Do you:
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Dream of having a "job search secretary" to file, organize and coordinate your job search paperwork? |
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Imagine a magic wizard who would take the house chores, errands, endless lists and obligations off your hands so you have time to focus on your search? |
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Pile resumes, cover letters and messages from prospective employers in forgotten corners, unable to find them when needed? |
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Have your bed or kitchen table serving as an office, because the prospect of cleaning up your "office" is more than you can bear? |
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Strive for "Simple Abundance" in a house where nothing gets put away and nothing gets thrown out? |
It may seem odd to think about preparing your home (or office) for a job search, but overlooking this step can lead to disaster! Disorganization and poor time management contributes to prolonged searches and lost opportunities. This is a little mentioned problem that plagues all job seekers. Whether you work full time or are a fulltime job seeker, you must be a master of organization to succeed in the job search process.
Getting Started Suggestions
A Quiet, Private, Well-Equipped Space: Your first order of business as you start your career change and/or job search is to complete a self-assessment. This typically involves taking formal assessments or completing "self-analysis" exercises. (Scully Career Associates can help you select the tools that are best for you.) In the assessment phase of your job search, it will be important that you select a well-lit, quiet place that you find conducive to deep reflection.
Do not choose the kitchen table or your bed. Turn off the TV and close the door. If you like candles or soft music, you might add them for relaxation. Research has shown that defining a space to work and using it for that exclusive purpose increases productivity and improves the quality of your work.
The Telephone, e-mail and Pagers: Career changing and job search is a communication and relationship building process. You need to project a professional image and you must be easy to reach.
Having an excellent voice mail system is an essential investment. Even in the early stages of your career change, you will be making multiple telephone calls to assess your options. You will be leaving messages and folks will be returning your calls. Ask yourself, "Does my telephone work every time?" "Does my answering system sound like a Radio Shack reject or have I made an investment in a quality system?" "Is my voice on the answering system and do I sound professional?" "Have all roommates or family members been briefed on how I want the phone answered?" "Do I have paper, a pen and a copy of my resume by the phone so I am ready for an unexpected telephone screening interview?" "Have I considered buying a pager so prospective employers are sure to reach me every time they call?"
Once you have answered all the questions above, then it is time to make sure your email system is in working order. It is unlikely that you will be able to undertake a job search without having access to email. You will want to have a private email account from your home (the one at the office is not secure and taking work time for your search is a bad idea!). Be sure to check your mail regularly and respond quickly to your messages.
A Computer: Email and Internet access is important. You will be sending out extensive correspondence in this process. We recommend that you invest in the Microsoft Office software. This will give you Word, which is currently the most popular word processing tool.
A Printer: Career search related correspondence should be printed on a LaserJet quality printer. Resumes, letters and proposals need to be top quality. Anything less could hurt your chances in the competitive job search market.
Set Up a Filing System: Your ability to stay organized is key to your success. As you go through the self-assessment process, you will be evaluating career alternatives. Consider setting up a "drop file" system. You might color code files (nonprofit careers, green; finance careers, blue and so on). As you learn about each field through networking and Internet research, you will have a place to store and retrieve the information. You will also set up files for employers as you go along. Your notes, copies of web sites or annual reports can be filed and saved for future research and interview preparation. You'll need a filing drawer of some sort. If finances are tight, a paper filing box will do.
When you determine a career target and begin your job search, you will also want to set up a card file that will sit near the phone. You will have one card for each employer you have contacted. This way, you will have quick access to names, numbers and the status of your contact with that employer. This really comes in handy as you begin to work with large numbers of employers and one calls you out of the blue. You can reach into the card file and quickly sound like you were just sitting there expecting the call!
Your Calendar and a Watch: You may think this is going a bit too far, but I have run into a number of candidates who do not use calendars or refuse to wear a watch. Both are necessary if you plan to undertake a career change. Find ones that work for you and use them to stay on time and meet your commitments.
Time Management: Balancing your time is your number one challenge! If you are employed fulltime, (this includes Mothers or Fathers raising children), you will need to set aside between 10 and 15 hours per week to work on your career assessment and job search tasks. If you are not employed full-time, plan to spend 30 hours per week.
Get the support and encouragement of everyone directly involved in your life. Let them know that your search for a great job involves a team effort. With a well-organized, methodical approach, you can find the job you've always dreamed of.
Web Addresses-Set up your home for a career change
Featured Book - Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach
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With the grace of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's A Gift from the Sea and the wisdom of M. Scott Peck's A Road Less Traveled, this practical, inspirational daily guide provides a meditation or exercise for every day of the year.
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