Make a note of how many hours you will spend on your job search each week. This needs to be a minimum of eight hours, and ideally more. If you have limited time available, decide whether to give up other commitments, or accept that your job search might take a year or more. You could divide this time into so many hours per day.
I will spend ___ hours a week on job search.
What is your commitment level?
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There’s a form to help you which can be accessed via the website.
Personal support system
Job hunting can be one of the most challenging activities of our lives. We are likely to experience rejection not only once, but again and again. In a recession, it’s going to be even tougher with nine or more people for every job vacancy, so you need people and things to keep you motivated when you feel like giving up.
It’s imperative to have support and motivation from others. Of course, you’ll want your friends and family on your side, but what will you do if they aren’t supportive and encouraging?
Knowing how to find support in difficult times means we have a plan ready when the need arises, but don’t forget to support yourself from within. Most of your job hunting will be done alone.
Look at the list of supportive system activities below and make a note of those you might turn to when things get tough:
•Hard physical exercise
•Talking with a friend
•Yoga / meditation
•Relaxation exercises
•Treating’ myself (e.g., buying a new shirt or book)
•Talking positively to myself
•Writing out a plan of action
•Writing down my feelings
•Involving myself in a hobby
•Enjoying outdoors and fresh air
•A change of scene
•Listening to music
•Going to the pub / club
•Reading fiction
•Reading a self-help book
•Finding time to reflect
•Work with a counsellor or coach
Make a note of your top three ways of dealing with the negative aspects and frustrations of looking for a job. Then find out more about your options so you can create a plan. For example, where can you learn yoga? Are you able to arrange regular meetings with someone to ‘keep you going’ during a difficult period? This is important because not only will you have positive activities, but a friend as well to help you get through the rough spots.
Create a filing system to manage papers and forms
You will need easy access to a number of documents. An early task will be to find a place to store the following:
1.Master copies of your CVs: You will need different versions of your CV for different applications – have both printed and electronic versions available. Keep a master copy of each so you can review for future applications. You may also want a copy handy for review when making phone calls.
2.Certificates, letters of recognition, etc.: You may need to let a future employer see your certificates and diplomas. You may also want to show letters of recognition from customers, so get them all ready now. Action: Find these now and get them in a display wallet so you can take them along to interview to support what you say.
3.Applications and cover letters: Each time you apply for a job, keep all the information together – the advert, additional information, a copy of the application form, CV version, etc. In addition to storing your letters and applications on your computer, have printed copies easily accessible. Action: Have some plastic wallets ready to file away your different applications.
4.Speculative approaches to organisations, consultancies and agencies: Detailed information of each company, letters sent, and next steps to take. Action: Use the forms to keep track of progress.
5.Diary or personal organiser: To keep track of your appointments. Action: Make sure you have a great method of keeping track, on paper or online, and one that’s easy for you to keep updated; there’s a form for this too!
6.Stationery: Not photocopying paper, but good quality 100 gsm paper with matching envelopes. Action: Buy some decent stationery soon. Having postage stamps on hand would also help.
7.To-do list: So you are clear on daily and weekly tasks. Action: Start a ‘to do’ list and review it each day; a copy is in the online form library.
8.Contact list: Details of whom you contacted, the reason for the contact and any follow-up action. Action: Get started on your contact list today.
Forms needed for an effective, well-planned job search
Having worked with hundreds of clients, I know the forms that will help you in your job search. Each is referred to in the relevant chapter and you can access them all from the website. They include:
1.Plan of action
2.Daily activity log
3.Daily plan
4.Daily tasks
5.Networking record sheet
6.Personal contacts action
7.Weekly targets
8.Weekly summary of job search
9.Weekly review
10.Response to job ads form
11.Response to adverts record sheet
12.Phone message form
13.Job advert summary
14.Direct approach follow up
15. Interview self debrief
Action: Download these now and set up a folder on your computer to keep these master copies.
Job Search: daily activity log
•List the objectives for the start of each day and then make a note of how you use your time. A review will ensure you are making good use of time and not getting bogged down or distracted!
•Try to just do one thing at a time and follow it through.
•It can be most productive to do telephone calls in a block, perhaps calling at 10–11am or 2–3pm.
•As you plan your day, make sure to leave some time for the unexpected.
•Your activity log helps you recall what you have done, whom you have contacted, and makes sure you follow through on each activity.
•List every activity you do alongside your comments on how well you are doing.
•Record information about the people you meet. Make sure you have their contact details correct. You may need to follow up on what they agree to do.
•Note names of any secretaries or assistants you speak with – they can be flattered that you remember their name.
Don’t forget to include lunch breaks and relaxation.
Example of a daily activity log:
13th February
I