Energy is my word for the year and as your career coach, it’s my job to help you harness the energy within you to set bold goals, conquer challenges, and embrace new opportunities. I thought we could talk about energy as it relates to the job search and how you can channel it to land your dream job. The job search can be a long and grueling process and while some people might reach out to me before they start the search, others don’t reach out until they are discouraged and not seeing results. Finding a new job or embarking on a career transition is a marathon, not a sprint and I’m here to share my tips on how you can re-energize your job search and use your energy to propel you forward.
Find Your Career Alignment
When your job is out of alignment with your personal values, it can cause extreme stress and unhappiness. Let’s start your job search by defining your goals and personal values. Take a look at my previous post about Finding Career Alignment and think about where you want to be in 5 years, 10 years, and 20 years. Ensure that your career goals reflect your passions, values, and long-term objectives. This foundational step will bring clarity to your job search, allowing you to focus on opportunities that truly resonate with your professional journey. You don’t want to apply to every job posting that you see, but carefully select the jobs that are in alignment with your goals.
Optimize Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Your resume and LinkedIn profile are your professional calling cards. There’s a lot to consider with your resume; is it optimized for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)? Is it tailored to the job that you’re searching for? Does it tell your unique story and show the value you can bring to a prospective company? Most of the time people are looking for a job when they are leaving a toxic situation or don’t currently have a position and we can get a little desperate in our search. You want to approach your job search with confidence. You are searching for the BEST opportunity for yourself, not to land the first lead that calls you back. This is one of the main reasons why I encourage you to create your resume from scratch in my Modern Resume Workbook versus using someone else’s resume template.
Strategic Networking for Lasting Connections
Your network is your secret weapon. If you aren’t leveraging it, you’re missing out on opportunities to grow your career. And it’s not just about landing new jobs. Having a strong network allows you to continue to grow as a professional and make long-lasting connections. Broadening your circle is critical for career growth. Your network can help support, inspire, and present you with new opportunities. Be intentional about who you connect with; deeper relationships will be more beneficial than someone who barely knows you. I was recently tapped to contribute to Hinge Résumé’s “10 Best Networking Tools for Mid-Career Women in 2023” article along with nine other amazing career experts and it’s a wealth of resources to help you build your network.
Learn Something New
The job market is dynamic, and staying competitive requires continuous growth. Depending on your industry, this could be a new certification or software. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn Photoshop, how to code a website or learn how to use your company’s CRM system. Whatever it is, set a goal and block out time in your calendar for your “lessons” or “practice” time. This investment in your personal and professional growth not only enhances your skill set but also signals your commitment to ongoing development.
Cultivate a Positive Mindset
Staying positive is the hardest part of the job search. Depending on your situation, not moving forward as quickly as you want can feel like a rejection and that can take its toll. It’s important to have a fun outlet during the job search – something that brings you joy. That could be a new hobby that you’ve started or even something small like joining a book club. This will be important on the days the job search gets you down. Consider starting a gratitude practice during this process. Every day write down five things you’re grateful for. Even if they’re small like the sun is shining, or you have a roof over your head. As you continue to do this it will get easier. A positive mindset not only makes the job search journey more enjoyable but also enhances your overall motivation.
Explore Alternative Career Paths
As a Certified Career Transition Coach, I will be the first one to say that sometimes the most fulfilling jobs are not even close to what you had in mind. You deserve to explore alternate careers as part of the job search process. You might decide to stay in your current industry but this exploration could unveil hidden passions and lead to unexpected but rewarding opportunities.
Leverage Technology
Navigating the digital landscape is essential. LinkedIn is crucial for today’s job search. If you haven’t updated your profile since your last search, you are missing a valuable networking opportunity. There are some great new job boards and resources that you can take advantage of to find new leads and re-energize your job search. Every month, I share a new digital resource in my Career Confidence newsletter.
To re-energize your job search you’ll need a combination of self-reflection, strategic planning, and proactive engagement. By incorporating these strategies into your approach, you’ll not only navigate the job market more effectively but also rediscover a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your professional life. Remember, your journey is unique, and with the right mindset and strategies, you’ll find the path that leads to a rewarding and successful career.
