I was listening to “http://www.npr.org/” National Public Radio tonight and heard a reporter talking about the Sundance Film Festival. She said that some filmmakers had done well this year because they “booted up” their approach to making films in order to stay current with trends and popular interests.
I immediately made the connection between the concept of “booting up” and a person’s approach to his or her job search. I began to think about the various ways a person might “power up” or “load” their job search process to improve the chances of achieving their goal of landing a job.
Finding a job is taking longer today, and job seekers need ways to sustain their enthusiasm and efforts. New approaches and strategies that energize and add interest can revitalize a discouraged and weary job seeker.
The following is a list of ideas that might power up your search:
Add a new credential to your portfolio. Education and training can boost your confidence as well as your candidacy. Be sure that the program or course you are considering is valued and legitimate.
Make sure that your approach is effective and reflects current job search best practices. Many people work hard at finding a job, but they are using outdated and ineffective strategies. A website that provides hundreds of current topics of interest to the job seeker is “http://www.quintcareers.com/” Quintessential Careers.
Pamper yourself as a reward for your efforts. I’m not one of those people who believes that everyone should make a full time job out of finding a job. Breaks are good. Whether it’s a massage, taking a class that’s only for fun, or settling in for an afternoon with a good book, diversions help restore and replenish the spirit.
Seek out help when you need it. You don’t have to go this alone. In fact, it’s not strategic to do so. Talk to friends, family, colleagues and even a professional who might help guide you when you think you’ve exhausted all possibilities.
Keep looking for the angle you’ve yet to discover, and it might give you just the boost you need to recommit to your search.
