Many people in the last decade have experienced a layoff or termination in their lives or in the life of someone they know. While some of these affected individuals have experienced relocation consulting services, many have not and may be in for a rude awakening: corporations no longer “take care of you” or are in a financial position to provide services to their workers. that they are leaving
Managing your career while finding a job in these tough economic times requires a job seeker to have a game plan and an understanding of self and human behavior. This psychological knowledge can be the edge that separates you from the other 100 and sometimes thousands of other candidates who are also looking for a job right now.
This is why relocation consulting and career coaches have become so popular and are being sought after by individuals, not just corporations. A career coach can help you manage more than just his career, they can help him communicate better and get along better with others. In the end, it really is about relationships, isn’t it?
1. Know yourself
Most people don’t know what they really want in their careers. They have a title and they went out into the world. 20 years later, they have no idea why life sucks. There are some very good assessments for determining personality types, preferences, abilities, attitudes, and interests. An honest assessment of what you like to do in your preferred style, and who you want to do it with, helps determine what you should be doing in your career and in life. I would suggest the DISC or MAPP or I-Speak Your Language to start behavioral assessments before going heavy on the Birkman, for example. More importantly, how you will use this knowledge to your advantage in networking or interviewing…anything else besides that is just a feel-good assessment.
2. Establish a game plan
What is the most important thing to you in your career? You must know how to navigate using the tools that God has given you. When was the last time you wrote what creates satisfaction in your work? What talents and skills come naturally to you?
3. Think of yourself as a freelancer…always
Job hunting is not something you do every day; As your skills in a sport rust without practice, so do your job hunting skills. What are the latest techniques and best practices, how can you maximize your network, etc. Are you using social media to promote yourself and stay “alive and fresh” in the eyes of your network?
4. Develop a clear and concise message about who you are and what you most want to do
When you know what you’re good at and what you want, you go for it and people get out of your way. You no longer have competition. You no longer sabotage yourself or tolerate the behavior of other associates or bosses. The good book says that you ask and it will be given to you… how many times do we not ask because we are not sure or we lack faith (trust).
5. Tell everyone in your network what you want
Needless to say… there are only 3 degrees of separation in a job search… not six, this is good for you. By developing a clear message or statement and getting it out to the masses, you ensure that they refer you to someone who has the authority to hire you. Get help developing this message.
6. Stay motivated
It’s not about cheering you up. It’s about realizing how you were wired from birth and how to use that programming to achieve happiness. We call these values and beliefs. Knowing what’s important will make it easier to say NO to the things and people that waste your time. At the same time, you will discover opportunities that have eluded you in the past.
7. Keep promoting yourself
Most people get caught up in the politics of life. Dodging this will energize you and put you leaps and bounds above your peers. The old adage that you shouldn’t brag about yourself, don’t apply during your job search. You can talk about your achievements while remaining humble… this is an attitude of gratitude that people immediately recognize.
8. Get out of your comfort zone
We get stuck in our comfort zone; However, before long, this comfort zone becomes a routine. It is at this point that we become complacent. Complacency likely led to poor performance, and poor performance could have led to termination of the job. Continue to take calculated risks. There are no failures in life… only results… if you don’t like the result, make a midway adjustment or “change” your approach and keep moving forward. Don’t lose your momentum.
9. Stay in top physical condition
There are more people on “drugs”; today than ever in our society. Adderall, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Xanax, Valium, Viagra, while some people have medical reasons for taking them, research has shown that many of these disorders stem from “burnout”, a lack of concentration or coping skills. Exercise can produce chemicals in the bloodstream that are safer and have other beneficial effects. Additionally, psychological stressors actually release “bad” chemicals into the bloodstream, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which in high doses can cause other ill effects. Knowing what is important in all areas of your life and career allows you to have peace of mind and balance.
10. Reevaluate your values and goals annually
How did you do this year, what needs to improve? What areas of your life need more attention? How are you measuring and tracking that? Who will help you develop those metrics?