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Do you ever feel like your dream job is playing an elusive game of Hide ‘n’ Seek with you? Like when you were a kid, and you would run around in the dusk of a hot July evening chasing Lightning Bugs and trying to find your brother (or sister, or friend, or neighbor kid) who had very cleverly hidden ABOVE you in the tree. You only found your friend (or foe at this point) when they jumped down and ran to the ‘safe zone’ and began yelling how they got you again!! How frustrating!
It’s common to feel frustrated, defeated, and lost in the midst of your job search. It’s tough, demanding and tedious work to search for a job. (I should know, I do it each day for my graduates!!) So when you feel yourself getting drained from long hours in front of the internet, it’s time to try a new approach to the search. Here are some tips to get out of your job search rut, and try some ‘out- of -the -tree’ ideas to find a new job.
1. Shut off your computer. Log off. Close your laptop- put it away. Now, get out of the house, or the library, and head to the nearest café. Order a coffee (or a milkshake), and nuzzle up to the closest newspaper you can find. Read the whole thing. Yes, I said the WHOLE thing. Take in what is happening in your community- what business is opening, what business is closing, who needs money, who’s giving money, what events are happening? This is a great way to find a ‘hidden’ job lead or volunteer opportunity. It’s also a great way to find out what type of networking events are happening in your neighborhood. Once you are all caught up on your current events, then you can open the JOBS section and read through ALL the postings, yes, all of them. You may be surprised how many leads you find here that are not online!
2. Head to your nearest Chamber of Commerce. Walk in and introduce yourself. Give them your resume. Let them know you are a recent graduate looking for a job in Marketing, Sales, Business, Healthcare, or whatever it may be. Ask them what events are coming up that community members can be involved in. Ask if they allow members to join at a discounted rate. This may feel odd, weird, strange and uncomfortable…but it could also lead to some wonderful, great, fantastic contacts who may be able to assist you in your job search.
3. Head back home, or to your library, fire up your computer and print off 20 copies of your resume. Use nice paper. Distribute them around town. Yes, like a newspaper delivery person. Be sure to dress professionally and have a plan of attack for each business you head into. Have a short speech prepared for each person you encounter. For example: “Hello, my name is Sue. I am a recent graduate of Rasmussen College searching for a position in your company. I’d like to leave my resume for the Hiring Manager. Is the Manager available, or should I leave it with you?” At this point, politely hand your resume to the front desk person. Smile, and wait for their response. Guess what, they will rarely say ‘NO’. If they do, politely say ‘Thank you for your time.’ Smile, and go on to the next company. Remember to keep a list of where you go so you can do a follow up call within 3-4 days of the drop.
4. Finally, TAKE A DAY OFF! Even CEO’s get a day off- you should too! Choose 1-2 days each week where you try not to think about your job search. This will re-energize you, and give you brand new job postings to look at once you are back on the case. On your days off do something fun and different like- taking a walk around a really nice neighborhood to look at all the great homes. Head to the dog park and watch the dogs play. Take a stroll through a flower garden. Grab your camera and take some abstract, outdoor photos. Write a blog! Whatever you choose to do with your day off, remember that your hard work and dedication to your job search will pay off eventually. But whatever you do- Pick Up That Phone; it could be your Career Calling!