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Right frame of mind A successful jobseeker will need to start off in the right frame of mind. The experience some people have during a job loss can be compared to the grieving process. The 7 Phases of job loss:

1. Shock 2. Denial 3. Anger 4. Depression

5. Acceptance 6. Explore Options 7. Develop Plans

Positive activities

• Practice positive self-talk.

• Watch uplifting videos.

• Stick to a healthy diet.

• Join a club or group.

• Exercise regularly.

• Associate with positive people.

• Read motivational books.

• Practice relaxation techniques. People are more likely to help you with your job search if you’re positive and optimistic. Similarly, employers are more likely to hire applicants who have a positive attitude.

Career goals Only when you have a clear vision of where you want to be in the next 1, 5, or 10 years can you create a roadmap to get there. Let’s take a look at five keys to effective goal setting.

• Write it down. Writing down your goals transforms them from abstract to concrete. It starts bringing your goals closer to reality.

• Be specific. You won’t accomplish goals if they’re vague and unclear. You need to know exactly what you want.

• Be realistic. Having accurate knowledge of the labor market will help you create realistic goals.

• Collaborate. Having mentors who can be a sounding board and give feedback will help you stay motivated and track your progress.

• Focus. You must make your goals a high priority in order for you to succeed. One of the main reasons why people don’t accomplish their goals is a lack of drive and commitment.

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Job-search methods  

• Job-search websites

• Job fairs

• Internships

• Company websites

• Staffing agencies

• Networking

• Employment agency

• Cold contacts

• Volunteering

Job-search websites The most widely used of all job-search methods. Their accessibility makes them a convenient and competitive way to look for work. With thousands of jobs postings to browse through, using job-search websites is a must.

Company websites

• Save the job postings you apply to for future reference. You will need this information when you go for an interview.

• Read the posting to verify that your skills and experience match the requirements of the job.

• Highlight the key duties and responsibilities, and be sure to include relevant information on your application, resume, and cover letter.

Job Fairs Meeting and interacting with recruiters face to face is still a critical part of the job search process. Career fairs offer a unique opportunity to make personal connections that are impossible when submitting a resume online.

Cold Contacts Reaching out to employers even if they don’t have current job openings is a way to learn about possible job opportunities and make new contacts.

• Dress professionally if you visit in person.

• Have an elevator speech prepared (be specific).

• Bring a copy of your resume.

• Be conscious of the time (be short and to the point).

• Keep mail or email communications concise.

• Use common courtesy and proper grammar.

Networking Networking has proven to be the most effective means to landing a job. It’s about connecting with people who can help you accomplish your career goals. However, it should not be your only strategy. You never know where opportunities will present themselves, so explore all options available to you. Be sure to attend the Jersey Job Club workshop on networking!

 

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New Jersey Career Connections New Jersey Career Connections is designed to offer you a personal Path to Employment. The website provides useful tools and valuable information you can use in your search for work. New Jersey Career Connections gives you 3 pathways to employment.

The Plan stage encourages jobseekers to take stock of current skills and interests, explore the job market, apply for funding assistance, if needed for training, and prepare a personal budget. Next, in the Prepare stage, jobseekers consider activities such as researching and attending skills trainings, sharpening existing skills through volunteerism, creating and customizing a resume, and learning interview and job-search techniques.

Ultimately, in the Succeed stage, you’ll shift from jobseeker to employee, pursue your chosen job opportunities with confidence, and apply the tools and skills you learned from New Jersey Career Connections to realize your career goals.

  Jersey Job Club Although Career Connections provides a wealth of information and resources online, in-person interactions offer additional benefits to jobseekers. The Jersey Job Club provides that personal connection. At your local Jersey Job Club, you’ll find:

• Networking opportunities

• Informative workshops

• Access to job openings

• Resume-writing assistance

• Job-interview preparation

• Job-search assistance

Planning your job search

Schedule your time Assign yourself specific tasks to accomplish during the week. Create a calendar of activities that highlight the different job-search methods and any professional development activities. You can also include personal improvement tasks.

Job-search log Keeping track of your job applications and resume submissions will enable you to measure your progress and provide a timetable to follow up. Also, keeping a copy of the job description will be useful when you interview for the position.

 

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Accessing your activities Although the ultimate measure of success is getting the job, there are other important factors to consider when tracking your progress.

• Take a good look at how you are spending your time.

• Highlight activities that produce positive results.

• Identify job-search methods that are most effective.

• Reduce the time you spend on activities that are not productive.

Keys to success

• Maintain focus on your goals and keep out distractions.

• Be confident and believe in yourself.

• Put your best foot forward and always give 100%.

• Stay positive even amidst failures and negative influences.