Job Search Motivation: How To Start The Hunt After A Job Loss
You’ve Lost Your Job, Time for a Job Search
In my last blog I discussed what to do after losing a job, but I didn’t get into the specifics of starting a new job search.
Processing the news, keeping a positive mindset, framing a good leaving story, polishing up social media – all equally important after a job loss. But your approach to your job search can make all the difference.
When you’ve been fired it can really deflate your tires and leave you feeling unmotivated.
Trust me when I say that your next great role – will require great effort to find.
The worst thing you can do right now is sit back and wait. Don’t wait for an opportunity to come to you. Be proactive to land the job you want. Your next move could be your best – if you’re in the right mindset.
And there may be a very practical reason for starting your search right away too. It might take a bit of time to find a new job. The longer it takes, the longer you may have to live without a paycheque.
“There was a time, not too long ago, when employers were in such a rush to hire workers that they were doing anything they could to make it easier for people to apply. That time has passed.” – Time Magazine
Your Job Search May Feel Harder After Job Loss
It’s important to be in the right head space for a job search. But I get it, you might be feeling a wide array of emotions and that can be hard. Negative feelings can make even the simplest job search steps seem difficult.
How excited will you be to optimize your resume every time you find a new job to apply to? Likely not very excited at all. How motivated are you to write countless cover letters? You would probably rather watch paint dry. Here’s a hack. Create “boiler plates” for your cover letters that can be interchanged. All you’ll have to do is make a few edits to suit the job you’re applying for.
You’ve got to find your inner motivation. Having a friend, accountability partner, or career coach can be very beneficial. A partner can help keep you on track and away from the couch (and the snacks).
I’m reminded of that scene in Reality Bites after Winona Ryder’s character has lost her job. She becomes a lump on the sofa, eating terrible food, and avoiding the shower. She loses all motivation, and a job search is the last thing on her mind.
You don’t want to be like that. You want to be ready for your next career move at the drop of a hat. Of course, if you’re dealing with depression, it’s important to get help.
Networking – Your Job Search BFF
Networking is your job search BFF. You may find your new job through someone you know. According to Hubspot, “…findings from a 2022 survey [show] 42% of professionals found their current jobs through some form or effect of networking. This includes things like a referral, applying to openings shared in their network, and more”.
Start with friends, former colleagues, family members, and acquaintances in your target industry/sector.
You never know who might hold the key to your next job. Networking is effective and it can also save time. You don’t have to know the CEO of a company to find a job there. Any connection, at any level, may spot an opportunity that’s right for you. Even if they can’t use their own influence to help pave the way, just letting you know that their employer is hiring can get your foot in the door.
Searching for Jobs Online
If you read my previous blog, you’ll know that I left my readers with a little homework.
I recommend a social media clean up, resume work, and putting a positive spin on your “leaving story”. All of these things are components of your online job search, especially if you’ve been terminated from your last job. Remember, if you’re sizing up a potential new employer online – they might look you up too.
Have a narrative that is positive, clear, easy to understand, AND uniform across your online social platforms. You’ll be prepared for any hiring manager to “check you out” online. We don’t always think of ourselves as “brands” but in this example, it’s not a bad idea. Would McDonalds stray from the golden arches? Would Macintosh forgo the iconic apple? No. If you’re marketing yourself to potential employers as an apple, make sure you look like an apple everywhere that counts.
When it comes to searching for jobs online, you have no shortage of options. Online job banks, job boards, applications like Indeed and LinkedIn. Don’t forget the often overlooked (but obvious) tactic of scouring corporate websites for job listings on their “careers” page.
Keeping Busy, Staying Active, Spotting Opportunities
Thinking back to Winona Ryder in Reality Bites – her character’s depressive state worsened the longer she was inactive.
During your job search, it’s important to keep busy. It’s good for your overall health and wellness and can present opportunities that serve your job search. You may be at the gym working out and bump into someone you know. After striking up a conversation, they may have a job suggestion for you. Even taking your dog for a walk could turn into an inspiring conversation with a neighbour.
How many times have you spoken with someone and heard something like this; “my nephew works for a pet food manufacturer and loves it, the company has grown so much, he’s very busy”. Could this be an opportunity? Sure, it could. You could follow up by asking if the company is hiring and if you could be connected to this career-satisfied nephew.
If you leave the house regularly for stimulation and recreation – anything can happen. Especially if you’ve got a positive mindset and you’re focused on manifesting your next big opportunity.
A Career Coach Can Help with Your Job Search
A career coach can help with your job search if you’ve been fired, laid-off, terminated, let-go – for any reason. Your next career move doesn’t have to be challenging, you can have assistance every step of the way.
How can a career coach help?
Do you need a cheerleader to keep your spirits up? How about a little finesse for your online profile? We can help you with your leaving story and we can help you focus on being your best self. We’ve got tips for where to look for new opportunities and we know where to help you direct your networking efforts. Combating your limiting beliefs and overcoming personal challenges that have held you back in the past is our forte. A career coach can help you conquer the fears or barriers that may be in your way. We can also help you ace your next job interview.
Beyond this, we care about what happens to you. I know that I become very invested in seeing my client’s success unfold before me.
In short, when you work with a coach – you’re in good hands.
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