[ale] 10 Vital Tips for Job Seekers

[Leam Hall]

Here are the top things I do during a job search. Since I've talked to a 
lot of folks who are searching for jobs it seemed helpful to share my 
top tips.

If two of you read my blog post it will probably double my audience.

	http://leamhall.blogspot.com/

Otherwise you can read it, sans links, below. Honestly, the links are 
pretty good though.

If you get this via BCC then you're one of the people I'm talking about. 
Thank you very much. Someone please read this to Marco and Matilda; I 
don't yet type "dog".

Leam	



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When I job search I take my own advice. I'm currently trying to change 
jobs, careers, and locations. Oddly enough I was accused of calling 
someone a "Welfare b****" when I gave this advice. The individual seemed 
to think her age and experience was beyond these recommendations. That I 
am older and have more experience didn't seem to change her mind.

Also know that I learn from books much better than webinars, seminars, 
or any talking head I've ever met. There are some really good speakers 
and videos available but for me they are introductions until I can find 
the book.

That said, here is the advice I am currently following.

1. Integrate "The 7 Habits for Highly Effective People" by Stephen 
Covey. You must begin with the end in mind.

2. Some recent version of "What color is your parachute" by Richard 
Bolles. Look at transferable skills vice being stuck in a rut.

3. Prayer and Introspection. God does talk when I shut up and listen.

4. Find supporting, positive, people. I have a list of friends and 
former co-workers I can turn to for encouragement when the job search 
wears me out.

5. Recommend people on LinkedIn, and don't be too shy about asking for 
recommendations. Sometimes I get really down and reread what folks have 
said about the positive difference I have made.

6. Have a life. Some hobby or other distraction. Skim the book "Flow" at 
the bookstore. It's a pretty good book but the short version is that we 
are most joyful when we are doing something fun that stretches us just a 
bit. Buy the book if you have the spare $$.

7. Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters web site. I'm not totally sold on 
it but they do have some good ideas. Free CD download too. The book 
version is "Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters" and I have that too.

8. Help others out. This is one idea from GM4JH. Skip the networking 
party and write a tutorial or some code that solves a problem. Share 
said tutorial or code.

9. Once you have your web presence/portfolio/resume on line, go read 
blogs on topics you are passionate about. Add constructive comments. 
"Way cool!" does not count. Something like "This works well with the 
Aqueduct Project. Thanks So and So for your thoughts. Have you tried 
this with XYZ?" Make sure your web self is positive, professional, and 
helpful.

10. If you're a geek, read "The Personal MBA" by Josh Kauffman. He 
really makes business make sense and explains the concepts needed to get 
your geek ideas accepted as good business practice. Buy this book since 
Josh has had some personal setbacks due to wildfires out west.

Bonus Tip: Avoid processed sugar. Depression often accompanies job 
searches and processed sugar makes the depression worse.

Double Bonus Tip: Accept being loved. Job searches can really make you 
doubt your value and beat the heck out of your self-image. A supportive 
spouse and a faithful dog (or two) can keep your heart healthy 
physically and euphemistically.