How To Make Job Search More Fun Than a Root Canal

A 5-step job search strategy that keeps things light.

This is a guest post by Tara Goodfellow. If you’d also like to guest post here on JobMob, follow these guest post guidelines.

I get it, I really do!

Rare is the human that leaps out of bed exclaiming “Holy crap am I so excited. I get to search for a job today!”

In fact, for most, the process is about as enjoyable as having a root canal.

How to Make the Job Search Process More Enjoyable Than a Trip to the Dentist

1) Break it down

Not as in MC Hammer moves, but if that helps, go for it!

The process is large and daunting. Where to begin? Well, at the beginning. Start with a self-evaluation or online assessment to keep things as objective (vs. emotionally driven or reactive) as possible.

You want to set yourself up for success, so make an effort to ensure that jobs to which you apply are relevant, of interest, mesh with your personality, fit within your requirements and meet most of your “desirable” components of a job.

2) Call in the troops

Ask for help.

I’ll say it again: ASK FOR HELP.

Why not? Your cousin could know a neighbor that has the best job that hasn’t even been posted yet. How do you know if you don’t ask? Why in the world do you want to make the process even more challenging?

Feel awkward asking for help? That’s okay. It’s really not “Hi. I’m unemployed. Whatcha got for me?” It’s more along the lines of perhaps having coffee with a previous colleague, neighbor or friend, sharing your story and stating you’d love to hear their suggestions regarding type of position, suggested companies and/or if they’d mind taking a look at your resume.

3) Stay organized

If you launch into a fierce job search, you need to make sure you keep up with the status of each position to which you’ve applied.

If you state you’re going to follow up with a recruiter (and you should) be sure to do so. If you’ve created a schedule outlining 3 information sessions/coffee talks with colleagues each week, why, that requires both planning and follow up. It can be overwhelming. Take it one step at a time.

To stay organized, use what works best for you. Perhaps it’s an app, an online calendar or you prefer to rock the old school folder option (in my opinion, this is the most effective).

4) Do something fun

Bribing is so underrated.

Looking for a job will feel like a job.

Set yourself up for small rewards. Granted, probably your cash flow is a bit more limited, so I’m not saying take yourself out for a lobster dinner nightly. Perhaps it’s just giving yourself “me” time, a relaxing bath, a run at the park, taking your daughter to lunch, meeting up with a friend, reading a book, etc.

Still, if you look forward to it, it helps get you through the tedious parts (say, oh, completing yet another job application!).

5) Learn something new

If the job search process is occurring while you’re unemployed, perhaps you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands.

Now’s a great time to learn a new skill. Coursera.org and other sites have amazing free courses that are from our nation’s (and other countries, in fact) top schools. It’s an instant ego boost and conversation starter “So, yeah, I’m also taking this Leading Strategic Innovation in Organizations course and thinking about enrolling in Penn State’s Creativity, Innovation and Change.

If courses aren’t of interest, what about a new sport or outside activity? If neither is of interest, perhaps consider volunteering.

Stay positive, proactive and professional. Easier said than done, absolutely.

About the Author

Tara Goodfellow is a former C-level executive, hiring manager, IT recruiter, career development instructor, and has held sales and finance positions. She is the managing director of Athena Educational Consultants, Inc. full service career and college coaching firm, and has been featured in The New York Times, the US News & World Report and more. Testimonials and other professional information can be viewed at www.consultathena.com and on her LinkedIn profile. Tara is currently training for a Tae Kwon Do high green belt.

This article is part of the The $11K 8th Annual JobMob Guest Blogging Contest.

If you want Tara Goodfellow to win, share this article with your friends.

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