Searching? Interviewing? Top 10 ways to stay current in search mode

Whether you're employed or in search mode. Either way, if you aren't working, I mean seriously working, you are doing yourself an injustice.

Even if employed, always realize you need to stay current, need to be looking to brush up your skills, and need to stay at the top of your game. This is an ultra competitive time in the job market. Margins are slim, budgets are tight. People are taking jobs far below their means or skill set just to have a paycheck. In other cases people that are vastly qualified are sitting on the sidelines waiting and watching. Learning and honing. Planning and strategizing. I consider myself the latter. Please don't think this is a feel good "you're trying hard" story. No, this is the opposite, it's a stark reality check. If you have a job and you find yourself getting complacent, don't. If you are in a true career search such as yours truly, hopefully this is the energetic wake up call you might need if you aren't working right now. Nothing is going to be handed to you. If you want it, you need to prove you want it more than the dozens or even hundreds vying for that same role you are. You are competing against internals and locals. In many cases they are working, you are not. You need to put in the time, exhaust the effort, and work overtime. Forget about taking time off or hitting the beach. That should be the furthest thing from your mind. Sleeping in? Not setting alarms? No where to be? Seriously? Are you looking or are you just saying you're looking? If you are really looking then this article is for you. Only if you are REALLY LOOKING! If you want to win, just like in any sport, you need to be the best prepared when the call comes! This is not a game, this is reality. You need to be hungry to win. You need to prove yourself worthy of winning. But above all you need people to see you are doing everything it takes, even more than the person standing next to you or the internal candidate that is taking your opening from you. If you're not in it to win, then why waste the time? If you're going to play, play to win!

I could write about getting back to school. That is always an awesome idea. Without fail getting advanced degrees and continuing education is always a solid investment. But this is not that neither. This is for the hard working man or woman that has to watch the budget because Uncle Sam isn't paying for this one. This is for the hard working men and women that simply don't have the funds sitting around or a free ride in the making. This is for those serious about making a career transition or need to get back in the game, and do it all on a dime. Shoot if I had that luxury of a free education or enough money I could just sit back and relax or think retirement I wouldn't be here working my LinkedIn right now. Instead I am working, connecting, learning, never taking days off, working harder than when on the payroll and logging more hours than any bank or managerial role I had in recent memory. This is work, serious work, the paychecks just aren't as nice.

Sure could take a job anywhere. I was at Bed Bath and Beyond yesterday and they were handing out applications. I could work if needed to right now. I could bartend, pick up a job or two to make ends meet, and if that is what is needed, then it will happen. If that's what you need, make it happen. By all means, make sure to protect your finances, your credit, and most importantly your background. Creditkarma.com & creditsesame.com are free websites to help guide you here, plus order and ensure for accuracy your free full consumer disclosure from LexisNexis.com

But I am in a different place. I am protecting my resume as just came off of a short term role, had a few others and need to get into a solid, stable, growth oriented career. The biggest mistake I could make is take another job that would serve only as a band aid and another short stint on a resume. I had enough of those. Thus my position is I would rather keep and protect what is already damaged in terms of my resume to a minimum (call it damage control) as have weighed the risks of another short term position and decided to leave well enough alone. I do stay current in dozens of ways (which will see in a bit), can outshine most any internal, but not about to jeopardize my position with anything else on the resume at this juncture.

I have a few advantages. I practice what I preach in saving and carrying a reserve, so I have a solid rainy day fund that keeps me afloat and out of debt. My credit is perfect and won't be phased. I have no kids and carry no debt. There is no mortgage. I live below my means. I am single with no roots here, not in school nor have any ties that bind, so can locate most anywhere if the timing and the opportunity is right. Take everything I say or write and play it to your strengths, your position, and your means. This is not meant to be a catch all, but a starting point to get the idea tank and those competitive juices flowing. Hopefully you will identify some of your competitive edge's along the way and really make them stand out! Be prepared for serious time, effort, energy and yes, I said it earlier, to work harder than you did when you were getting that weekly paycheck. Matter of fact the ultimate compliment I received was last Wednesday at a mixer I orchestrate when someone I have known since I moved here told me she had no idea I wasn't working. I told her it's it simple, I never stopped working, if anything I work more now...I simply stopped receiving paychecks. That's about to change.

