Tips to surviving your job search (Part 1)

As most of those close to me know, I began looking for a job in mid-January after my position was eliminated. It's an interesting thing, being an HR professional who now finds them self on the other side of the interview desk. I learned very quickly that the job market is not the same since my last active job search in 2010.

Over the past 60 days I have also learned some helpful tips from members of my network as well as my experiences searching and interviewing for my new job. I wanted to share some of my top takeaways to date with the hopes that it will help someone else as they navigate their search.

You must take the emotion out of your search. Finding out that you no longer have a job can be a very emotional experience for anyone. If you're like me you'll go through a whole series of emotions before you even get home after you’re told the news. It is very important that you allow yourself to go through these emotions before you begin your search. You will be a much better candidate because you took the time to clear your mind and get focused on your job search strategy. Trust me I know it's easier said than done but you will be much happier having given yourself the time to deal with the emotions of the situation before you start to move forward. There will be a cycle of emotions varying in degree throughout your search so give yourself the time to acknowledge and deal with them so they don’t sabotage your search.

You're not in transition you are looking for a job and it's ok to say it. I meet so many people who say that they're in transition. It seems like this is the only socially acceptable term for those who are in the process of looking for a new role after losing a job. I am here to tell you that it is okay to say you are looking for a job. It is okay to confidently tell someone when they ask you “what do you do” that you're currently looking for your next opportunity. Be prepared to tell them a little about yourself and what you are looking for in that next opportunity. You never know where that conversation may lead.

Conduct a targeted job search. Contrary to widespread belief you can actually apply for a job online and receive a call or email for an interview. I know it's sounds like an impossibility based on what you may see or hear about the interview process however if you are very specific and targeted in the jobs that you apply for you will be able to break through the ATS Dead Zone and get an interview. I won't go into all the details here I'll save it for a future post but be sure your resume and your cover letter demonstrate that you have the skills and abilities and meet the requirements specified in the job you are applying for.

It takes more than a referral to land the job. I have had countless people tell me that the only way to get a job is for someone to refer you. The referral is the easy part. One thing that I have found is that some people will talk to you because they respect the person that referred you and don't want to let that person down. Others will consider you for the position but you are the one that must close the deal. Don't think that a referral means that you don't have to work hard, present yourself at your best, or be a good fit for the organization. Treat every opportunity as if it was your only opportunity.

Be yourself. Don't try to be something you are not. Don't force yourself to fit in a company. One of your first instincts may be to get a job by any means. However, trying to squeeze yourself into a job that doesn’t fit you will only end in disaster. Don’t sacrifice who you are or what you want in your next job. This includes your salary. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want in your next position including the skills, experience, compensation, benefits and culture that will make you happy. If you are happy you will thrive and your future employer will benefit.

You will get turned down for jobs. You may get an email right after you apply, you may have a phone interview that goes no further, and you may even interview with 10 people at a company and still not get the job. That is a part of the process and you should be okay with it. It is not about losing the job to someone else rather how you deal with not getting the job and what you learn from it so you can be even better in the next interview process. Don’t be discouraged, keep moving forward.

For most, the job search journey will not be easy. I know firsthand that this can be a tough time. However, the most important thing that I have learned is that you’re not alone. Use your family, professional network and support system to get you through. I have been overwhelmed with the support that I have received and hope to share and support others in this same situation.

Share your thoughts below in the comments. What are your tips? What has worked for you? Need someone to talk to, email me meloniemboone@gmail.com. Let’s do it together!