Job Search Tip: map out your ideal day

Whether you Considering a career change or looking to change employment, your first step should be to think about how you want your work day to be.  As adults, we spend at least a third of our day working. Get few of us give much thought to planning our careers.

Most often, myself included, we have just kind of "lucked into" this or that job or career.  What's more, once in a position, we often count ourselves lucky to be among the employed. We don't have it so bad...

If you are reading this it is likely that you are at least wondering what else might be out there. If you are unemployed you might be tempted to disregard this article entirely.  DON'T.

You will be far more successful in your job search if you know what you want and are eager to pursue it.  Without a focus of some sort, you will be more likely to miss out on opportunities for pursuing what could be your dream job.

Stop what you are doing now and jot a few notes about what you would like your workday to be like.  Would you prefer to work:

Days or nights

In an office or at home

For a large corporations or a small business

Alone or as part of a team

On the phone or in the field

With people things or information

Getting your hands dirty or dressing up every day

At a predetermined rate or sky's the limit commission

In a position of responsibility or following directions

These are just a few of the questions you can ask yourself to begin planning a satisfying career. Not down even more ideas as you come across jobs that pique your interest. Once you have a focus don't be afraid to look beyond what you are currently searching for and assess what opportunities make sense given where you want to go.

It's your journey.  Why not make the most of it?

I'd love to hear from you... 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

Let me know how you are doing or how I can help! 

Comment below or reach out.

Read another great article: Suggested Job Search Schedule

10 Tips for Job Searching during the Coronavirus - it's NOT impossible!

It may seem a challenge to conduct a job search during this difficult time, but it isn’t impossible! Here are a few things you can do:

 1.    Contact all staffing agencies in your area to register/make sure you are registered and note the types of positions they hire for so you know how frequently to follow up (weekly). Many are busier than normal and offering different kinds of jobs than normal as employers have different needs today than even last week!

2.   Practice interviewing - here are a few helpful links.  

3.   Continue job search – it will show your perseverance and desire to work.

4.   Continue to follow up on previously applied to jobs by phone and email on prior applications for the same reason – the employers will open back up and need to hire at some point!

5.   Network! Make that list of 200 people you know and reach out to them. Let them know you are looking for work after checking in on them and catching up on their lives.
6.   Consider working in one of the COVID 19 in-demand jobs related to the food, medical, or drug industries.
7.   Take aptitude/interest tests online to open up ideas for different jobs you could consider than the ones you are currently looking for.

       Aptitude and Interest Tests

8.   Revamp your resume and cover letter. 

9.   Fluff your online presence and be active on social media - start a blog! 

10.  Work on computer/other skills with online resources for an hour a day - all are free!

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://www.gcflearnfree.org/office  OR http://office.mi`crosoft.com/en-us/training-FX101782702.aspx 

Another article on making career changes: 
https://jobsearchfortherestofus.blogspot.com/2020/02/making-career-change.html

Good luck! 

I'd love to hear from you! 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

Let me know how you are doing or how I can help! 

Comment below or reach out.

Making a career change?

Determine the Job You Want

The very first thing you need to do is determine the exact thing you want to do in your job. If you really have no idea, first make a list of the things you like to do and the things that you feel are a strength for you. If you are still struggling with an idea, consider reading: Finding Your Career Passion.

If you already have an idea — you are a marketing major, but just aren’t sure what in marketing you would like to do — then your next step is investigating various job titles in your area of interest.

Determine Where You Want to Live

Are you open to relocating, or do you have a very specific geographic location in mind? If you have a specific location in mind, then your next step is identifying the companies that have offices/plants/locations in those areas. Probably the best way to identify these companies is through local chambers of commerce or other business directories.

If you are opening to relocating, then you can move on to the next step.

Determine the Best Companies for You

You need to make some decisions about the types of companies that fit your needs, style, and personality. Examine such issues as the size of the company, corporate culture, management style, employee empowerment, and other issues of importance to you. Not sure of exactly what you’re seeking in an employer? Take our Workplace Values Assessment to learn more about what you seek in an employer.