So without further adieu - here is my Top 10 List of how to stay current while in career search mode. Some of this may not pertain to you, but please tailor to address your own specific needs

1) Set you alarm every single day - you were supposed to be at work. If normally have to be to work at 9am, then make sure you are leaving time for the morning rituals, the coffee, shower, shave, dress, and drive time. If that means being up everyday at 7, set that alarm for 6:30 (I hit snooze about 4 times) and be ready. For me personally my game plan is I am up at 7, active and ready to go, maybe get a jog in, get that coffee fix, but always be prepared as if that phone is ringing at 8:30. If I am not going to a networking event or working on a project, volunteering, or have an interview...in other words have nowhere need to be at that hour, then I force myself to be at the computer and at the ready. Similar to when I worked for myself and worked from home, it's a discipline you MUST instill. If you are not ready for that call at 8:30, someone else will be, and you may have just missed the opportunity. Set that alarm every day you would normally be working. If don't want to get up, sorry about your luck, you HAVE to! You are on the clock

2) Stay current. What does this mean? I am in banking, and compliance rules change. You are always expected to know the current rules, not what they were when you left, but what they are today. How do I stay current? Several ways. Stay connected with people in your field. Always keep in close contact with those doing what you did or what you aspire to do. Another great idea is to subscribe to policy and procedure updates, almost like Buzzfeed, by being a part of these groups and subscribing to policy links - several dozen of which I do - all for free. There is a bevvy of information out there online. I cannot even count the number of streams I have running through my Inbox, LinkedIn feeds etc daily. Stay current -it's a MUST! Another grand idea I received courtesy of one of the recruiters I met through LinkedIn, I am taking online webinars, right now, for FREE - sponsored by the SBA. Find your regional office by logging in to the SBA site, mine being Richmond https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/va/richmond. That means there is no cost for my continuing education. Another one I had signed up to was through Accountemps (Robert Half International) where have taken online courses in Project Management, Six Sigma, Green Belt, Black Belt, Visio, Advanced Excel. You name it is out there for the taking, you just need to want it bad enough. For just a small sum I also invested in myself to get my Life Health Annuities License renewed. Typically if was working this would be paid for, but I had to do self study, self sponsor, and pay on my own. Is this vital? Maybe not, but what it should show any prospective employer is I am not sitting home eating bon bons. I am ambitious, hard-working, driven, passionate, successful. I never made results by accident.

The formula for results is: B x A = R

If do not like the (R)esult, have to modify the (B)ehaviors and/or increase the (A)ctivity. It is no different in sales, job search mode or in staying current.

I am staying current. I want this more than the guy sitting next to me or at the unemployment office. I'm not getting unemployment. There is no free ride. School not an option for me at this time. It's going to take action, dedication, purpose and a strategic offense. No one calling unless give them a reason to want to. Shoot if didn't reach recruiters and hiring managers directly I'd likely net zero calls. My resume is brimming with success but is spotty in tenure, not working at this time, and likely even a relo. All obstacles to overcome. So have to put in overtime to create the need. In much the same mindset I went online and created my own Mobile Notary business. It keeps my notary current, keeps me in the loan business, can lead to some solid referrals, brings in a few dollars, but ultimately it keeps me engaged with realtors, mortgage reps, managers, dealerships, and other business professionals that require notaries. I need to be better at commercial lending, these SBA classes are instrumental in my continued learning. My investment in renewing my licensing and continuing education allows me to be a stronger referring agent all the while staying current. Compliance curriculums keep me abreast of changes. How are you staying current? Stay razor sharp, keep that edge - If not staying ahead you are falling behind!

