As career professionals, it’s always important to be prepared for the unexpected. Sometimes, the unexpected can result in your unemployment. Unfortunately, in this day and age, this is all too common. You’ll inevitably feel shocked, disappointed, or concerned, so allow yourself twenty-four hours to feel angry, sorry for yourself, and worry.
After that, it’s time to start your new full-time job: finding a job, or a contract assignment.
The key to finding your next opportunity is all about your mentality and approach, having a positive mindset, a persevering attitude, and a plan can be the difference between being out of work for a long period of time or a short period of time.
Schedule Your Day
Instead of sleeping in an extra hour, or three, try to maintain your regular work schedule as it is. This is important because it will help you continue to stay focused and energized as you job search. Your “office hours” shouldn’t change, if they were 8 to 5 p.m., with an hour lunch, then stick to those. Maintaining your daily schedule will help keep you focused and avoid feelings of discouragement.
So put on your work clothes, eat a healthy breakfast, and start your computer.
Set Goals Each Week
When you begin a new job or contract assignment you usually set goals for yourself. Job searching is hard, so make sure you find a sense of accomplishment each week to keep moving in a positive direction. Whether it’s the number of jobs you apply to each week, people you reach out to in your network, or the companies you research, keep track of these goals and check them off when you accomplish one. To help you keep track of your goals, create an Excel spreadsheet of all the jobs you’ve applied to; include the name, job title, the date you applied, and a section for notes.
As you begin your “new job” it is important to set daily and weekly goals for yourself. This way you’ll have a sense of accomplishment each and every day, bringing you closer to success.
Expand Your Network
This is a great time to expand your network since everyone else is stuck at home, and people want to connect too.
Create a LinkedIn profile, if you don’t have one already, and update it with all your relevant information. Send out messages to all of your past employees, coworkers, and bosses that you are hoping to build your network. Take the time to write out careful recommendations for others in their profile, as people will be likely to do the same for you. Join networking groups, on LinkedIn you can find a variety of networking groups with people who have similar backgrounds. And don’t forget to call your contacts! Search through your phone and LinkedIn connections and call people, now is a great time to connect.
Re-educate Yourself
Are there any certifications, licenses, or professional education classes you’ve been procrastinating on or wanting to take? Now is the time to take them and “re-educate” yourself. These classes will make you more marketable to future employers. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, there are over 450 free online Ivy League classes available.
Connect to Your Next Career
It’s going to be difficult, but armed with a schedule, goals, and a positive mindset your right job is right around the corner. And if you need more support, ESP IT staffing in Minneapolis helps connect great candidates to great careers. To learn more about ESP IT, or to start searching for positions in the tech industry today, contact us at 612-337-3000.
