18 ways to transform your job hunt

Shock and awe.

That’s what it feels like to be told you are losing your job. It’s an almost instantaneous flood of emotions, fear, anger, disgust, shame, sadness. You can’t think clearly, it’s like a bolt gun to the brain before the knife delivers the final cut, exsanguinating you of energy and will.

I know. I’ve been there three times. I also spent nine months on the sidelines after coming back from working abroad. Despite turning around a failing publishing company, I could not seem to get a break.

In the 18 years since, I’ve worked with dozens of clients in the same boat, helping them craft a CV that sets them apart and job hunt in a way that navigates the choppy waters of unemployment to a safe harbour.

Here are 18 things I’ve learned along the way about how to do that.

#1 Be clear on what you want

Nothing reeks more of desperation that applying for anything and everything. It saps your energy because you spread yourself too thinly when it comes to your valuable time. You are also more likely to be less successful, and every ‘no’ can feel like the ancient Chinese torture tactic known as ‘lingchi’ or death by a 1,000 cuts.

You only need one job. Be like a laser-guided smart bomb than a blunderbuss.

#2 Proof read [sic] your CV

I published a story on here only yesterday, and in it, I said ‘pubic’ sector and not ‘public’ sector. A reader pointed it out. If someone has a pile of 30 CVs to wade through, they will look for any excuse to whittle that list down. Typos are one such thing. I know I’ve done it. After all, if you can’t be arsed to get your CV perfect, how can I trust you get the detail right working for me?

You’d be amazed just how many CVs have typos. Use Grammarly or better yet get an expert to proofread it. What the hell is a few quid? Invest in yourself.

#3 Do check your social media

What does your social media footprint say about you? One of my most read articles on LinkedIn (1,300 views and counting) was about that very topic. Employers will check whether they admit to it or not. I have, and I’ve de-selected candidates based on what I’ve come across. Expect other people to do the same.

#4 Don’t wear the victim t-shirt

Growing up, my Mum used to say, “Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and your cry alone.” I’ve been royally shafted by people in the past and lost my job, but I refuse to wear the victim t-shirt.

Find some other way of explaining it. Do it well, and the interviewer will get a sense of what happened but is more likely to be impressed by your mental grit and mindset.

No one wants to hire a whiner. There’s nothing so unattractive as a ‘woe-is-me’ story. It will kill your chances stone dead.

#5 Do prepare both ways

Interviews are two-way streets, don’t forget that and prepare accordingly. This is your chance to test if they are the right organisation for you. Nothing sucks your life force more than being in the wrong job and with the wrong company.

I was always suspicious of candidates that didn’t have any intelligent pertinent questions to ask. I’m hiring you for your brain, your wit, intellect, and curiosity. I want you to bring all those things to the job, so show me you have them. Also, it makes you more attractive if I think I have to work to get you because it shows me you value yourself. Don’t confuse it with ego and arrogance, but show me you know why you are good.

#6 Don’t be unfocussed

Job hunting is a job in itself. Treat it like one. So often I’ve heard, “Oh, I’m just going to take a few weeks off, and then I’ll start.” or “Yeah, I do a bit, but then I get distracted, being at home. Where does the day go?

Job hunting rarely goes as quickly or smoothly as you think, and the days can turn into weeks and the weeks into months. Then panic, frustration, and fear sets in. Structure and routine are your friends. Embrace them and set aside time every day to do the work, then play later.

#7 Don’t spend too much time job hunting

This is to be avoided too. I would say three hours a day, tops. The more focussed and organised you are, the more you can get it done and get out to do something else. Often I’ll hear clients say, “I’ve been spending all day job hunting, and I’m so fed up and exhausted. It’s soul-destroying.”

Of course, it is. So get it in, get it done, and get out and do something else in the afternoon. Personally, used to job hunt from 9–12, then check emails at 4:30, and that’s it.

#8 Don’t lose perspective

It’s effortless to lose perspective when you feel helpless and even worthless. We often attached too much of our identity to our job. You can read about why this is a bad idea in my article on how to beat the fear of unemployment.

Keep in touch with family and friends, and make sure you do things with your time that lift you up and elevates your mood. Exercise, getting outside in nature, eating well, and volunteering are all excellent examples. Don’t underestimate the power of these things.

#9 Do stay positive

Cultivating an optimistic mindset is essential. It’s a hard road sometimes, and there will be setbacks. One of the things that separate the resilient person from the un-resilient is their optimistic mindset. Just beware of the Stockdale Paradox.

You can read the rest of the article on Medium.com by clicking on the link below

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