Employment Plan

Initialize the Employment Plan

When you are unemployed

Your employment situation may not be looking good, or it has possibly ended. Here are some initial steps to begin getting control of both the situation and of yourself.

Stay calm, find your starting point, and assess the situation.

Excerpts from useful published articles are listed at the right.

When the Axe Falls

Suddenly Unemployed

Why Can’t I Find a Job

Stay Positive + -

Make Your Company Research Count

A Morning Routine That Transforms Your Day

The Effective 15-10-2 Job Search

Time Management for Job Seekers

Personal Work or Out-Source?

Your Job Quest in a Nut Shell

Back

When the Axe Falls

By Anna Prior

Excerpt : The Wall Street Journal; Possibility of Lay Off

What's the worst that can happen?

We put that question to the expert -- Joshua Piven, author of the bestselling "Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook" series. His tongue-in-cheek answer is not pretty: "You lose your job, you run out of savings or a safety net, have to sell [your] home, it's a down market and you can't sell your house, you move, pull the kids out of school, it's not easy to get another job and your whole lifestyle has to change.

As jobless rates go up, duration of the job search usually follows Conventional wisdom has long called for you to stash away up to six months of living expenses to carry you through a financial emergency or job loss. But with more job hunts lasting longer than half a year, backup funds can dwindle, and you will have to make more and more tough financial choices.

It may be painful to think about bad things happening, but you have to make sure you are budgeting appropriately and living below your means. Here are some things to keep in mind, starting now:

While You're Working

Double that emergency fund. Begin living frugally with the savings applied to emergency savings. Consider downsizing your living quarters if you are renting, or consider taking in a roommate. Since it's easier to get credit while you're employed, opening another credit card or a home-equity line of credit in case money becomes tight if you are unemployed. Use this credit only as a last resort.

When the Word Comes Down

File for unemployment benefits immediately. A severance package from your employer could delay your eligibility, many of the unemployment offices are overwhelmed right now and are behind.

Call your landlord or lender if your layoff results in immediate financial instability. Ask about deferred-payment plans for rent or find out if your lender offers programs

to restructure any loans, says Ms. Robertson. If you're financially stable, you may still want to alert your landlord or lender to your employment situation in case you have trouble making future payments.

Look into all your health-insurance options. The government made some modifications to the federal COBRA law, which allows people to extend their previous coverage, but know that this isn't always the most affordable plan. Young and healthy? A high-deductible plan might still be more affordable.

The First Six Months

Develop a bare-bones budget, stick to it, so your severance or emergency funds last as long as possible. Prioritize your debts. When the bills come, pay the big ones -- such as rent or mortgage, utilities and car payments -- before making minimum payments on your credit cards. If money gets tight, consider further downsizing your home or selling any nonessential cars, electronics, jewelry or other valuables.

Six Months and Beyond

De-invest. Start by looking for securities you might liquidate in nonretirement accounts. Potential tax write-offs could help make the losses easier to stomach. If you have a capital loss, you can write that off against any gains.. Or you can write off up to $3,000 of a capital loss against any other income."

Then tap your Roth IRA. This money grows tax-free, and you can usually withdraw contributions with no tax liability. This should be a measure of last resort, we want that money to remain in that tax shelter.

Keep your hands off your traditional IRA or 401(k) until the very last moment. You'll have to pay taxes on those withdrawals, and you'll also pay penalties. You'll lose all of the compounding interest and yield. The probability of you replacing those dollars is remote, the tendency for most is to spend, not replace."

When Sudden Unemployment Hits

Dawn Rosenberg McKay

http://careerplanning.about.com/cs/jobloss/ht/job loss.htme

If you just became unemployed, you are probably dealing with a lot of different feelings right now, one of them being fear. Unemployment makes you wonder how you are going to make ends meet, what you will do if you become ill and what you are going to do next. Find out how to answer all these questions and perhaps ease your fear.

1. Find out if you are eligible for government unemployment benefits. If you live in the U.S. see How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits.

2. Determine how long your financial resources will last.

3. If your health benefits are paid by your employer, find out how to maintain those benefits. Most likely, you will be able to purchase benefits through COBRA (The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) also protect your right to health insurance coverage if you lose your job. If you don't find a job before your group policy with your former employer expires, your new employer doesn't provide health insurance benefits for employees or doesn't provide it for your family members, HIPAA guarantees your right to purchase insurance on your own.

4. Determine whether a career change is in order. If layoffs are rampant in your fields, you may want to consider making a change to a field that is growing, or at least stable.

5. If you would like to change careers, find out what occupation you want to go into. You may need professional help with making this decision.

