20 years experience in career management, resume writing and interview preparation to your job search, "Dr. Marsha" started Leap Ahead Professional Development in Lakeland, FL to help professionals reach their fullest career potential. For more info, visit http://www.leapaheadtoday.com or call (863) 607-3090 today.