Take a Break from the Insanity

There is a lot of good information and suggestions on finding a job in a very frustrating employment market on websites like Phillyjobs.com. In a job search, the more tactics you use, the more likely you are to successfully land a job. Sending resumes, responding to Internet job posts, networking and using social media get your name out to possible employers and influential referrals.

I happened upon a discussion in one of the groups about their job searches, and it dawned on me that while the traditional tactics for a job search worked in the past, they may not be as effective today. What struck me was the number of posts, the similarity of their stories and the length of time they had been out of work. They were all trying to find jobs in their previous field, relying on their past experience and skill levels. The problem was, the rules of the game had changed.

The quote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” rings true in the job search as well. If you’ve been sending out resumes and responding to ads the same way for the last six months, maybe it’s time to stop and change tactics. After a year, you have to seriously examine how your experience, skills and education measures up to the reality of available jobs. Of course, as Winston Churchill said, “Never, never, never quit,” (or something like that.) Instead of quitting, try changing the game plan with some new tactics and thoughts that just may give some momentum to the job search. Here are some things to consider:

1. Reality check—the jobs are gone. At least the type of job you had where your skills, education and experience were enough. If you rose to a management or professional level without getting your degree or certifications, you may have a harsher reality check. The reality is you are now competing for a job with a lot of new MBAs or degreed 20- or 30-somethings that grew up in high-tech world. This is also a reality check for the employed in this situation. Go directly to HR (do not pass GO, Do not collect $200) and get information about tuition reimbursement or online training. This is your best opportunity to finish your degree while you’ve got a paycheck and free financial aid.

2. Hire yourself. If not long-term, at least explore opportunities to bring in some money while you finish your education or continue your search. I have a friend who sewed for a hobby, and now makes and sells simple children’s clothing from her online store on http://www.etsy.com/. It brings in some money, keeps her motivated and busy between interviews. Companies use freelancers and contractors for a variety of projects. While you’re looking for a job, let people know you are also open to freelancing. You may land a few projects that lead to a job or new career as an entrepreneur.

3. Focus on the future, not the past. A recent news report said that patients suffering from depression recovered faster when they focused on creating a future instead of constantly rehashing their past. Instead of trying to regain the job you had or the way things were, take some time to create an image of a great future. You probably used to complain about that job you lost, your inconsiderate boss or annoying co-workers. Take inventory of all creative ways you could use your skills. The Wharton Small Business Development Center has a variety of job training and business development information.

A new perspective on employment may give you a fresh approach for your job search, make some new contacts and begin building a fresh, rewarding future.

Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for phillyjobs.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at phillyjobs.com and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.