Revive that Job Search!

1. Do you have tunnel vision?

Tunnel vision makes you believe that you must land a specific position, with particular specs and hours, in the industry that you originally targeted. In reality, though, the current job landscape or your skill set may not be conducive to an easy match.

If you've received denial after denial — especially at the same stage of the process (i.e., no one has contacted you to set up an interview) — it's time to step back and re-evaluate. Assess any feedback you've received, and examine whether or not you still feel like you're a strong contender at this particular level or in this specific industry. Perhaps you'll pinpoint that your level of experience is lacking and decide that a course or internship would be helpful before you continue applying to similar roles. In the meantime, you could pivot your existing skill set to another department or industry.

Alternatively, maybe you're hearing from companies, but you're hesitant to commit. Instead of boxing yourself in and feeling like your new job must look a certain way, consider piecing together other types of jobs to give yourself more flexibility.

For example, a "bridge job" — one that pays the bills while you figure out what you really want to do — is a great option for someone who needs financial stability but wants the bandwidth to change careers or build a side business. Bridge jobs may not sound glamorous to your friends and family, but they allow you to pursue your goals in a way you wouldn't be able to if you were working a demanding corporate position.

Expanding your personal vision for your next job — with an eye toward what will best fit your particular needs and long-term goals — will help you discover interesting opportunities that may not have been in your line of sight before.

2. Are you offline?

If your job search keeps you tethered to your computer day and night, you need to evaluate your in-person job search strategy (that is, if you have one at all). The fact is, the vast majority of jobs aren't listed online, they're filled through referrals from existing employees — so if you shift from being job-focused to people-focused, you'll likely notice a change.

If you feel like you've exhausted your current network, start creating new contacts by checking out local meetups, professional organizations, or projects that need someone with your skill set. Go to industry events, meet like-minded folks, and put yourself in a position to collaborate with new and interesting people.

More importantly, for each position you apply to online, find a person — at the company, in the field, or somehow related to the work you hope to do — and introduce yourself to via LinkedIn, Twitter, or email (here's how). Explain your goals, and ask that person if he is available to connect so you could learn more about his experience.

By extending your job search beyond your computer screen (with real-life conversations and new communities), you'll gain access into circles that are otherwise out of reach. Take the initiative to show people your value beyond an online resume and email correspondence.

3. Are you spending enough time doing other things?

Before you protest, let me explain. What I mean is: Do you set aside time every week to do something you love, build out a skill, or feed a creative outlet? As you well know, job searching is tiring and stressful. One day, you could have what feels like a great interview, and the next day, a rejection email arrives from that same company. In order to keep your spirits strong and stay focused, it's vital that you prioritize time for projects that recharge you and give you a sense of achievement.


Read more at: http://mashable.com/2015/04/02/reinvigorate-job-search/

Speak Up! It May Just Get You the Job!

When you're searching for a job, it's critical to make your voice heard, new research finds.

While an impressive résumé is important, it's your voice that may help you land the job, according to a study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Researchers discovered that when employers and professional recruiters both listen to and read job seekers' qualifications, they rate the candidates as more competent, thoughtful and intelligent when they hear the pitch, as opposed to when they simply read it to themselves. As a result, they like the candidates more and are more interested in hiring them.

The study's authors said this result held true even when the words that are spoken and read are exactly the same. They did find, however, that the addition of video does not influence evaluations beyond hearing the candidate's voice.

"In addition to communicating the contents of one's mind, like specific thoughts and beliefs, a person's speech conveys their fundamental capacity to think — the capacity for reasoning, thoughtfulness and intellect," Nicholas Epley, one of the study's authors and a University of Chicago business professor, said in a statement.

For the study, researchers asked a group of MBA student job candidates to develop a short pitch for the business they would like to work for most. They created written pitches and were videotaped reading the same pitch. [12 Best Job Search Apps ]

In one experiment, a group of evaluators judged the spoken pitches by watching and listening to the video recording, listening to the audio only or reading a transcript of the pitch. Those who heard the pitch rated the candidate as more intelligent, thoughtful and competent than the evaluators who read only a transcript of it, while those who watched the video did not rate it any differently than those who heard the pitch.

