My life is in a slump! I recently lost my job when my employer relocated to Vietnam and my relationship with my boyfriend of seven years ended not long ago. I feel listless but I know that getting back to work would be a positive step in the right direction. Could you find a new job for me or give me some guidelines I could use to move forward?
Much appreciated,
Bait
Dear Bait
I am more than happy to share with you some guidelines for job search techniques.
To start with you need to manage your emotions. Try not to become despondent and remember that there are always jobs out there. Be positive about your possibilities and know that new opportunities are just around the corner. There are a number of instances where people who were out-off-work used their 'down-time' to reflect on and re-plan their careers, and then went on to become millionaires - Saichon of Banrai Coffee House is a good example. With patience, preparation and a bit of courage you too can succeed. Begin by:
1. Understand the symptoms of stress
Emotional responses come from feelings of being trapped , denial, anger and depression, all of which cause stress. To move on, you need to feel acceptance. Accept the situation you're in and plan to deal with it. With a course of action in place you will have greater direction and feel less stress.
2. Set Goals
You have time to sit down and set your personal goals. Make out lists of your short, medium and long term goals. If you don't know where you are going you will probably end up somewhere you don't want to be!! The tip here is to be realistic and set goals that are challenging but achievable.
3. Personal Assessment
Analyse your experience, skills, knowledge, interests, and values. Once you understand your true worth you will be able to target jobs and potential employers more accurately. People who are good at what they do tend to enjoy their work more. So, what role would fulfill you professionally and best utilise your skills set?
4. Prepare you resume
The purpose of a resume is to introduce you to a potential employer. Your resume should present your background, highlight major accomplishments/achievements and emphasize your professional strengths. You can search for a popular resume formats on the Internet.
5. Understand the job market
You need to remember that you are in charge of your job search. You must take full responsibility for it and you must make a personal commitment to the task at hand for it to succeed. Please note that this is a full time activity and is probably the hardest task you will face. Keep up to date with the activities and employment scene in the industries that interest you. Read a newspaper every day and keep up with business news and current affairs. Maintain old work contacts - word of mouth is a powerful tool for a job seeker.
6. Make a start!
Here is something you could do today update your resume and email it to reputable recruitment firms that specialise in placing candidates in those industries that interest you. Use the Internet to search for the recruitment firms and then visit their websites for job and contact information.
Finally, try to be positive about your job search, and try to enjoy the challenge of finding a new and better job. Remember the words of Albert Einstein: "A person starts to live when he can live outside himself."
Good luck!
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