6. Take this time to spruce up your skills. Find out what skills are most valuable to employers.

7. Now you can begin your job search. Write your resume, review your job interviewing skills and tell your network contacts about your current status in case they have leads.

8. Tips:

Realize you are in a very stressful situation, and being upset, or even angry, is normal.

Take a little break to evaluate your situation, but try not to wallow in self-pity.

Learn from this experience.

Why Can’t I Find a Job?

Richards Pearson

Adapted from :www.yourhub.com

We are, unfortunately, in a challenged economy, which has businesses — large and small — in a wait-and-see mode regarding expansion plans. The labor department reports that there are 4.6 unemployed (not even counting long-term unemployed now off the benefit rolls) for each job opening. That is an improvement from the depths of the recession of nearly 7-to-1, but not much solace for those facing an average of nearly five others competing for every open job.

What has exacerbated the situation is that businesses saw worker productivity rise by a phenomenal 6 percent at the end of 2009, after the all the bloodletting (layoffs) during the recession. Each remaining worker was able to produce more and now companies want to see solid signs of economic growth prior to re-employing workers - and these are almost non-existent in housing, consumer confidence, and yes, jobs! (It takes a job to buy goods and services.) The U.S. is not yet even generating enough new jobs to cover the new entrants into the workforce each year - students graduating - let alone jobs for the unemployed.

Jobs websites are really just the electronic equivalent of "help wanted" ads of the past. Posting your resume on these sites is really a shotgun approach to finding employment, since companies have the luxury of only selecting candidates to interview who have the "exact" skill set they are looking for. If you don't know the requirements of the position and customize your resume, by highlighting your near-perfect match to the job skills sought, it is a waste of your time.

The Internet is a great tool to find jobs in two ways: First, by giving you an easy and convenient way to stay connected to your network of friends, extended family, former co-workers, classmates, and industry colleagues. This is where you will have the greatest odds of finding jobs that mesh with your unique skill set and you may get some one in your extended network to walk your resume into the hiring manager. But the number one rule of networking is "give before you receive,." offering to make introductions or other help they may need. Secondly, the Internet makes researching companies to find jobs in your field as easy as it has ever been.

We are, unfortunately, in a slow growth economy, which has businesses — large and small — in a wait-and-see mode regarding expansion plans. The labor department reports that there are 4.6 unemployed (not even counting long-term unemployed now off the benefit rolls) for each job opening. That is an improvement from the depths of the recession of nearly 7-to-1, but not much solace for those facing an average of nearly five others competing for every open job.

How to Stay Positive During Your Job Search

Dawn Rosenberg McKay

http://careerplanning.about.com/cs/jobloss/a/chinup.htm

Losing your job can be devastating. You have to deal with loss of income, loss of health insurance, and the feeling of rejection. Of course if you find a job quickly those feelings may all be alleviated. However, in a tough job market, finding a job can be difficult. Extremely talented people can be out of work for months at a time. Hopefully a combination of your severance package, unemployment insurance, and your savings will sustain you financially. COBRA (The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) will help you continue your health insurance for a while. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) will help you continue your health insurance if your insurance from your employer expires before you find a new job.

The hardest part of being out of work for an extended period of time will be keeping a positive attitude when a job search turns from weeks into months. And it's imperative that you keep a positive attitude, both for your own emotional well-being as well as for the impression you give to potential employers. Here are some things you can do to keep your chin up when your job search seems to be heading downhill fast.

While you should spend a respectable amount of time on your job search, you should take time away from it too. Find something you enjoy doing and spend a few hours a week doing it.

· Take the time to do things you don't have time to do while you're working, i.e. spending time with your children during the week instead of only on weekends.

· Take on household chores you didn't have time for when you were employed.

· Volunteer. Find a project that can use your skills and talents and spend some time on it. Just be sure not to abandon it entirely when you find a job.

· Learn a new skill. There are some free online courses available as well as low-cost courses available through continuing education in your community.

· Go to a movie matinee. The crowds are much smaller and the prices are usually lower.

· Join a job hunting support group like the ones listed on the Riley Guide. Share your experiences with others in the same situation and network.

· Meet friends for lunch.

· Take long walks.

· Read. Borrow books from your public library.

Make Your Company Research Count

Alison Doyle

http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/employerresearch/a/companyresearch.htm

Why spend time on company research?

There are several good reasons why it's worth investigating companies. First of all, spending some time looking for and at employers will give you an idea of what companies are in your industries and fields of choice. You will be able to determine which companies are hiring and what types of job openings they have. If you're interviewing, you will be able to find out everything you need to know about the company before you sit down for an interview. In addition, you will be a well-prepared candidate for the job.

