2. Getting Organized
Before embarking on your job search, it is
important to get organized, to put some procedures in place and to be prepared
for the short-term and the long-term. This process includes doing some
financial planning/budgeting, managing your job search task, maintaining a
positive attitude, and ensuring that all-important items are covered.
Financial Planning:
·
Make a list of
your assets and income and your liabilities and expenses.
·
Prepare a
monthly cash flow statement for up to 12 months.
·
Identify
short-term vs. long-term needs, discretionary vs. non-discretionary.
·
Prepare a
monthly budget, and prioritize on both the plus (+) and the minus (-) side.
·
Work with an
accountant, financial planner, or other professional as needed.
Managing Your Task
·
Organize a work
space – desk, phone, computer, record keeping
·
Set a timeline
·
Create a plan
·
Set goals with
action steps
·
Prioritize and
schedule your time
·
Maintain a
balance between job search and leisure (continue to do fun things, within your
budget, including physical exercise/activities)
·
Select a mentor,
build a support system, and utilize other available resources
·
Keep good
records
·
Commit – this is
your full-time job!
Maintain a
Positive Attitude!
It is very important that you exhibit a positive
attitude when making contacts, whether networking or interviewing. A negative
attitude (angry, self-doubt, depressed) will turn off prospective supporters
and employers. Be wary of the sympathizers, those in your circle of
acquaintances who would love to join your pity party! Instead, surround
yourself with upbeat people who have faith in you and your ability to find your
next job.
Checklist:
ü
Answering
Machine (What does your message sound like?!)
ü
Fax Machine
ü
Cell Phone
ü
Computer/Printer
ü
Internet Access
ü
Stationery/Business
Cards
ü
Calendar
ü
Medical
Insurance
ü
Unemployment
Benefits
ü
Record Keeping
Organizing Your Resources
.