Before we go on vacation, it’s always a good idea to take the car in and have the tires rotated, oil changed, and the brakes checked. After all, you are putting a lot of wear and tear on the vehicle, and it is a good idea to do some maintaining to keep in good running order. Using this logic, it also makes sense to do a regular ‘tune-up’ on a job search to make sure everything is operating properly and in optimum condition.
Here are some quick tips to assess how effective you are being in running an efficient, targeted job search:
1) Are you a tired driver? What is your emotional state? Do you feel positive, energized, or have a hopeful outlook on your job search? If you are feeling down and listless, it’s time for a oil change and shift in direction to get the parts moving again. The success behind every job search really lies in keeping everything in motion. The moment you let one ball drop, the rest of them come tumbling down around you as well. You need to keep the engine that drives your job search happy and well-tuned, so if you don’t feel that great about how things are progressing, it is time to start doing things differently.
2) Is your GPS working? If you carefully track your mileage on what works in a job search and what doesn’t, you will have a better idea of where you want to spend your energies. It’s always worth taking calculated risks in trying new tactics out to see if that provides any additional momentum. However, if you keep reaching dead ends, then it’s time to turn your job search around and head in a different direction altogether. Or else, stay on trusted roads that have plenty of job on-ramp opportunities.
3) Watch your indicator lights. The people in your network can be your indicator lights letting you know in advance about hidden problems within target company cultures or can give you a heads up about things you can do in advance to pave the way to an interview. Keeping in touch with your contacts (that means refreshing them consistently) helps you stay in touch with all corners of your job search machine and be on top of any issues immediately.
4) Keep your tires inflated. Being positive about your future is as essential as the air that keeps your tires inflated. You need well-inflated tires to be able to roll down the road, and the same holds true for your positive outlook. People are attracted to positive people, and you give off a ‘vibe’ that can be picked up on by interviewers, causing them to like you. If you are deflated, it acts as a push-back. So take a moment to evaluate what it is that puts a spring in your step, and make a conscious effort to include that in your day to keep the positive energy flowing.
Keeping your engine tuned and job search vehicle in prime operating condition requires upkeep and maintenance. Using these tips can help you stay primed and ready to respond to any opportunity that comes along your way on the road to your next job.
***Like this blog post? Here are some other posts by #CareerCollective experts to read what their advice is on this topic:
- 4 Summer Strategies to Step Up Your Job Search by @DebraWheatman
- Mid-Year Job Search Checkup: Are you wasting your time? by @GayleHoward
- What is your unique value proposition? by @keppie_careers
- It is Time for Your Check-up Ms/Mr Jobseeker by @careersherpa
- Mid-Year Career Checkup: Are You “On Your Game?” by @KatCareerGal
- How to Perform a Mid-Year Job Search Checkup by @heatherhuhman
- Reposition your job search for success by @LaurieBerenson
- Mid-Year Job Search Checkup: What’s working and What’s not? by @erinkennedycprw
- Mid-Year Job Search Check-Up: Getting Un-Stuck, by @JobHuntOrg
- Mid-Year Check Up: The Full 360, by @WalterAkana
- 5 Tips for Fighting Summer Job Search Blues, by @KCCareerCoach
- Are you positive about your job search? by @DawnBugni
- Where Are The Jobs? by @MartinBuckland, @EliteResumes
- Mid-Year Job-Search Checkup: Get Your Juices Flowing by @ValueIntoWords
- When Was Your Last Career & Job Search Check Up? by @expatcoachmegan
- Is Summer A Job Search Momentum Killer? by @TimsStrategy
- Is It Time for Your Resume Checkup? by @barbarasafani
Excellent analogy Dawn! All points are very true and in particular, I really love the indicator lights. Indicator lights also may show you when an industry trend is turning or if when people are turning toward you (or away from you!). Love this piece!
Dawn:
Keep the job search moving is really important. So many job seekers are tired!
To keep the travel theme going, remember, when flying on a plane, the flight attendants tell you to place the oxygen mask on yourself FIRST so you can help those around you. The same thing is true in job search. Take care of yourself so that you can truly serve the employers who need you! Volunteer, exercise, eat right and keep mentally balanced!
Great post! I really enjoyed it!
Great post Dawn! I love the analogy to keeping your car maintained and in optimum condition.
I think many people fail to take care of themselves and manage the effects of stress that one inevitably experiences during a job search. Keeping a positive attitude is also so important.
Wise words to be heeded by all,
Megan
What a great article. I love the auto analogies. People do need to keep their tires inflated. II recommend avoiding the negative career news as lots of our clients are getting job offers these days. It isn't all doom and gloom.
Debra
Another great article here…using the car maintenance idea excellent