The economy is struggling and it’s affecting everyone. As if being stuck in traffic wasn’t bad enough, every single person you know is probably wondering what they are going to do once they get off of the job they have been working on for the past four years. Everyone knows that this is not a good time to be looking for a new job. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to start panicking about your future career either. Instead, the best thing you can do right now is to stay focused on your current occupation by remaining as positive as possible while still keeping your chin up at all times. Even though things are not going great right now, there will be better days ahead so don’t lose sight of all the wonderful opportunities that are right in front of you too! Here are some tips on how you can stay focused during the recession and land your next great job without getting discouraged or frustrated along the way:
Stay curious
The best way to know what you want out of a job is to know what you don’t want out of one. While it is always helpful to be open to new ideas and possibilities, it is also important to keep an eye out for what you already have access to. You might not be aware of it, but there might be something right in front of you that you have been missing out on. Stay curious and you are less likely to make a mistake that wastes months of your time only to end up disappointed when nothing comes of it.
Set SMART goals
It is one thing to have a general idea of what you want to achieve as a result of your job search and quite another to actually set out a plan to achieve it. Before you get too excited about landing a job, it is important to take a step back and take another look at where you currently are. Can you pinpoint exactly where you are in terms of what you have done so far and what steps you have left before you finally get that new gig? Setting SMART goals will help you stay focused and avoid wasting time. Your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. By being specific, you are ensuring that your goal is clear to both you and anyone else who may need to help you reach it.
Be proud of your skills and experience
It is important to keep in mind that a lot of the skills and experience you have acquired over the course of your career are not likely to be ones that are commonly advertised in job ads. If you were to list off the talents and skills that you possess, do you think they would be the first things that any hiring manager would focus on? Probably not. So why not take a moment to reflect on what you have actually done and list them off proudly. There is no better way to show your potential employer what you are made of than to remind yourself of it too.
Network like crazy
The next thing you will want to do is to get out there and make some contacts. You’re already in the job hunt so this is one of the least damaging things you can do. Make sure that you are doing whatever it takes to meet people and expand your social circle. You may be surprised by how many connections you already have if you take the time to meet new people and make new connections. There are always opportunities to meet new people in job search related settings such as job fairs, networking groups, or professional conferences. You might be surprised at how much you can learn when you are meeting and conversing with people who are in similar situations to you.
Don’t take no for an answer
It might feel like every single person you talk to turns you down. The reality is, however, that most people will turn you down for reasons that have nothing to do with you specifically. They may not be interested in the type of job you have experience in, they may have other commitments that they need to take care of, or they might not have the time to meet with you. It is important not to take no for an answer just because someone says no to you. It is most likely nothing personal against you. Instead, take the initiative to talk to other people and broaden your network.
Be confident in your abilities
The next thing you will want to do is to remember that you are a valuable asset and employable. There is no shame in taking an entry level job while you are looking for something better. You may even want to consider starting your job search at a new place while you are already there. Whatever you choose to do, you will want to remind yourself that you are valuable and worth something. That being said, you will want to take a few precautions when it comes to this part. You will want to make sure that you don’t let your prior self-doubt get the better of you.
Conclusion
The best way to land that great job you have been waiting for is to stay positive and focused. That being said, you also need to keep your head up and remember that you are valuable and employable. It is important to keep those things in mind while you are looking for a new job and you will find your new position in no time. Remember to stay curious, set SMART goals, be proud of your skills and experience, network like crazy, don’t take no for an answer, and be confident in your abilities.
