17 Jul 31 Job Search Principles to Live By.

As an independent consultant, I’m unemployed at least once or twice a year. Every time my contract ends I have to find another opportunity. This means that during my search I have no benefits, no pay, no recurring payments from clients and yes I still have to pay for my insurance.

Being unemployed is not fun. To help me strengthen my search I developed a set of job search principles that I live by. I hope these principles can help you.

Job Search Principles

I, _________, understand that the easiest way to find a job is through a referral.

I, _________, understand that the people most likely to help me find a job are 1) family, 2) friends 3) previous co-workers and 4) members of organizations that I am actively part of.

I, _________, understand that If I’m not active in at least one industry organization that I am putting myself at a huge disadvantage to find a new job.

I, _________, understand that I can’t be embarrassed to ask others to help me. This approach gives me the highest chance of landing on my feet safely.

I, _________, will be open to solicited and non-solicited criticism of how I approach my job search including interviewing techniques and resume.

I, _________, understand that If I’m still not getting anywhere in my job search it is OK to ask others “What do you think I am doing wrong?”

I, _________, understand that applying for jobs online is a frustrating and often ineffective way of finding a new job.

I, _________, understand that I can not get jealous of others who are not as talented as me finding better jobs.

I, _________, understand that big companies are often filled with nice, educated smart people who want to help people.

I, _________, understand that no matter how many times I get my résumé reviewed it will not increase my chances of getting hired.

I, _________, understand that for every 10 emails or LinkedIn messages I send I will only get 1 or 2 responses.

I, _________, understand that “email blasts” are a huge waste of time and my email will almost always get immediately deleted.

I, _________, understand that people do business with who they 1) know, 2) like and 3) trust

I, _________, understand that if I’m sitting behind the computer most of the day that I’m probably doing something wrong.

I, _________, understand that companies often hire people without ever posting a job position on their website.

I, _________, understand the easiest way for me to find the jobs that are never posted online is to have a personal connection with the hiring manager.

I, _________, understand that my professional network is weak and that the best time to build one is now.

I, _________, understand that if I haven’t met anyone new in the past week that I am actively destroying opportunities that could lead me to a new job.

I, _________, understand that my job search should be 20% applying to jobs and 80% meeting new people by attending networking and industry events.

I, _________, understand that for every networking event I attend I should follow-up with at least 5 people who I just met.

I, _________, understand that I needed a job search normally takes at least 3 months if everything goes right.

I, _________, understand that an employer hires people who have proven experience in their industry, not people who are “quick learners.”

I, _________, understand that if I don’t have the right experience to find the job that I want, that I will do everything in my power to build this experience on my own through digital courses and getting help from others who have been in that position.

I, _________, understand that going back to school or getting a certification is normally a waste of time unless the job I want requires it by law.

I, _________, understand that if an employer tells me that I’m not “a fit” for their company that there really is no other way to say it. I will move on, connect with them on LinkedIn and say “Thanks for the opportunity. If there is any way I can help you, please let me know.”

I, _________, understand that clicking on the article “7 ways to find a new job” will probably be too generic and not help me in any way.

I, _________, understand an employer wants someone who “creates opportunities” instead of someone who is “looking for opportunities.”

I, _________, understand that instead of waiting for HR to email me back after an interview, I should continue to look for new jobs.

I, _________, understand that I might hit rock bottom during the job search and the easiest way to get back on my feet is to work on creating more opportunities.

I, _________, understand that complaining will do nothing for me.

I, _________, understand that as soon as I find my next job, my first goal is to help someone else who is still looking.

Sincerely,

The person who needed a new job yesterday.

If there is any way that I can help you, email me at robbie.abed@gmail.com.

(I am not looking for a new opportunity at the moment)

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PS: Read the only resignation letter template you’ll ever need.