Suggested Job Search Schedule

Suggested Job Search Schedule Sunday:  Review and apply to help wanted’s online and/or in classifieds (If your local paper comes out on a different day, start this schedule from that day and change the below days accordingly…) Monday:  Call those ads that request a call and obtain directions/additional information for ads asking to apply in person Tuesday: Apply in person, return calls of employers who called, attend any job development/training meetings, review job-seeking skills material online/participate in groups Wednesday:  Cold calls and practice interviewing, other job search skills training Thursday:  follow up calls with any outstanding employers, job service,. job search from the previous week Friday:  Networking – call friends and identify employers who are hiring.  Call and follow up with Staffing agencies registered with. Don’t forget to use other resources like checking jobs through the job service, trade journals, large area employers, Pennysaver type papers, and staffing agencies AT LEAST weekly. Keep up on the latest industry news!  If your job goals are a bit more modest - Work on your computer or other skills (one hour per day is a good goal).  Here is a brief lists of great sites for self-improvement: Job Search:  http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com  Computer Basics:  http://www.gcflearnfree.org/ComputerBasics or www.eldy.com  General Mind/Brain: http://www.lumosity.com  Keyboarding:  http://www.nimblefingers.com/0_min.htm OR http://www.powertyping.com  Microsoft Office:  http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training-FX101782702.aspx Languages:  http://www.duolingo.com/ OR http://livemocha.com/

I'd love to hear from you! Let me know how you are doing or comment below...

Mary Sherwood, MS, CDMS, CCM
lifeworks@mail.com
Professional, Rehab, & Occupational Services, LLC
http://www.life-works.info
http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marysevinsky
Landline 302.644.1827 | Mobile: 410.444.1989 | Skype Mary E. Sherwood  
Email LifeWorks@mail.com

Read another great article: how to job search with LinkedIn

Monday Mission, November 5, 2012

TAKE STOCK OF YOUR RESOURCES

One of the most important things you can do if you're unemployed is to take stock of your resources.  If you are unemployed, your first reaction might be to say, "Resources, what resources?!" It may be difficult to objective, let alone positive, but we all have resources - no matter how few or how many.

Some of the resources you may have or be able to readily plug into could include:

1. Skills.  What skills do you have that you can use to improve your current situation? Think in broad categories to get started then add to your list by noting any specialized or unusual skills that you have.  Some very broad categories to consider may include: Management, supervision, customer service, computers, transportation, equipment or professional/trade skills.
2. Aptitude.  Think about qualities you possess and types of things you are good at.  Are you creative?  Fearless? Thoughtful? A people person? Identify qualities that you have that are good selling points or something that you are proud to say you are. For example, I am proud to say I can learn quickly and never leave a job undone.
3. People. Who do you have in your life that you can count on for support, guidance, advice, or suggestions?  Who has always been there and can be counted on to keep you moving forward in a positive direction? These people may be family, friends, ex-co workers, clergy or mentors. You may not have been in touch with them recently; that is okay.  Unless they are dead, list them among your resources.
4. Money.  If you are unemployed you may not be able to list this as a resource.  But, it is important to know what and how much you do have to count on.  Consider cash, 401K, home equity, and credit cards.  There is no way to know how long your unemployment may last for sure, so you will need this information to make your plan. 
5. Equipment.  Do you have a working computer, cell phone, fax machine copier, paper and pens, etc?  If not, do you know where you can quickly access or obtain these resources?  Most libraries and Career One Stops offer use of computers free of charge.  Some provide printing, fax and phone services in addition to various short term training programs. 
6. Plan.  Do you have a plan? Even the fact that you have goals or have started to develop a plan might be a resource for you right now.  Something else in your favor! 
7. Résumé. Of course, you will need a résumé and cover letter if you hope to obtain a job.  You can certainly list this among your resources if you have a current one. 

IDENTIFY RESOURCES YOU NEED AND DEVELOP A PLAN

Once you've taken stock of the resources you do have -  start to make notes of the ones that you need. Somethings you can't change, like aptitude.  But if you're missing skills or knowledge you might be able to get training. Don't discount online, free, or short term training.  If nothing else, it can improve your self confidence.

If your network is lacking, you might consider joining a group or volunteering.  I am often surprised about the resistance my clients have to this particular suggestion.  To me, it seems like a no-brainer.  You are no longer getting up, getting dressed and going to work to see other people who acknowledge you exist.  Joining a group or volunteering can serve as a surrogate as well as put you in line to hear about potential job opportunities.

Once you've identified resources that you do need said about figuring out how to obtain them. You may need to research this on the internet or may tap into one of the people on your resource list.  In the end, though, you should have a potential way to obtain or access any of the resources that you need, but don't have. 

NO ONE BUT YOU CAN DO THIS DIFFICULT YET IMPORTANT WORK

What resources do you need most? 

Other articles that may be of interest:

Luck of the Draw - Some Tips to Get to the Top of the Pile

Sep 10, 2012

While there is no foolproof plan for job search, there are some things you can do to help increase the odds in your job search quest. Networking (yet again): Yes, you've heard it a thousand times, and I'm sure you have ...

http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Wednesday Wisdom October 17, 2012

Oct 17, 2012

If you don't know who you are or what you want then how will you communicate this to others? Dream. Dream big. Plan. Plan big. Set deadlines. Work toward your deadlines. Work hard. Ask for help. Achieve. Achieve big.

http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Thursday Thought October 4, 2012

Oct 04, 2012

Once he understood my plan to quit school and my adolescent reasons for doing so, he arranged for me to double up some classes and attend a local community college for the remainder. My college credits were transferred ...

http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Monday Mission September 10, 2012

Sep 10, 2012

You may have changed employers or jobs as other opportunities presented themselves. But in all likelihood you didn't plan your current career path. Now you can take the time to consider an plan a new path - you never know ...

http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/

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