Encouragement and Advice for Your Job Search.

To My Fellow Job Seekers!

I know the job hunt can feel like a rollercoaster ride with its ups and downs, twists, and turns. But I want to remind you that you've got this!

All of this, (rollercoaster ride included) is part of your journey to finding that perfect fit for your experience, skills, background, personality, goals, and more!

You may have just started your journey, or like many, you’ve been searching for what’s next for a while now and you may be wondering “where do I begin?” Or, maybe you are feeling stuck?

My hope is that the suggestions in this article, which isn’t a definitive list and doesn't go into all the specific details, but a collection of some of my own learnings, will help you begin your job search or do a quick reset / relaunch of your job search.?

Before we get into strategy, let me begin by trying to encourage you to make sure you regularly recognize yourself for showing up for YOU each day!

The job search isn't for the faint of heart, but you're showing determination and resilience just by doing what you’re doing!

After you've taken time to decompress and maybe detox especially if you've been laid off and then read and work through the following:

First off, take inventory of yourself.

• Take inventory of all your skills. Take some time to reflect on what you truly want in a job. What makes you tick? What gets you excited to get out of bed each morning (besides the promise of coffee, of course)? Knowing yourself and your aspirations is a key to building confidence in yourself and will help you narrow down what roles you want to target and will help you find what’s next.

Next, once you’ve taken inventory of yourself and what you bring to the table, it’s vital that you narrow down the role or roles you want to target.

• This will also help you target roles as well as gear your resume for that role or roles you’re targeting.

Next, Take inventory of the tools in your arsenal.

• For instance, your resume is your main tool on this journey. Make sure it’s as polished as possible, professional, and tailored to each job you apply for. Highlight your strengths, showcase your achievements, and let who you are shine through!
• Make sure your resume tells a story not only about what you’ve done, but what you really want to do!
• Make sure you stand out from the crowd in the best possible way as you represent “Brand You”!

Also, beyond your resume, consider the many tools and resources out there to help you in your search.

• From the many job sites, resume tools, professional resume writers you can partner with to review and update your resume and LinkedIn profile (including your About section, profile picture, profile banner, experience, training and more.)
• The application tracking tools, (even a “low tech” spreadsheet) to keep track of all the roles and places you’ve applied to, as well as many other emerging tools at your disposal. Use them to your benefit to help you work smarter not harder. Please make sure you keep your resume and LinkedIn profile up to date even when you aren’t job searching!

Let’s consider job descriptions.

• I recommend keeping a copy of the job description, such as via a Word document, (or other format document) for each position you apply for. This can help serve as a great memory refresh when you prepare for an interview. This is especially important as you apply for multiple positions!
• Make sure some of the key terms from the job description are in your resume.

Next, seek out and take some training classes that will help build or refresh your skills.

• You can also take classes you’re interested in. Training is a amazing part of your personal professional development and is a great talking point when potential employers ask, “What have you been doing while you’ve been searching for what’s next?”
• You can share that you’ve been taking classes to continue your professional development. You can share a brief highlight of those classes.
• It really can make a positive impact in your conversations and beyond that, additional training is just good for you. Good for your mind, good for your professional development, and it’s good to add some of the training to your LinkedIn profile and resume.

Next, networking is another powerful tool in your journey.

• Don't underestimate the power of making connections, both online and in person. Reach out to friends, family, former colleagues, maybe even that person you met at a networking event six months ago!?
• You never know who might have or be the lead you’re looking for, the inside scoop on a job opening, provide you with a formal recommendation through LinkedIn, or be able to put in a good word for you. And you can be the same for them in return!

And speaking of networking, don’t forget about the practical power of LinkedIn connections as that’s really what it was created for in the first place.

• It's like the ultimate professional tradeshow or conference that’s open 24/7 (Not that you need to be on LinkedIn 24/7 LOL), where you can connect with industry professionals, join groups, showcase your expertise, and encourage others in your own journey!
• So, don’t forget to make strategic connections and make sure to keep your profile updated, engage with content, and don't be afraid to reach out to people who inspire you. The worst they can say is no, right?

And, while you're on this journey, don't forget to take care of yourself.

• Job hunting can be stressful and completely exhausting! So, make sure to carve out regular time for self-care. Whether it's going for a walk, getting out in the sun for a few, or doing whatever helps you recharge and stay positive including taking much needed time off and away from the job search grind!

Now, let's address the dreaded "Rejection."

• It stings, there's no denying it. But here's the thing - we need to remember that it's not personal and therefore even through our disappointment, we need to not take it person.
• Rejection in your job search is inevitable.
• Maybe you weren't the right fit for that particular role? Or perhaps the timing just wasn't right as in the job wasn't right? Or, you needed to gain some other experience or a better fitting role was ahead for you? Or, maybe you somehow were being protected from a bad situation?
• Take it as a learning experience, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward.
• Remember, every "No" brings you one step closer to that coveted "Yes!"

Finally, never lose sight of your worth.

• You bring unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table, and the right employer will recognize and appreciate that. And, as always: You matter. You are valued. You bring A LOT to the success of the team past, present, and you will continue to do so in the future! Stay confident, stay focused, and keep believing in yourself.
• You're doing amazing things, and what’s next for you is just around the corner.

Keep pushing forward, keep striving to set yourself and others up for success, and never forget that the best is yet to come!

All the best and much success always!

Sincerely,

Randolph Koch

#jobsearch #career #yougotthis #whatsnext #network #resume #hope #readytowork #greenbannergang