Focus on your industry - or on your area of interest and expertise.

Spend some of your valuable company research time investigating the needs and benefits of organizations in your industry that appear to offer the world. Do they specifically need people in your field? Or are they generalizing to, as they say, "cherry pick the workforce." You don't want to find yourself welcomed one day and then laid off six months later. If you can, talk to people who work there to determine whether it's a place you want to work, and if they would really appreciate your particular skills.

It is also helpful to find out the company history, financial stability, products and services, personnel, and perhaps some information about the company culture and how you will fit in; most companies, large and small, have web sites (see below) where they strut their best stuff.

Preparing for an interview is another reason to research employers. You'll want to know as much about your potential employer as possible. Standard interview questions are "what do you know about us" and "why do you want to work here."

Research will enable you to have the right response - and the right questions.

Use your connections.

If you have a connection that will help you find inside information, use it. Do you know someone who works there? Ask them if they can help. If you're a college grad ask your Career Office if they can give you a list of alumni who work there. Then call or email and ask for assistance.

Then use directories which will help you find those companies.

You can search Hoover's Online by company name or keyword. Big Book Yellow Pages allows you to search by business name, category or location. Vault and WetFeet offer job seekers an in-depth look inside some of the hottest industries. They also provide career advice and company and industry profiles.

If you're interested in big business you can browse the Fortune 500 top companies list. Then take a look at the snapshot for company details, revenues and contact information. Fortune provides similar lists for the 100 Fastest Growing Companies and 100 Best Companies to Work For.

Want to ace that interview?

Read anything and everything you can about that employer. Use Google to find the employer's web site. Then review the site to see what the company is saying about itself.

Next, take a look at what the rest of the world is saying; Vault Reports is a good resource to find specific, detailed information about a particular employer.

Keep Hope Alive

By Anna Prior

Excerpt from : The Wall Street Journal 22 Feb 2009 Possibility of Lay Off

Unemployment is one of life's most stressful situations; the average job seeker can expect to spend months looking for a permanent position. Experts advise the focus on three vital aspects: Your emotions, your money and your upcoming job search.

Your Emotions

You may experience a number of different emotions during your period of unemployment:

Fear - Anger - Helplessness - Depression - Shame – Worthlessness

Whatever you may be feeling, the best antidotes are to recognize – not deny – your emotions, deal with them and take action. Be good to yourself by engaging in positive activities. For example: Gain the support of family and friends. Pour out any anxieties you might be feeling. Get it off your chest.

Join a job-hunting support group. To find one in your area, check with your local community college, community action agency or employment service. A good support group can provide excellent networking opportunities and job leads.

Take a self-inventory and develop an action plan for how you are going to attack this new challenge. Setting short-term and longterm goals is the best remedy for depression.

Remain physically active. Go for a walk or jog every day or play outside with your children or pets.

Catch up on hobbies or house chores that you have been meaning to do.

Keep regular hours. Get lots of sleep .Eat regular, healthy meals.

Most of all, remind yourself that you still have a job – only this job is to locate a new,

satisfying, long-term position... and it's a difficult job. So do whatever it takes to keep your spirits and your energy level high. You will need to draw heavily on both.

Your Money

How will I pay my bills? This is the first lament of anyone who finds themselves without a job. Take immediate action to shore up your financial situation:

Apply for unemployment compensation as soon as possible, preferably the next day.

Figure out your bills, write down everything and prioritize in terms of importance.

Take a tally of all incoming money:

Severance pay -Unemployment -Spouse income -Dividends and interest

List assets and determine their current value:

Home equity -Savings -401(k) -Stocks - Life insurance cash value –Cars

Determine the gap between expenses and income and develop a plan on how you are going to stay afloat. Define your options:

Temporary job -Savings account -Home equity loan - Retirement or Life insurance loan -Sell some assets – Cut down on fixed and variable expenses

Decide which monthly bills can be met in their entirety. Do whatever is necessary to pay the mortgage or rent and the car payment.

Negotiate a drawn-out payment plan with creditors. Don't wait for a financial crisis. Explain your situation immediately and find out what type of plan they will offer.

Put your spending on a diet, buy with cash, phase out credit cards immediately, end restaurant meals, buy groceries in bulk, turn off the lights, question all purchases

Stay Motivated During Your Job Search

Phil Rosenberg

http://wwwbusinessworkforcecom/articles/details-3897-articlehtml

How do you stay motivated while in career transition?