3) Get connected. In a word - Groups. This is a catch all for Networking Groups, Meetup Groups, LinkedIn Groups, Social Groups. You name it, there's a group out there. If there isn't one, make one. Show some initiative. I co-created and remain incredibly active as the administrator for the single largest social events board in all of Charlottesville. It was a creation mainly for entertainment purposes started while working, but in the end this is a people business. Yes you have to submit a resume through corporate portals, but behind those walls are people. I have connected more people, made introductions, and received literally hundreds of introductions since it's inception. While not the goal, it is a pleasant way to do business and make business all in the name of having fun. There are so many people out there in the same boat as you. There are owners and hiring managers out there among your friends and peers. People know people. In my business much like most any, it's a who knows who that will open more doors than sitting home. But while sitting home, work that LinkedIn Network. If you don't have one create one. If you don't contribute, you are losing out. If you cannot find a group to join you aren't looking. Just like when looking for loans and deposits while working, people do business with people they know like trust and respect. If they don't know like trust and respect you they also won't help you find a career. Getting known is for many people the struggle. Advertising that you are looking (and to what lengths you will go) in your groups will have a domino effect in the "know" portion of this equation.

4) Social Media as an equalizer. It's Marketing 101. See and be seen. Become known to be known. When first moved to town I had T-shirts and nice polos made introducing myself and wore them everywhere. When started with the bank I became the brand and an ambassador everywhere I walked or even at the gym. But I am writing today. Why? Several reasons, in all honesty: it is to help people, hopefully inspire some, and it is to connect with more. This scope is international and the appeal far more outreaching than wearing a polo. My aim is to serve as a living example as you are now reading this, and we might not have ever met. You are reading this, and you may be a hiring manager. You are reading this, but I don't know you, and you might be an owner or know someone who knows someone. Up until 5 minutes ago you may never have heard my name or seen my face, but now you have, quite possibly in a good light, and I hope that we connect afterwards. The last editorials I wrote led to solid feedback, more connections, more reads, more visibility, more exposure. If you aren't one to go out in groups, write articles. Reach out on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumbler, Wordpress - choose your weapon then sharpen the blade. Social Media is awesome but you need to be active to get noticed. If you have a profile but not using it you are truly doing yourself a disservice. Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo, Twitter, Tumbler, Instagram, these are all FREE and if you aren't getting word out that you are looking or are willing to move, willing to do what it takes etc, who will? Have your people call my people. Need to connect and more importantly stay connected in this ever shrinking world! Be positive, be true, but get connected.

5) Technology. Much like addressed above, social media is an awesome equalizer, but that is only one sliver of the equation. If you don't have Facetime or Skype you are likely missing interview opportunities. If you aren't actively using Word, Excel, Adobe, Visio, Project - whatever your main office suites of choice are, you are falling behind. Kno wwhat's important in your related field than use it as a matter of choice in your personal dealings. It is not a wanted or desired aspect of employers, it is a given that you MUST have knowledge and practical use daily of these software items. It is essential. Many even test in simulations as have had quite a few "Prove it" type assessments. Part of the reason I created the What's Happening in C'ville group I mentioned above, is it also keeps my skills sharp. Facebook groups aren't allowed to have calendars so had to configure a way to embed a calendar through some basic programming. I use outlook, excel, project and mesh calendars, integrate technologies, use paint and photoshop to create images and events, essentially forcing my hand to stay current in technologies that are a given in the workplace today. I proof, edit, post, share and calendar sometimes 50 -60 times a day, created templates and user guides so others can learn and do the same. I use word religiously, excel likely second. A self confessed internet junkie I have integrated my phones, laptops, software and desktop through networking and computing clouds integrating technology. My TV is now essentially a part of my laptop and vice versa. When I am on the road as I am often am I have complete access to all my files, resumes, anything I need, but only because I am forcing myself to stay current as new technologies avail themselves. And this is all being done on a dime. You should too. If you are anti-technology time to lose that fear! Don't fight it, embrace it. Technology is never going to slow down and certainly isn't going away. One the smartest and best investments one can make going forward!

