Upgrade Your Job Search

By 

Kiril G. Kundurazieff "Opinions issued from T... (Santa Ana, CA United States) -

  

The book, clocking in at a hefty 116 pages, is a quick, and absorbing, read.

The aim of the book is to give the reader advice on "creating a Job Search Strategy, maintaining a positive mindset, and building a career networking plan", among other things.

Tim divides his discussion into 3 areas: Job Search Strategy, Psychology of the Job Search, and Smart Networking, and while I'm not sure how much of what I learned here I can put to good use it all still gave me a lot to think about.

The material in his book takes some of the best essays he has written on his blog, and puts them in one convenient collection.

Some thoughts on what he has to share:

1. Just because you ain't workin' doesn't mean you should change who you are! Use that stress you may be feeling as motivation:

Well, I've been feeling all kinds of stressful for months, and since I wasn't getting anywhere with the local Job Center I decided that curling up into a ball, and getting angry over their incompetence, wouldn't be prudent.

I decided to take a chance on learning some new computer skills.

Tim has an interesting perspective on preparing yourself for the job search by figuring out objectives, finding out your special qualities, and qualifications, and developing a way to market yourself, and then doing things to connect with those who can help you get to where you want to go.

2. Tell the world!

He talks about things you can do to let those you know, and those you come in contact with, that you are on the lookout for a job, or whole new career path.

This may be easy for some folks, but for others, like myself, it's not.

Networking? What's that? Maybe it's because I'm 51 and, while what friends I have are all online, I've never been as tech savvy as some, but I'm still learning how best to utilize Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIN, not just to promote myself in the job market, but promote the quality of my efforts as a writer, and blogger.

He has some ideas on all this that make for thoughtful reading.

In the 3 months since I read the book I've decided to try to attend a Pet Blogging conference, in Aug. to promote my blog, I've joined a Pet Blogging community website, I've reviewed books, attended a pet store event, and blogged about it, and plan to go one of Tim's networking events, this week, among other things.

3. Take time for you!

He reminds us of the value to mind, and body, of taking time for oneself, physically, and mentally amidst all the hustle, and bustle, of the job hunt, and/or career change.

I've taken up hiking with a local club and, just the other day, rode my bike 28 miles along roads, on the outskirts of Orange County, that I've never been on before.

I went to see True Grit and, more recently, Atlas Shrugged, at the theatre, and plan on attending more poetry readings, and the LA Times Festival of Books, this weekend.

4. He explains the many good reasons for reading Job Search Blogs, and not just his ownm either.

I like his reasons because they can apply to reading just about any blog.

5. His explanation of what he calls 2 different Job Search Strategies, Tortoise & Hare, will make you laugh while giving you food for thought as well.

6. When it comes to Networking, and sending Resumes Hither & Yon, among other things, don't do it just because you can.

He believes you should do things as part of a well thought out strategy to get you where you want to go.
He believes you need to have your own angle.

7. "Without a balance between relax/enjoy and purposeful action, there will be difficulty ahead."
In other words, relax, don't freak out, take time for yourself, your physical, and mental, well-being.
He lists 25 things you can do, and you, the reader, can no doubt come up with more on your own.
There are 10 on this list that apply to me, including 3, or 4, that I do, or have done to one degree or another.

8. Managing your search is as important as managing your fears, both non-productive, and productive.
He has some interesting things to say about this, and how to deal with the "Stigma" of being Unemployed.
I like his notions that you should not "identify yourself as unemployed", but "tell everyone that you are looking", and "act like someone worth knowing", while also being ready to "help others out".
I'm still sorting out what I'm "Looking" for, but have always believed I am someone worth knowing, and use my blogs as a way to continuously help others.
The trick about the last 2 is finding enough people out there who know about this side of me.

9. Music.

It's not just useful in "Soothing the Savage Beast". ;-D

10. About backward...

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