If you live in the Northern part of the US, it may be cold, snowy, and tough. If you’re out of work, this time can be depressing. Staying motivated with a positive attitude is important in job searches. If you’re depressed, interviewers can hear and see it.

Keep your motivation up, even during the dreary winter months with these tips:

Set an alarm clock and keep a schedule.

Treat your job search just like a full time job, and you’re less likely to feel lost.

Take a walk each morning

No matter how cold or snowy it might be, walk. You finally have the opportunity to get out, get your blood flow going, see some daylight, and get some fresh air. Fresh air and sunlight does WONDERS for your frame of mind.

Exercise

It doesn’t matter what you do, or how long, just getting the blood moving through your veins will make you feel better, pump up your adrenaline, and wake you up!

Get out of the house

Make networking lunch appointments, or, go out for lunch where you can see other people. Panera Bread is an awesome place – Lots of business people have meetings there or work there between meetings. Plus, there’s probably free WiFi .

Attend Networking events

Pplaces to meet people in your field, or can connect you to people in your line of work.

Say Hi to people

Step outside your comfort zone to meet at least one new person every day. Where? Everywhere – at Panera, walking on the street, gas station, Grocery Store, bank. You never know what the person in line at the grocery does – or who they know. You’ll start looking forward to the new friend you’ll meet today.

Celebrate Success

Celebrate every success, no matter how small. Soon you’ll find a reason to celebrate each day. Your celebration can be as small as a piece of chocolate, or as big as a special evening out. It's Tuesday...WHO HOO!!!

Read a book

Read something you enjoy ...something other than emails. Carve an extra 30 minutes per day to read.

Learn or try something new

Take a class, live or e-learning, to pick up new skills. This is ESPECIALLY important for IT professionals who must recreate their knowledge base every 3 years to keep their skills up to date.

Eat Healthy

Prepare and make healthy foods, you’ll feel SO much better, and have more energy. You no longer have to dine at Chez Toyota for lunch, snarfing down a Big Mac, while driving with your knees.

Secret Weapon: Set Deadlines

Want to get hired faster than up to 97% of other job seekers? Do two simple things that almost nobody else is doing: Write down your job search goal; set deadlines. Read it out loud at least 10 times a day!

Sound silly? Well it's not. Think about people who have been wonderfully successful in their lives. Almost every one of them have/had written goals with deadlines. Every one of them had a plan and a focus on making that plan a reality! (Let me tell you about my son, Jim. The whole time he was growing up and into early adult-hood, he had a plan which he shared with anyone who would listen. "I'm going to work with computers and I'm going be rich enough to retire by the time I'm 35." I heard that, I swear, a hundred times a month! Jim just turned 33 and early this year he "retired", moved to Costa Rica, and is starting other businesses there.)

Only 3 to 10% of the population have written, articulated goals and deadlines; less than 10% have taken the effort to decide exactly what they want in life and have written it in clear, specific goals. Those are the people who rise to the top of their professions while most of us simply go with the flow - wherever chance takes us.

So - start by developing a mini-blueprint for your job search success. (Would you have enough faith to hire an architect to build you a home without a blueprint?) Develop a clear, specific job goal and then burn it into your mind so you will get focused, get motivated, get hired quickly.

Decide on the job you want and write it down. Write it on a 3x5 card. Make it look something like this: "It's July 7th(fill in the date you intend to be working). I am an outstanding (job title) who adds value to the company lucky enough to have me. I'm making $XX,XXX, in a stimulating environment, doing work I love, surrounded by co-workers I enjoy.".

Writing a goal like this forces you to get clear on what you want (as opposed to "I'll take any job that pays the bills - maybe working in an office or something..." - writing a specific employment goal with a due date (so your subconscious knows you are serious), you will be ahead of the vast majority of job seekers.

Reinforce your goal. In order to make sure your goal is crystal clear in your mind's eye, read you goal out loud 10 times every morning. Then put your 3x5 card in your pocket and refer to it during the day. This will help you organize your life around finding your ideal job. Your subconscious will go to work and help you keep focused on your goal.

You will start to see employment leads where none appeared before. You will begin to see opportunities and possibilities throughout your daily activities - when an old friend calls, when your neighbor returns a tool he borrowed, when you are at the hairdressers or the bank. (When this happens to other job seekers, we call them "lucky", "being in the right place at the right time". In reality, it is being focused on a goal and finding opportunities to help us reach that goal.)

Try this simple two-step process for the next 30 days and see for yourself. The worst that can happen is that you will have a very clear idea of the job you seek. The best that can happen is that you will be working at that job, or something better.

What do you have to lose?

