The 10 Effective Habits of Job Seekers

I found a great article from JOBS Magazine that I thought was worth posting for those who are not working at this time, like me! There really is alot we can do to maintain our job status as well as improve on our skills and knowledge in the meantime. ;)

10 Habits of Highly Effective Job Seekers in a Down Market
by Ford R. Myers President, Career Potential, LLC


1. Network, network, network! Continually increase your level of networking and keep expanding your contact database. Reach out to reestablish and nourish business and personal relationships. Stay connected and don’t isolate yourself! Being out of work doesn’t mean you have to be out of touch, so be sure to build and maintain your networking momentum.

2. Seek help. Get career support form a professional. Get help from either a qualified career coach, or take advantage of the support provided by government programs, nonprofit agencies, job search groups, college/alumni career centers, or faith-based missions for the unemployed.

3. Read career books and attend career seminars. Take advantage of learning opportunities to improve your job search and career mgmt skills. Stay plugged into the market and your field to ensure that you’ll be current, and to maintain your intellectual capital.

4. Leverage technology. Utilize web sites and online services to connect with your industry and to build greater visibility. Create a career web site, using tools like VisualCV and LinkedIn. Reach out through social networking sites, such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. Learn how to use online tools like blogs, wikis, and virtual job fairs. Focus on optimizing your online identity.

5. Differentiate yourself. Position yourself as an expert by writing articles, giving presentations, or teaching a class. Get involved in professional organizations. Do something noteworthy in your community that will garner special recognition and build your positive reputation. Focus on what makes YOU special, and build your brand within your industry.

6. Use your time off wisely! Pursue professional development by participating in classes, seminars, certifications and industry conferences. Take advantage of free and low-cost programs to enhance your credentials. Do the important things that you never had time to do when your were working full-time!

7. Pursue a temporary, part-time, or contract position. Volunteer, provide pro bono work, take on a consulting contract, or complete an internship or apprenticeship. This tactic is especially useful for those who wish to pursue a career in a different industry. Keep yourself in the game so you won’t lose traction in your career growth.

8. Act with speed and urgency. Demonstrate your seriousness and determination by showing up earlier, arriving more prepared, and moving quickly and efficiently. Make an impression by being more responsive and assertive rather than passive.

9. Take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. You’ll need to be healthy and vital to maintain the pace of an active job search campaign. Stay in close touch with friends and family. Keep up with your interests, hobbies, activities and/or ministries. Maintain balance in your life, and don’t let the job search become all-consuming!

10. Be flexible and adaptable. Consider shifting industries and/or being geographically mobile to open-up more career possibilities, even if you would not ordinarily choose these options. Offer your skills to other industries rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity. Do whatever you need to do (within reason) to keep your career intact and earn a living. But NEVER lose sight of your career direction and long-term goals!

And allow me to just add one more step, if you will: Stay in constant prayer, asking for the Lord’s direction and guidance as you search for that open position. He is more than able to meet our needs and place us in the perfect position. Even in times of frustration, we can be assured that He is ‘working all things together for good, to those who trust in Him and are called according to His elect.’ But we’ve all been called to believe in Him, and He says when you do that, He will always look after you and provide for all your needs, in His timing and perfect knowledge! =)