6) Read. Reading is fundamental. I don't mean read 50 Shades of Grey or read the National Enquirer. Not those reality magazines or checkout stand articles. Read as if you needed to, because you do. Read about changes in your field. Read about events happening in your area such as workshops and job fairs. I have signed on to receive investment and commercial subscriptions. Why? Because I have to. Why? Because I want to. Why? Because it's my passion and I never intend to forget the fundamentals. Even if it means changing career fields, I will never forget the learnings and studies I have invested in myself by reading to learn and learning to read. Kiplingers for ex. is one I frequent often, Investopedia a staple of my studies, but also borrow or read books around leading, strategizing, formulating, devising, coaching, building teams, connecting with people, career searching, how to get people to do what you want. If don't understand fundamental computer or basic software literacy the DUMMIES Series is a good start. Why invest all this time reading? The answer is simple, do you want to get hired or not? Why are you spending time reading this right now? I hope it's because you want to gain new knowledge. Read for pleasure if you like, but if serious about your career read for knowledge. Knowledge is Power - that adage will NEVER change!

7) Become a referring agent. Something I try to do for others is in every day conversation and practice, help alleviate some of the stress they are feeling. Whether it's a mortgage too high, insurance issues, money woes, credit dilemma, need new place to take their car, saving a few dollars, need someone they can trust to do their taxes. Need a plumber but don't know one. You name it, refer back to this is a people business, and in every day conversation you will uncover a lot of needs that people have, and you can be a conduit to their solution! How awesome is that? You are genuinely helping a friend, a neighbor, a loved one, but in the process, might even get a few dollars in the process, make a new connection or two, and oh by the way, maybe even discover you are incredible at something. I am no mechanic, but I know several good ones. I am not a commercial lender by trade, but I am close, and I know enough to be dangerous. If I can get someone help to put them over the top on a commercial loan or save them some cash on their insurance or their merchant services, why wouldn't I? In the process (I have always led by example and led by striking first) I am feeding a partner. They in turn feel almost compelled to help me. the concept is called PAYING IT FORWARD! If I refer someone to my life insurance agent, they are more inclined to be on the lookout to help me. It's a basic fundamental principle, but one hand washes the other. If you feed someone first they are apt to want to feed you back. never be the first to ask, but the first to give. Some can even offer a bonus or incentive if you are a referring agent. Realtors, mortgage reps, insurance reps, commercial, investment and merchant partners seek leads all the time. How much more valuable is it when you can send them a trusted and ready new customer? I have never worked for the kickback, but it comes in handy every now and again, and it never hurts to make new friends and allies in this search. It can only lead to bigger and better communications in your new partner. If you feed first I think it allows one to potentially ask for a favor later, or at the least to have another set of eyes keeping an ear to the ground for you. never know who knows who, and most networking connections in the business services fields tend to always have one ear on the ground and their finger on the pulse of most local (and even regional or statewide) happenings. Smart money says get to know these ladies and gentlemen and lead first for they know the people you are looking to meet.

8) Ask for Introductions and Recommendations. How is this any different than when working and looking for referrals? I think in some cases ego or pride may get in the way. But why? Wouldn't you help someone you knew find a job or help in their career? If you had a friend or network partner looking wouldn't you be the first to help them? Pride and ego are great when things are going great, they are also great motivators to get back if ever need to. Shoot pride is one of my allies and ego one of my main drivers, but they can also be stumbling blocks if we let them get in the way of asking for help. There is no shame in saying I need your help. There is no shame in asking, not for a handout, but for a sincere helping hand in a time of need. Connections are key and people in general are good-hearted and willing to help, but it takes asking, and sometimes that involves courage in the ask. I have never felt shame in asking someone to keep an eye and an ear out for me. I have reached across the aisle so to speak and sought to connect or work with people that perhaps I once considered competition. This is a journey and you will need alliances, why not ask up front for some help. Make some new partners. Never go alone. Don't ever let titles, ego or stature get in the way. The person bagging your groceries might be the son or daughter of the owner of the company you are trying to work for. Be nice to everyone, be gracious and thankful. Always be humble, and never let pride or ego stop you from asking for help or a warm introduction. Much like anyone successful in business, you have to ask for warm recommendations and favorable introductions. Ask those you have done a great job for to endorse or recommend you on LinkedIn. Get business cards through VistaPrint or other low cost alternatives. But the key is you have to ask - How else will someone know you need one?