A goal without an action plan is a daydream.

Step by-Step

The Self - Reliance program does not provide you with a job. It provides you with guidance and skills to network, research leads, prepare resumes and to be effective in interviews. The local unit should be actively involved in your use of ldsjobs.org and provide review of your progress. If you participate in the Stake meetings you will receive additional training and support in obtaining or upgrading employment.

The following is an outline for the unemployed and under employed to effectively utilize the Church’s employment program.

Initial organizing strategy

Meet with the employment specialist, the quorum leader and a home/visiting teacher

Discuss your job field, training, experience and employment options

Identify possible ward member candidates to act as a Job Coach

Obtain an account on www.ldsjobs.org and complete the initial contact information and profile.

Develop an Employment History form to create a one sheet database

Obtain a Dynamic Resume template.

Draft your master resume, provide enough material to fill 2 pages

Create and save a computer file on a jump drive or e-mail yourself a copy.

Attend the Self-Reliance group, rework and edit a resume to one page

Review your financial situation

Apply for unemployment assistance if eligible

Complete a monthly income and expense budget

Identify family resources and support you may be able to call upon

Meet with the Priesthood or Relief Society leadership to review the resources.

Ongoing weekly efforts

Meet each Sunday with the employment specialist, quorum leader and/or home teacher and report the status of your efforts.

Meet with the Job Coach to review progress, brainstorm and opportunities

Complete the requirements for job searching and recording to comply with the state unemployment insurance program

Participate in a Self – Reliance group.

Check for new job listings at ldsjobs.org and online job sites.

Attend the Stake Employment night, get resume suggestions and obtain networking leads and polish your interviewing skills

Actively develop and record networking contacts and research leads

Search companies and job descriptions, tailor the resume for the position

Interview when invited, dress well and send a thank you letter the same day

A Morning Routine That Transforms Your Day

Dr. Travis Bradberry

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/10-tweaks-to-your-morning-routine-that-will-transform_us_590108e6e4b0768c2682e289

Researchers found that self-control and energy are not only intricately linked but also finite, daily resources that tire much like a muscle. Even though we don’t always realize it, as the day goes on, we have increased difficulty exerting self-control and focusing on our work. As self-control wears out, we feel tired and find tasks to be more difficult and our mood sours.

It makes the morning hours, when self-control is highest, the most important hours of the day. Do the right things in the morning that will make your energy and self-control last as long as possible.

Whether you naturally wake up feeling alert and productive or wake up with the brainpower of a zombie, these tips will help you transform your morning routine and set a positive tone that lasts the entire day.

Start with exercise.

Researchers at the University of Bristol found that people who exercise during the workday have more energy and a more positive outlook, which are both critical to getting things done. Getting your body moving for as little as 10 minutes releases GABA, a neurotransmitter that makes your brain feel soothed and keeps you in control of your impulses. Exercising first thing in the morning ensures that you’ll have the time for it, and it improves your self-control and energy levels all day long.

Drink some lemon water first.

Drinking lemon water as soon as you wake up spikes your energy levels physically and mentally. Lemon water gives you steady, natural energy that lasts the length of the day by improving nutrient absorption in your stomach. You need to drink it first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach) to ensure full absorption. You should also wait 15–30 minutes after drinking it before eating (perfect time to squeeze in some exercise). Lemons are packed with nutrients; they’re chock full of potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants. If you’re under 150 pounds, drink the juice of half a lemon (a full lemon if you’re over 150 pounds). Don’t drink the juice without water because it’s hard on your teeth.

No screen time until breakfast.

When you dive straight into e-mails, texts, and Facebook, you lose focus and your morning succumbs to the wants and needs of other people. It’s healthier to take those precious first moments of the day to do something relaxing that sets a calm, positive tone for your day. Jumping right into electronics has the opposite effect—it’s a frantic way to start your day. Exercising, meditating, or even watching the birds out the window are all great ways to start the day.

Eat a real breakfast.

Eating anything at all for breakfast puts you ahead of a lot of people. People who eat breakfast are less likely to be obese, they have more stable blood-sugar levels, and they tend to be less hungry over the course of the day. And these are just the statistics for people who eat any breakfast. When you eat a healthy breakfast, the doors to a productive day swing wide open. A healthy breakfast gives you energy, improves your short-term memory, and helps you to concentrate more intensely and for longer periods.

Set goals for the day.

