Out of work, trying to focus on your job search?
First, if you’ve not already done so, please read my post I lost my job, now what?. If you have been let go from your job, then your current job is to look for work full time. This can be daunting, but not if you focus.
If you have been offered outplacement services, you should take advantage and use these services as soon as possible. Each service is different, but they generally offer a desk to work from, classes on various topics, a computer and a phone.
Whether you are “searching from home” or an outplacement office, try to make a plan. One suggested approach is to split your day as follows:
- Return calls and emails as appropriate
- Spend an hour or so researching/making a list of companies you would like to work for
- Register on 3-5 company websites
- Register on 3-5 job search sites
- Send your resume to 3-5 recruiters/headhunters
- Send, via snail mail (Job Hunting with “Snail mail”), your cover letter/resume to 3-5 contacts
- BRIEFLY, review some of the job search sites and look for NEW positions that meet your criteria and apply
I say “3-5″ for each of the above since the process can be very time consuming and your available time is dependent on time spent on phone calls, emails and interviews. To help, somewhat, I’ve listed a few research resources which may help you create your list and one that will help you keep your list of “to do’s”.
- iacpr.org – This is the International Association for Corporate & Professional Recruitment website. If you click on “Companies” on the left hand side of the page you will see a long list of recruiters. Look up these names on the Internet and add these to your “recruiter list”.
- 2008 Best Companies to Work For – This link is an About.com page which provides lists of: America’s best 200 small companies, America’s best 400 big companies, Outside’s best places to work and many more. Use these lists for your “company website list”.
- Toodledo.com – This site provides an online (free) “to do” list manager. You can access it wherever you have an internet connection. Use this to keep track of your “to do” list each day.
- Job Search Resources – Best Job Search Sites – Another About.com page which provides a list of some targeted search sites. This should get you started on your “job search site” list.
Good luck in your search.
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