Job Search 101 - Create an Attack Plan

Looking for a job can be overwhelming. Sometimes, it seems like it is just too hard, there is too much to do and when you aren't getting responses as quickly as you like, it is easy to lose hope and start to become frustrated.

They say that to make a task easier, you have to break it down into small steps. So, let's keep breaking down the job search steps, to make sure that you have all of your bases covered:

• Create an attack plan – You wouldn't just pick stocks or investments at random, so don't trust your job search to random luck and good timing. Do some research about your industry and find out where the growth is. Take a hard look at the number of jobs available in your field and see where your next step is. Maybe you need to get a certificate or some additional training to open up new avenues?
  
  
  Sit down and ask yourself some of these hard questions: What jobs are available that fit your skills and training? What companies are the leaders in this field in your area? How would you find out about any of their job openings? Are you willing to re-locate for a job? Would you be willing to take a position that was a step down from your previous one? Can you accept a lower salary? Is there any additional training that can be had that would increase your job opportunities? Answering these questions will help give you a more defined idea of what position you should be looking for.
  
  
  Next, you need to take a look at your financial situation. How much available credit do you have? What would you have to do to get more? What are your assets? What is your monthly budget, and how much can you cut out of it? How much money do you need to cover your basic expenses for a month? How long can you afford to be out of work? These question will let you know how much you are going to have to compromise in order to find the right job. It may mean that you will need to look for a part time job in order to continue your job search. Or maybe, you might have to think more seriously about taking a lesser paying job. But, by asking the question and finding the answers ahead of time, you can get a clear picture and not let fear push you into making bad decisions.
  
  
  Once you have a clear idea of where you want to go next in your career and how long you have to get there, you should start thinking about your networking strategy. Are there any professional organizations you could join to meet people in the industry? Who do you know that works for a company you want to work for? Could you ask them for a warm introduction? Do you know others in your area or field who are also out of work? Would they be interested in sharing job leads with you? Think about where and how you can get out and network with other professionals. Networking is one of the best ways to find out about new jobs and just to stay current on what is going on with your industry.

Keep an eye out for the next installment of Job Search 101.

Are you looking for a job in the Philadelphia area? Be sure to visit PhillyJobs.com

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

5 things to be thakful for if you're unemployed

It’s Thanksgiving and with the unemployment rate holding steady at 9% there are certainly more than a few people out there wondering what in their current condition could constitute some sort of thanks. If you’re one of those folks maybe it’s time you remembered Disney’s Pollyanna staring Haley Mills. In the movie a young girl turns a town’s frown upside down with her optimistic disposition.

Despite being orphaned and then adopted by her aunt who turns out to be the town bully, Pollyanna insists on looking on the bright side. She plays “the glad game” whenever things seem difficult and encourages others to do the same. To play the game, one has to find the good in any situation no matter how horrible or disappointing it may seem at first. Pollyanna even finds a reason to be thankful when she mistakenly receives a set of crutches instead of a doll.

While it’s understandable to feel things are stacking up against you it’s important to make sure you don’t lose sight of the things that are working in your favor. Stewing in negativity never helped anyone so make sure you can look and see the silver linings. To start here are 5 things you can be grateful for if you’re unemployed this Thanksgiving.

1. The economy is recovering – It looks like it’s going to be a long slow process but at least it’s getting better instead of worse.
   


2. Better job search tools than ever before- With online databases, recruiting services, even public transportation, it’s much easier to look for a job than ever before.



3. Unemployment isn’t disability - Joblessness among people with disabilities is over 14% and even though the recession is healing the disability is not. When the opportunity arises you will be able to work again.



4. People do care - Whether it’s the church pantry for food or a clothes-swap program for an interview there are places that will help you out and hook you up.



5. You’re not alone, it’s not you, it’s everybody and everybody knows that. No one is looking down on you because you’re out of work. Lots of people know exactly how you feel.

No matter what, it could always be worse; at least you’re not the turkey. If you think about it I’m sure will find you are thankful for many more things that that. If you try to list at least 3 blessings everyday you’ll realize how rich and rewarding existence is even without a paycheck.

Are you looking for a job in the Philadelphia area? Check out PhillyJobs.

By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a multimedia developer, business owner and a work-from-home mom.