Research shows that having concrete goals is correlated with huge increases in confidence and feelings of control. Setting goals specific to the day puts everything into motion. Narrow your goals down to a few achievable ones that can easily be broken down into steps. Vague goals such as “I want to finish writing my article” are counter-productive because they fail to include the “how” of things. The same goal re-phrased in a more functional way would read something like this: “I am going to finish my article by writing each of the three sections, spending no more than an hour on each section.” Now, you have more than simply something you want to achieve—you have a way to achieve it.

The Effective 15-10-2 Job Search

https://www.latterdaysaintjobs.org/ers/ct/articles/15-10-2-job-search-approach

The average job seeker spends a few hours per week looking for work. Those few hours are spent searching job postings on the Internet, filling out job applications online, and sending in résumés without any personal engagement. That kind of effort is not typically effective and leads to greater discouragement, feelings of isolation, and frustration. The 15-10-2 approach will help you focus on the most productive and efficient job searching, networking, and contacting that will ultimately get you the job you want. With this approach, finding a full-time job becomes your full-time job until you land a great position.

The Daily 15-10-2 Approach

The 15-10-2 approach is a daily effort to identify networking opportunities and connect with them in the most effective way. With this method, you will be able to make lasting and solid first impressions on those who can help you find the job you seek. This approach will get you out of the house and talking to, engaging with, and learning from other professionals.

Identify 15 New Resources

Each day you will identify 15 new resources. A resource is anything that will help you identify work opportunities and get you connected to the right people. As you work to identify 15 new resources each day, you will begin to see that opportunity is everywhere and resources are limitless. Find sources, people you know, public organizations and publications both paper and electronic.

Make 10 Contacts

Once you’ve identified 15 resources, the next step is to make 10 contacts every day. A contact is any employment-related interaction with one of your resources. Some examples can be applying for a job, sending a résumé, telling friends and family that you are looking for work, and speaking to potential employers. It can also be a follow-up activity such as

making a follow-up phone call, sending a thank-you note, or sharing your networking profile. The more you interact with others and let others know you are looking for a job, the more people will remember your needs. These 10 daily contacts can be crucial to your success as you engage others to keep you in the front of their mind.

Hold 2 Face-to-Face Meetings or Interviews

Each day, hold 2 face-to-face meetings or interviews. Meeting with others in person fosters better communication and understanding. People usually communicate more clearly when they can use body language and facial expressions, which helps them to communicate their intended message more easily. And when you meet face-to-face with at least 2 people who work in the industry where you hope to find a job (whether it’s for an initial introduction, informational interview, or job interview), you can strengthen relationships with potential employers and colleagues as well as learn the potential working environment and atmosphere of a company and become more familiar with organizations in your field. This interaction will help you feel more comfortable as you continue to search for the right job.

Secure a Job

By focusing on identifying 15 resources, making 10 contacts, and holding 2 face-to-face interviews each day, you will be engaged in the right strategy to find success in your job search. Your eyes will be opened to new possibilities and opportunities. You will meet many new people each day. Others will come to know your needs and understand how they can help you, and you will gain great experience and greater confidence as you meet with others and refine your interpersonal skills. With the 15-10-2 approach, you will use key tactics each day that will help you secure a job more quickly.

Time Management for Job Seekers

http://insights.dice.com/2017/05/15/time-management-tips-job-seekers/

It’s easy to get burned out and discouraged while job hunting. That said, you can have a productive and fruitful job search by following some guidelines.

Plan Your Search and Customize It

Job seekers often spend a lot of time shooting out resumes and hoping someone calls them—an approach referred to as the “firing post strategy.”

Applying to jobs haphazardly may not take a lot of time at first, but it’s also not very effective. A lot of people feel like they’re doing a lot because they’ve applied for 400 jobs in one day, so they feel like they’re taking action, but they’re not going to get the results they want. Even worse, not getting any calls back may send a candidate into a spiral of hopelessness. They start feeling as if they’ll never find anything.

Spend time figuring out what kind of job you want, and the work environment best suited to your tastes. Spend a few days doing an inventory of your prior.

Specifically, think about:

The projects you liked working on. The type of environment you liked. The departments or clients you enjoyed interacting with. With that in mind, think about what you’d keep about the jobs you had, and what you’d change. That will give you the basis necessary to start researching companies and positions of interest; cross-reference potential employers against your list of preferences. This customized approach can yield results.

Pace Yourself

If you’re currently unemployed, consider job-hunting a full-time job. Spending 40 hours a week on the search, though, puts you at risk of burning out. Whatever you’re feeling is normal. Take care of yourself as you’re going through the process. That includes pacing yourself during the job application process.