Determine the Job You Want

The very first thing you need to do is determine the exact thing you want to do in your job. If you really have no idea, first make a list of the things you like to do and the things that you feel are a strength for you. If you are still struggling with an idea, consider reading: Finding Your Career Passion.

If you already have an idea — you are a marketing major, but just aren’t sure what in marketing you would like to do — then your next step is investigating various job titles in your area of interest.

Determine Where You Want to Live

Are you open to relocating, or do you have a very specific geographic location in mind? If you have a specific location in mind, then your next step is identifying the companies that have offices/plants/locations in those areas. Probably the best way to identify these companies is through local chambers of commerce or other business directories.

If you are opening to relocating, then you can move on to the next step.

Determine the Best Companies for You

You need to make some decisions about the types of companies that fit your needs, style, and personality. Examine such issues as the size of the company, corporate culture, management style, employee empowerment, and other issues of importance to you. Not sure of exactly what you’re seeking in an employer? Take our Workplace Values Assessment to learn more about what you seek in an employer.

Your Job Search Strategy

Sunday:  Review and apply to help wanted ads 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 dates 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 seeking skills training

Thursday:  follow up calls with any outstanding employers, work force technology job search

Friday:  Networking – Call friends and identify employers who are hiring.  Call and follow up with Staffing agencies you registered with

Don’t forget to take regular breaks, eat meals (not at your desk or while doing anything else), and go outside daily.  Volunteering is a great way to have something to look forward to and provides good social feedback.

 'I'd love to hear from you! 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

Let me know how you are doing or how I can help! 

Comment below or reach out. 

Maryland JTF for Injured Workers Annual Conference June 17, 2020

'I'd love to hear from you! 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

Let me know how you are doing or how I can help! 

Comment below or reach out. 

Mary Sherwood, MS, CDMS, CCM, Occupational Consultant

Landline 302.644.1827 | Mobile:  410.444.1989 | Skype Mary.E.Sherwood 

UNEMPLOYED NEED GUIDANCE TO RETURN TO WORK

Job seekers who are currently unemployed need career guidance to address issues only they experience due to their unique situation.  I recently asked a client I am currently assisting to complete a brief survey about his job search concerns.  He was asked to list three answers for each question.  

Of special note, one of my clients wrote, "I feel there should be a websites for mature adults who have worked all their lives.  Give us a chance."  Very moving....There was no way I could turn my back on this request and created www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com.  On this website, you will find articles of interest to the unemployed.  Here you will find job search, resources, coping ideas, and other articles to help move you forward and put the work loss behind you. 

Here is what I asked my current clients – How would you answer?

 

What do you miss about working?

What are some of your biggest job search obstacles?

What are your biggest job search fears?

Most of the answers were along the lines of what I expected to hear - I have been counseling the unemployed for a long time... I want to assure you that you are not alone and what you are feeling is entirely normal!

Here are some of the answers I got to my brief survey:

What do you miss about working?

 Being out in public and seeing people

 Filling up my day with different activities

 Earning money, having freedom, and independence

 Having something to look forward to

 Doing something I'm good at

What are some of your biggest job search obstacles? 

 Use of my injured body part

 Memory and concentration

 Lack of skills

 Finding a job in a new field or industry

 Age

What are your biggest job search fears?

 Not being able to do the job

 Interviewing

 Not being able to make enough money

 Not being hired

 Learning new skills

I'd love to hear from you! 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

Read another great article: difficult doesn't mean impossible!

Let me know how you are doing or how I can help! 

Comment below or reach out. 

New Favorite Resource for Learning English as a Second Language

USA Learns!

This free resource has many video lessons and 1000s of activities.  Learn to speak and listen to English, improve vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing, and grammar. They even have a new U.S. Citizenship course!

100% free educational website: https://www.usalearns.org/

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

Let me know how you are doing or how I can help!

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

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