Unemployed? This week's to-do list.
- Fully digest the truth that a job search centered on job board (Monster.com, Careerbuilder, Dice, etc.) applications will, most likely, be a lengthy, soul sucking experience.
- Create (or revise) a Linkedin profile that's polished, complete and supercharged with key words relevant to your job/industry. Oh, and use a picture. It humanizes you right from the start.
- Do not construe list item #2 as meaning "Put photo on resume." Linkedin photo = YES. Resume photo = For heavens sake, NO.
- Learn everything you can about Linkedin Groups. Create (actually write it out, go on, yes) a strategy on how you can leverage the enormous power of the Groups and their members in your job search (I'll go into more detail on this topic very soon).
- Define how you can use this window of your life to your full advantage (think: "The Bucket List.") You are hereby granted permission to have moments of happiness and fulfillment during this total yuck window of your life. Think about it: This may be the one stretch of your working life during which you have actual free time. Take. Advantage. Take take advantage.
- Find and follow five terrific job search/recruiting bloggers (OK, one down... four to go!) There are dozens. Among those I recommend: JobsGuy.com, Brazencareerist.com, CornOntheJob.com, and RecruiterGuy.net. This will give you a stream of free, daily hints and ideas that will, no doubt, give you hope, ideas and avenues that you're not yet considering.
- Rent "Office Space" and spend a couple of hours thanking God that you're on the outside of the corporate walls for a while. No one needs your TPS Report today, thankyou.
- Once you get this done, take a breather.
Congrats. You're on the right path.