If you are getting leads and responses, you don’t need to adjust the time you spend on the search. But if you’re not getting the desired results, you may want to spend more time job searching, or make sure you’re efficient in the time you are spending (that your search is customized). Building momentum is important in any job search; if you are dreading the hunt after you’ve already begun, it’s okay to take a day off.

In-Person Networking

Supplement your applications to positions you’ve found on job boards with in-person networking. You may even end up running into people who work for the companies you’re applying for, and get some inside details.

In addition to networking, consider speaking with trustworthy recruiters. This along with self-promotion and volunteering, can help speed up your job search.

Check Your Results and Adapt Your Strategies

After spending around a month sending out resumes to the types of companies you want to work for, take a step back and see if you’re getting results. If you’re not, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s really happening.

If you’re receiving unsolicited requests from recruiters or information about positions that aren’t relevant or positions you’re not really interested in, re-examine your application materials. Some unsolicited, irrelevant requests are unavoidable in the job search process, but it’s a good idea to see if there is something in your resume erroneously suggesting that this “wrong work” is what you want to do.

If you haven’t heard back from the types of companies or jobs you’re interested in, make sure your resume is as customized as possible to the roles you want. Take a close look at keywords you’re using, how you’re positioning yourself, and whether you’ve highlighted relevant experience. Don’t just repeat the same wrong thing.

Personal Work or Out-Source ?

By Alison Doyle

Adapted from: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/types-of-employment-agencies-2063688

In today’s highly competitive job market, you may decide to enlist the services of an employment agency to help you find your next position.

The one that is most appropriate for you will depend upon your work history ( entry-level candidate or a seasoned professional?), your career field, possibly your geographical location (need a local job or willing to relocate?), your flexibility (are you able to accept a part-time or a temp-to-hire position?) and your skillset.

Traditional Employment Agency

A traditional employment agency assists job seekers in finding work, as well as helping companies to hire staff. While unusual, some firms charge the job seeker for their services. Before you sign a contract, be sure to clarify, up front, if there will be a fee.

The employer pays other traditional employment agencies. Many agencies specialize in a particular industry, such as sales, marketing, accounting, in most cases, it is not recommend using an agency that charges the job seeker. Given that agencies that are retained by employers to find a talented job candidate pool, most people will do just as well to submit their resumes, free of charge, to these agencies for consideration.

Contingency Employment Agency

A contingency agency is paid when their candidate is hired by the employer. Some contingency agencies charge the candidate, be careful to clarify who pays their fee before you sign up. These firms are often used for low and mid-level jobs, and they often send a large number of resumes to the employer.

When applying through a contingency agency, you will be competing with candidates who found the job opening, from the company’s website, job boards, and recruiters.

Retained Search Firm / Executive Search Firm

A retained search firm has an exclusive relationship with the employer., typically hired for executive and senior-levels and for a specific period of time to find a candidate. These firms specialize in sourcing and contacting the best candidates they can find for.

an employer. Retained search firms are paid expenses, plus a percentage of the employee's salary, regardless of whether the candidate is hired. Retained agencies will thoroughly review a candidate’s qualifications, sending them to the hiring manager; they agree to present only the most appropriate applicants.

Temporary (Temp) Agency

Temporary agencies find employees to fill temporary jobs. For example, temps are often hired to work during seasonal increases in business, during tax season, during harvest seasons, or to cover vacations or illnesses. Temp agencies often also help to place professional consultants in short-term assignments.

Many temporary agencies have expanded their role to fill "temp to perm" positions starting as a temporary job but becoming permanent if the employer decides to hire.

Some temporary staffing agencies can find temp work for people in the office / administrative, light industrial, non-clinical medical, and customer service sectors and may place candidates on a retainer where they assign them to temp jobs as these arise. The staffing agency is the employee’s official “employer” issuing the paycheck.

They may also provide benefits like health insurance, childcare allowances, or vacation pay. If a temp job turns into a permanent position, then the relationship with the staffing agency ends, and they are paid directly by their new employer.

Cautionary Words

Utilizing employment agencies can be an effective tool in your job search. Be sure to avoid relying too much on recruiters. Many employers use job boards like Indeed or Monster as virtual sources of candidates and others rely on internal referrals from staff.

Make sure to employ a balanced set of job search strategies, including networking, online job boards, and direct application through the company websites. Avoid exclusive work with a single recruiter, they serve a limited number of employers

Your Job Quest in a Nut Shell

Margaret Buj

www.livecareer.com/resources/jobs/search/14-job-hunting-tips

Finding a new job can be a challenging and frustrating experience. A job search is easier with proactive strategies outlined in the flowchart elements following this section

1. Get clear on what you want

Take the time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and the type of work you enjoy doing. The better you know yourself, the more likely you’ll find a new job that provides you with greater satisfaction. What do you want in a job? What’s most important, title, money, promotion, the work itself, location, or company culture?

