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OK. We all know that jobs are in short supply and the continual coverage of downsizing, reorganization, mergers and corporate sell-offs makes it difficult to remain optimistic and enthusiastic. However, there are things that you can – and cannot do – to find your next job.
To remain optimistic, you need to shift the focus from the things that are outside of your control to productive elements of job searching that you can control.
You cannot control what happens in corporate or law firm America right now. You cannot control how fast economic stimulus packages work or don’t work. And, you cannot control whether 10 or 100 people apply for the position that you would like.
Here are some suggestions on productive things that you can control which will help keep a sense of optimism and can help land a new job.
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Learn a new element of social networking. Like it or not, social networking is a major wave of the future in terms of identifying opportunities and people who can convert those opportunities to better jobs and salaries. Pick one --- Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. Spend some time learning how to effectively use that network. While we all have some basic knowledge of these sites, there are many elements that we could all learn better and use more effectively.
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Review your networks. You’ve contacted your initial list of people who may be able to help in your job search and you think everyone knows that you are looking for a new position. However, take some time every week to review that list and see if you can add one or two more people (professional, civic or social) that may be able to help. The process of identifying and contacting those individuals will keep you forward-thinking.
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Help your search by writing a relevant article. Whether you are an attorney, specialist, paralegal or secretary, think about an aspect of your experience and background that would be suitable for an article. It might be technical in nature or simply a life experience. Once you’ve completed, look for places to publish it. Consider contacting local or national bar or industry associations. Their journals are always looking for quality content to publish. Or, even your local newspaper or business journal may be an avenue. The point in doing this exercise is to establish your name in the public eye as offering relevant content and it will make you stand out from the rest of job seekers not doing it. In addition, the additional contacts that you establish in trying to publish may prove extremely useful in finding new opportunities.
InsuranceLawJobs is always interested in publishing career or industry related articles on our site and including them as attachments to your resume.
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Allocate time for others. While looking for a job can be all-encompassing, remember to allocate time for others. Consider taking someone else who is job searching out for a walk or cup of coffee. Allow yourself “time off” to enjoy the company of your spouse, children or friends. Offer to help someone (eg an elderly person) with a project that needs to be done. Research shows that by helping others, you can shift your mood dramatically.
In short, do whatever works for you that will allow you to feel productive, in control and moving forward. By doing so, things will change!
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