As I move on from my ‘returnship’ into a permanent role, it is significantly easier than my initial return to work campaign. I have hired a coach, who is effective, and I enjoy working with. I told her my goal is to be her easiest, fastest client in getting a new job: our goals are aligned! I share with you my experience and some suggestions that you can also easily implement to make your own job search more effective:
Enjoy the process: if you are not currently enjoying the process it is important to identify why. Do you have limiting beliefs that may be coming into play? Examples could include not feeling hirable, not feeling fully ready to return, fears about whether you will be able to handle all the responsibilities in different areas of your life with the addition of a new job? I had a few of these, and once I have identified them, talked myself through the reasons they are not necessarily true or valid, I feel more positive about my search.
Set small, achievable goals: this gives you a greater probability of success in meeting your benchmarks. Success feels good; thus, you are establishing a positive feedback loop which makes it fun and sustainable. I realized that I spent quite a lot of time writing what I ‘should’ be doing but never actually doing it. This led to feelings of guilt, and more avoidance. Or alternatively, I would take great action on one position but not follow through. For instance, I would meet a contact who volunteered to advocate for me internally. But I would never check that employer’s job board or apply. I would then feel worried and even ashamed that I had not followed through but move on to the next task.
With my coach’s guidance, I made a firm commitment to spend a minimum of 15 minutes per day on job search activities with the option of having a weekend day or two off. I call my time my 15 minutes of fame. I can use the time to research positions, apply online, customize my resume, find contacts on LinkedIn to advocate for me for positions I have applied to. I can also use the time for interviews, interview prep… the list is endless! I have a hard cap at 30 minutes per day, I set a timer. My coach recommended this so that the process is sustainable and does not become a boom and bust effort. It also keeps me from getting overwhelmed.
I am doing a significantly better job of keeping on top of my opportunities and sourcing new ones. My next initiative is to add in more networking as my coach and I have targeted an about 80% goal for time spent on networking; this because networking is a more proven way of getting a job. I am networking online through LinkedIn, getting contacts and referrals from friends and colleagues, and attending industry groups. This time around I feel more congruent in my search, I know I will succeed and I am eager to learn where and how as my story unfolds.
We've Got This 