2. Research your target companies

It’s time to find out what the companies you’re applying for want. Investigate a company’s Glassdoor page for a feel for their company culture, what questions they commonly ask in interviews, and even discover what salary you’re likely to be paid.

Your resume is still one of the most critical tools of a job search. Have an achievement-oriented resume with quantifiable achievements relevant to the job you’re applying for.

3. Tailor your resume to each job

Your resume is the most critical tool of a job search. Have an achievement-oriented resume. Make yourself an obvious fit. Study the words and phrases that are used in the job description. Make sure you include them in your resume (provided you have that experience). Tailor your resume to each job – the recruiter should know within a few seconds of looking at your resume that you have the skills they are looking for.

4. Create your online career brand

Building your brand simply means showcasing your expertise and passion online where employers searching the Web can find it. Most recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary search tool, you need to use LinkedIn to your full advantage. It’s a resource

for finding people working at companies that interest you and also for positioning yourself to be found by recruiters and hiring managers with relevant openings.

5. Get organized

Before applying for jobs or interviewing with employers, take time to develop a system that works to organize your job search. A spreadsheet works for many to keep a track of the jobs applied for, dates, where interviews were offered, etc.

6. Build, cultivate, and utilize your network of contacts

For most jobseekers, a large and strong network of contacts — people who know you and want to help you uncover job leads — results in more job opportunities. Networking – in person and online – is essential to success in your job search. It helps to determine what is out there, you can be strategic in your job search. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people on LinkedIn, if you know someone working at a company that interests you, ask for a referral.

7. Don’t limit yourself to online applications

Don’t rely only on online applications., directly contact companies that interest you,- you might find an internal recruiter or schedule informational interviews with people working there. You want to be known to the people who might have influence.

8. Aim to complete a few job-related goals daily.

It takes a great deal of time and effort to find a new job. In a long job search, it’s easy to get discouraged and distracted, but by focusing on achieving daily goals you can motivate yourself while also building a foundation for success.

Your Job Quest in a Nut Shell continued

Margaret Buj

www.livecareer.com/resources/jobs/search/14-job-hunting-tips

9. Be kind to yourself

Looking for a job can be stressful. Take some time to meditate, exercise, watch a movie or whatever that helps you unwind. Create a support network – having people to brainstorm with or vent your frustrations to will help the process be less painful.

10, Develop examples and stories that showcase your skills

This is the main tip for finding a new job. People remember stories, your goal should be developing interview stories you can use in networking meetings or job interviews that demonstrate your skills, achievements, and passion for your work. Be memorable! Using STAR format stories may help you feel more comfortable talking about yourself.

11. Prepare for all job interviews

Before you get called for your first interview, develop responses for common interview questions, and then practice them — ideally using the mock-interviewing technique with a friend, network contact, or interview coach. The more prepared you are for the interview, the more comfortable you’ll be – and the more likely you’ll succeed.

12 Write thank-you notes after interviews to all interviewers

A quick note (by email is fine) of thanks that emphasizes your interest and fit with the job and employer will not get you the job offer, but it will help make you stand out from the majority of jobseekers who do not bother with this simple act of courtesy.

13Continue following up with hiring managers

Your work is not done once the interview is complete or the thank-you note sent. Following up with the hiring manager regularly shows your interest and enthusiasm for the job; follow up professionally without making you sound pesky or needy.

14. Expect the job search to take longer than you think

You can hope to have a new job within a short period, but the likely reality is that it might take months to find the right opportunity and get offered the position. You should mentally prepare yourself for a long battle — and then you can be happily surprised if you are one of the lucky few whose job search is short.

Final Thoughts

· Have both a positive attitude and outlook is extremely important. Employers can sense desperation and despair; organizations want to hire positive and competent people. If you’ve been unemployed for a long period and depressed or recently downsized and angry, find a way to shrug it off when job hunting or you will only be hurting yourself.

· If you’re an older worker trying to find a job, you may face age discrimination. Among the ways to proactively counter any issues about your age are to limit the number of years of experience you list on your resume (by keeping to the last 10-15 years), eliminate dates in the education section of your resume, and focus on adaptability and flexibility in the interview.

· You may need additional training or experience, especially if you are entering a new career field.

· Consider temping or volunteering for a short period to gain experience and build network contacts that can lead to a full-time position.

· You may need to consider relocation to a place that has a higher concentration of jobs in your field.