In a second experiment, evaluators listened to trained actors reading job candidates' written pitches out loud. The study's authors found that the evaluators believed those candidates were more intelligent and wanted to hire them more than the evaluators who only read the candidates' written pitches.

In addition to the evaluators used in the experiments, professional recruiters were found to be more likely to hire the candidates whose pitches they could hear.

"When conveying intelligence, it's important for one's voice to be heard — literally," Epley said.


Read more at: business news daily job search voice

Factors in Job Happiness

http://www.thefutureorganization.com/new-research-top-10-factors-employee-happiness-job/

Tips For De-Stressing Your Job Search

1. Take Stock In What You Have

When did our personal worth become indicative upon a j-o-b? No doubt, the loss of income will force us to make some difficult decisions, but never will our income, possessions, or number of/type of credit cards we hold even come close to representing our self-worth.

My husband reminded me yesterday of what beautiful grandsons we have; and no matter the kind of day I’m having, or the day they’ve had, we grace each other with smiles, hugs, and kisses.

They don’t care about the job I have (or that I even have one); they don’t care about the fanciness of clothes I wear; they don’t care about successes and failures I’ve had in my professional life. They care about my well-being, my happiness, and about the fullness of my “you’re loved” Grammy meter.

It’s too dang easy to lose sight of what really does matter, sadly concerning ourselves more about what’s secondary, maybe even irrelevant (i.e. Why didn’t I get a response to my resume; why didn’t I get that call from the recruiter like he promised; and, why am I not getting interviews). You can stress about the “whys,” but at the end of the day, they are meaningless.

2. Embrace That You’re A Pea In A Pod

So many around you are facing the same job search challenges, and although it might feel like you’re alone, maybe on your own deserted island, you are not alone.

I bet you have plenty to offer others who are unemployed – even if it’s just an open ear. What’s the best way for us to de-stress and shift focus from our own problems? Helping others always works for me.

Where Can You Find A “Pea” Buddy? How About…

Online forums
Local job clubs
Business groups
Networking events
“Let’s conquer this together.” (Unknown)

3. Get Out Every Day

Visit your local library, and yes, the local unemployment office. Being unemployed doesn’t mean you need to be in seclusion, facing the uphill battle all on your own.

Don’t overlook transition assistant programs for those who’ve left the military, the resources provided from local employment centers, and the benefits that result from just talking with people.

Here’s another “insider tip” that few use:Visit your Chambers of Commerce. You’d be amazed how wonderful the people are who man these offices… and wow, what a terrific resource they can be. These people are so helpful, and I guarantee you won’t leave your Chamber’s office unsatisfied.

For example, they can provide details on upcoming business networking events (great for meeting professionals in your area), provide you with a membership directory (packed full of local companies, addresses, and sometimes, contact names), and on occasion can provide job leads.

Need Additional Ideas For Getting Out Every Day?

Meet your significant other for lunch; brainstorm on job search strategies and ideas worth pursuing. In fact, ask for more than just advice…ask for hands-on help. An extra pair of eyes and hands can go a long way.
Go yard sale-ing – crazy! I know. It’s fun though… and fun is a great de-stresser. Ah, but mention you’re searching for a job as you casually peruse each sale’s offerings. You’ll be amazed how many job leads you’ll uncover using this unorthodox method.
Join area business groups that have “power lunch sessions” – many of the ABWA groups have daily power lunch meetings for professionals wanting that daily “kick in the pants” of motivation.
4. Grab A Drink And Curl Up With A Good Book

Never overlook the calming effect of just sitting still and taking time for yourself. If you feel guilty stepping away from your job search, opt for a self-help book to brush up your time management skills, or whatever skill you wish to improve upon, or go with something like the following:

What Color is Your Parachute written by Richard Nelson Bolles (Great read!)
Who Moved My Cheese written by Spencer Johnson (Funny stuff!)

Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/4-de-stressing-tips-for-your-job-search/#XulPSOVD2HxzmhI3.99