Manage Time and Image During the Job Search
Maintaining Schedules and a Professional Image Brings Jobs Faster
May 22, 2009
Keeping yourself sharp and mentally in the game can be difficult when you are unemployed and looking for a job, but if you can stay focused and maintain your previously productive ways, you may land a new job in no time at all.
Create a To-Do List with Hard Deadlines
When working full-time, most professionals complain that there are not enough hours in the day. When you are temporarily unemployed, too much time can be your enemy. You may be tempted to lose the sense of urgency to complete important tasks. While paychecks may not be coming in, your new job is a looking for a job, so it is important to show up on time.
Shower, Dress and Start Work Every Work Day
On weekends, the dress code is casual, more relaxed, Monday through Friday dress for success. While it may feel strange to walk around your house in a suit, it is essential that you maintain a professional attitude. It is more difficult to see yourself as anything but successful when you look successful. Be honest when you take a look in the mirror each morning and ask yourself, would you hire you? If you are dressed for success the answer is probably yes. If you are in your bathrobe and bunny slippers, the answer is no.
Plan and Schedule Each Day
Getting up on time and dressing professionally are only the first two steps. You have shown up "to work" on time, you look like you are ready to work; now it's time to actually start working. Do not be tempted to spend all day online. Schedule the day, just as your work day would be scheduled. Set aside 30 minutes to answer e-mail in the morning and another 30 minutes at the end of the day, spend 45 minutes reviewing online job boards, schedule 60 minutes to send out resumes, schedule 2 hours to personally go into businesses and introduce yourself. Be sure to schedule lunch and a quitting time. Allow 20 minutes at the end of each day to plan the upcoming day. Set your schedule and stick to it. Note when you accomplish goals you set for yourself along the way to keep you motivated.
Set Aside Time to Exercise
Exercise is a crucial aspect of a successful job search strategy. Reduce stress, stay goal-oriented, and alert through exercise. Disengaging from your house or apartment setting will give you a new perspective and stimulate some creative thinking that may give you additional ideas for presenting your resume or ways to approach the job search. Quality of sleep is often a casualty of stress. Moderate exercise 3-4 times a week has been shown to improve sleep quality, leaving you well-rested and with more energy. [1]
When you proactively keep your head in the game while looking for a job, you are more likely to see success more quickly. By setting goals and deadlines, keeping a regular schedule, maintaining your professional appearance, and adding exercise to you daily regimen, you will be able to avoid the pitfalls of becoming complacent at a time when focused productivity will lead you to finding your next job.
For more information on how exercise facilitates the job search process, see Exercise to Land a New Job.
References
1. "The Link Between Sleep and Exercise" Nubella.
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