9) Volunteer. You need to stay positive in this time. It can be a struggle and there will be setbacks. I guarantee it's not easy, not at least for most of us. So how does one stay positive all the while gain skills or keep current. Volunteering answers all of the above. Meet a lot of people, and never presume they aren't working. I have met owners, givers, and donators of all walks. Matter of fact some of the wealthiest clients I had are the first to give back. Some of the greatest philanthropists, see Bill Gates, one of the if not THE richest man in the world, and see how much he and his wife give. Serve on a board or two. Be a financial adviser or on the committee. Keep your mind sharp and your head in the game. You might just meet your next employer working at the soup kitchen. Never know until you try. But most importantly, making a difference to someone is special. And at the end of a long day, there is truly no better feeling then knowing you made a difference. And sometimes the main benefactor isn't those you serve, it's you for being the one to initiate said service. It also keeps one humble. For as tough as this is, and as hard it may seem, we are always so much more fortunate than a great percentage of those around us. Don't forget to Volunteer. It will make a difference!

10) Never turn off. I cannot even tell you how many people tell me I should be taking it easy. This is a great time to get away, take a vacation, get up when you want, go to sleep when you want. True there are times I may be hard on myself and do need to take those breathers, but only for a short time. Maybe make a weekend as would normally be off most weekends anyways. maybe go out once or twice just for sanity breaks and to interrupt the monotony of pounding resumes and assessments all day. Taking mental breaks is key, and something I do have to get better at. I am very aggressive at times and that can burn one out. So as much as I am typing this for you I am also telling myself: need to take breaks, need to relax, need to remember to have fun. Never forget, life's a journey so enjoy the ride. All that being said, and I do applaud those that are able to step away easily, that is not something I do or preach. I am more an advocate of doing just enough to take that needed break, than getting right back to work. Instead of wasting time I intend to get right back to the task at hand. As soon as I am done typing this I have read the book so will be doing another personality assessment, this one called Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath. I need to ensure that in all this time and work vested in my career search that the end result will make sense, so just like companies assess you before continuing interviews, I am going to assess myself as a part of my ongoing investment in making sure all this work and time invested ultimately pays off. Once done there will get back to the resume machine as I so aptly named it, those top 30/40 career portals I have bookmarked and visit routinely. Then do some more Indeed searches, hit up another networking event or two, then connect with a few more hiring mangers, reach out to a few more recruiters, then maybe unwind at the end of the day for a few. Then get to bed early. There is a very important itinerary for tomorrow. That alarm goes off early, and I have to honor it. I have a very important phone screen at 9 am, two more assessments to take, than start working on lining up the latter half of the week as well as get ready for the coming week. I intend to be back on the road again, and that means hotels, lot of drive time, and at minimum a few trips before wrap things up. That means time is ticking, so I have to bid you adieu at this time so I can get back to work. Hopefully you found this Top 10 useful in your own way.

Time is working against me, and there is a sense of urgency as need to get on the payroll again. I have plenty of reserve and could live the next 5-10 years if need be. But that's not the plan. Plan is I am in my prime - there is literally no reason I am not gainfully employed in a career of my choosing. But as it is I have a lot of work to do. Time to do exactly what I wrote here, get back to basics, consistently visit and revisit this Top 10, and ensure that all these efforts will pay off. There has been a gap since I last received a check and it is vital my skill set never slips, or at least the perception that it has. One thing for sure, the passion, the drive and the knowledge never will! Back to being the most active unemployed guy in America.

I have too much riding on this to leave it to chance, and so do you. Back to work my friends, back to work. Time is ticking. Don't let opportunity pass you by.