Are you unemployed right now? One thing I learned about today's job market is that waiting around to get picked is no longer an option. Seth Godin, my favorite business author after the amazing Peter Drucker, says that you can no longer wait to get picked. You have to go out and make something happen. You have to become a linchpin and become indispensable to someone: an employer, a tribe you create, a company you found.
Five Steps to Becoming Indispensable When Job Searching in 2015
1. Throw Your Old Mindset Out the Window
If you are approaching your job search like you always have, they you probably aren't going to get very far. You can no longer just send in a resume or fill out the online application and patiently wait for someone to call. It is time for you to tap in to your super awesome powers and make something happen!
Did you go on LinkedIn to see if you know anyone at the company where you applied? Did you tell ALL your friends and ALL your business contacts about your job hunt to have them generate leads for you? Did you add a fabulous photo on LinkedIn that screams "Hire Me!" Are you at as many networking events as possible where you can meet potential leads? Are you incorporating your creative projects into your professional portfolio? I don't recommend spending much time with current job seekers as they aren't going to have the immediate contacts you need. Spend most of your time with people who are currently in the workplace for best results.
2. Take Some Time to Really Examine Your Skillset
If you haven't updated your software skills in the last three years, then you need to update your skills. Everyone should be advanced users of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. If you aren't, then get to a local library or search on YouTube for training on this basic office software skillset.
Many companies are using Google Apps which includes Google Docs and Gmail. If you aren't familiar with these, then create a Gmail account and learn it! Being very skilled in these can get you in the door at most places. Another software that is very popular is Microsoft Project if you are in IT administration or project management. Social media skills are also all the rage and can be helpful on your resume.
3. Establish a Circle of Support
The recruiting professionals that I know are telling me to expect a job search for a mid-level position to last about one year in 2015. With that said, it is very important to line up several acquaintances whom you can call on when the going gets rough - because it will! I'd recommend going outside your close family circle as they can grow tired of your challenges and might not be very supportive over time.
4. Give Yourself Permission to Not Be Employed
It can be frustrating when you can't find a job. Give yourself permission to enjoy the free time that you have while you are not working. Don't just sit around all day and watch TV, eating chocolate, in your PJs, feeling sorry for yourself! It can be SO tempting to do nothing. Instead, start the workout routine you always wanted. Spend time with your children. Enroll in school. Work on your art. Hang out at the library or local art museum. Maximizing your free time will help reduce the "unemployment blues" and keep your brain stimulated. This kind of self-care will have your ready to get back into the workplace as soon as you find your new job!
5. Create Something Spectacular While You Are Unemployed
Are you an artist or have you always wanted to be one? Then, start planning your creative projects or go to an art class and let your creativity flow. I always wanted to draw, so I found an online drawing class that I loved with Jane Davenport. How can this make you indispensable on a job hunt? Along with your creative work, make a simple website featuring your work online. When you are on a job hunt, you can use this as part of the package that you present to your potential employers.
Five Steps to Becoming Indispensable When Job Searching in 2015
1. Throw Your Old Mindset Out the Window
If you are approaching your job search like you always have, they you probably aren't going to get very far. You can no longer just send in a resume or fill out the online application and patiently wait for someone to call. It is time for you to tap in to your super awesome powers and make something happen!
Did you go on LinkedIn to see if you know anyone at the company where you applied? Did you tell ALL your friends and ALL your business contacts about your job hunt to have them generate leads for you? Did you add a fabulous photo on LinkedIn that screams "Hire Me!" Are you at as many networking events as possible where you can meet potential leads? Are you incorporating your creative projects into your professional portfolio? I don't recommend spending much time with current job seekers as they aren't going to have the immediate contacts you need. Spend most of your time with people who are currently in the workplace for best results.
2. Take Some Time to Really Examine Your Skillset
If you haven't updated your software skills in the last three years, then you need to update your skills. Everyone should be advanced users of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. If you aren't, then get to a local library or search on YouTube for training on this basic office software skillset.
Many companies are using Google Apps which includes Google Docs and Gmail. If you aren't familiar with these, then create a Gmail account and learn it! Being very skilled in these can get you in the door at most places. Another software that is very popular is Microsoft Project if you are in IT administration or project management. Social media skills are also all the rage and can be helpful on your resume.
3. Establish a Circle of Support
The recruiting professionals that I know are telling me to expect a job search for a mid-level position to last about one year in 2015. With that said, it is very important to line up several acquaintances whom you can call on when the going gets rough - because it will! I'd recommend going outside your close family circle as they can grow tired of your challenges and might not be very supportive over time.
4. Give Yourself Permission to Not Be Employed
It can be frustrating when you can't find a job. Give yourself permission to enjoy the free time that you have while you are not working. Don't just sit around all day and watch TV, eating chocolate, in your PJs, feeling sorry for yourself! It can be SO tempting to do nothing. Instead, start the workout routine you always wanted. Spend time with your children. Enroll in school. Work on your art. Hang out at the library or local art museum. Maximizing your free time will help reduce the "unemployment blues" and keep your brain stimulated. This kind of self-care will have your ready to get back into the workplace as soon as you find your new job!
5. Create Something Spectacular While You Are Unemployed
Are you an artist or have you always wanted to be one? Then, start planning your creative projects or go to an art class and let your creativity flow. I always wanted to draw, so I found an online drawing class that I loved with Jane Davenport. How can this make you indispensable on a job hunt? Along with your creative work, make a simple website featuring your work online. When you are on a job hunt, you can use this as part of the package that you present to your potential employers.