When You're Looking for that Job

It's been two years since I started the age-old job search. I'd like to think I've learned a few things since starting that search. I thought I would share my insights into landing a job (even though I haven't accomplished that goal quite yet) so that you all can learn from my experiences or at least feel that you aren't alone in the limbo land of joblessness.

1. Network, network, network
I can't stress the importance of networking. I've found that sites such as CareerBuilder and Monster can sometimes land you a job (for me, these sites were more of an exercise in frustration), but it's much more likely that you'll get a job through someone you know personally or through someone a friend or family member knows. Don't know where to start? Just ask your friends, family, and acquaintances if they know someone who's in your area of interest. Also, join groups. You can do this on Facebook, MySpace, or other social media sites. The point is to find groups that have events occurring where you can network. Take those business cards to events and start passing them out like they're tickets to the most popular concert in town.

2. Look where you live
I found out the hard way that I should've looked for work where I was living. Unfortunately, I was so ready to leave the city where I was living that I refused to look for work in the area. Networking is much easier when you already have a local base. Because I decided to move, I had to start networking all over again. It's not an easy process, so even if you're sick of where you're living, network and look for jobs where you live.

3. Don't count your chickens before they hatch
I thought I had a job lined up when I graduated from graduate school, but it fell through several months later. Because I thought I had landed the job, I didn't look as hard for another job, which meant that I had to start the job search all over again. Don't stop looking for a job until you've signed the proverbial dotted line.

4. Find something to do while you're looking
When the job I thought I had landed fell through, I became very depressed. I didn't have any friends where I was currently living and had yet to make any connections within the community. If you're currently unemployed or looking for another job, think about exploring your local community for things to do. You might find an extraordinary gem where you are, and, chances are, you'll find some friends along the way.

5. Get support
You can certainly join support groups, but I'm talking about making friends and staying in touch with your family. These people are the ones who are going to stick with you when you're grouchy because you haven't found a job. Do you have a best friend from college that you know will commisserate with you? Contact him or her. You don't have to be in the same city in order to find support and empathy; just talking with that friend can do a lot for you.

6. Don't give up
It sounds cliche, but it's important. This was a hard lesson because I was in a vicious cycle. Despite the fact that I was constantly looking for jobs, I would feel guilty when I wasn't looking for work. The problem was, I'd already trolled all the sites the previous day and knew there wouldn't be any new listings for a couple more days. This is another reason why I recommend finding something to do while you're looking; you shouldn't feel guilty when you're not looking for a job if you're proactively seeking one and having some sort of volunteer or fun activity will keep you from feeling guilty (as well as keep you from the self-pity party).

So, those are my most recent thoughts about job hunting. Do you have any questions? I'd love to be able to use my experiences to help you while you're looking for work.

Good Samaritans

My life can sometimes be a one-woman show. Yesterday, I managed to get my car stuck in the mud - and, oh, how it was stuck. I tried first gear; tires slung mud. I tried reversing; mud still went everywhere. I was starting to feel a little panicky - I wasn't sure how I was going to get out of my car without ending up in mud to my knees - when one of the neighbors drove by in his pickup truck. He saw my dilemma and offered to get a chain in order to pull my car out of the rut (I suppose the chain is yet another indicator of the bang-up job I did of getting my car stuck). He came back with the chain and attached it to the undercarriage of my car, and we slowly proceeded to reverse out of the mudhole. I don't even know my neighbor's name, but I am incredibly grateful for his assistance.