Getting Back on the Horse

Whether you planned to look for a job, or if it came totally out of the blue, there is no time to waste getting back on the horse – but with a caveat.  The job search is never fun, and especially if you were not prepared to do so.  There are so many things that might seem detrimental to getting started, but here are a few tips that might help:

1.        I need a resume! Your resume already exists, so just update it!  There is no sense in re-inventing the wheel, and I am sure that your job history hasn’t changed.  So, dig out what got you hired in the first place, and update it.  Add all your new skills and delete ones that might not be as relevant in your current situation. 

2.       It’s not (necessarily) what you know, but who you know.  This adage still holds true.  You your connections.  Network.  Let people know that you are available. 

3.       Looking for a job is a full-time job. Yes and no.  It does take time to look for a job, apply, and repeat.  But don’t burn yourself out.  Take time for yourself during this period.  Sometimes you need that “me” time to figure out what you really want to do when you grow up!

4.       Stay positive.  This may be the hardest to do.  If you are lucky enough to land your dream job in the first go-round of interviews, then KUDOS to you.  But the much-more frequent, “thanks, but no thanks” can be demoralizing.  This is where Number 3 can be very helpful.  Step away from the negative, and do something positive – attend an event, grab coffee or lunch with a friend, have a family day.  Your mental health is more important than a day sitting at the computer.

So get back on that horse with confidence.  It doesn’t have to be difficult, and soon you will be riding off into the Sunset of the Employed!  Happy Trails!