When your job hunt bogs down: Five ways to beat procrastination
You'd think job seekers would be highly motivated to get employed: There's the money, of course. Plus, it feels better to have a good job than to be idle at home or laboring in misery.
Yet job hunters dither. I polled a few colleagues who are career counselors like me, and we estimate that only half of our clients follow through on the job-landing plans we develop. People without the support (and nagging!) of a career counselor probably dawdle even more.
Here are five reasons that job seekers procrastinate–along with solutions:
Inertia. Most of us find it easier to just keep doing what's right in front of us than to carve out the time to search for a job–especially if you're tired after a long day. Many people with unpleasant jobs still earn decent pay, have a working spouse, or have money socked away, so there's no urgency to get re-employed.
Solution: Respect yourself enough to believe you deserve a better job. Then build your job search into your schedule. You wouldn't blow off a doctor's appointment that you put into your datebook or PDA, so officially allocate at least a couple of hours each day for your job search. Hold your own feet to the fire by scheduling weekly or even daily check-ins with a friend who's a loving taskmaster or with a job-search support group, such as the Five O'Clock Club, which has live and online groups.
Feeling overwhelmed. Many job seekers see landing a job as a monumental task, a mountain that they have no idea how to start climbing.
Solution: Develop a structured plan. While it will vary depending on your strengths and the type of job you're looking for, here is a widely applicable structure for a two-week job search. (Some people prefer to get it all done in a week. It can be done.):
Days 1–2: If you don't already have a résumé, use ResumeMaker to create one. That software also helps you create a cover letter.
Days 3–4: Make a list of 20 employers you might like to work for. Also list 50 people, distant as well as close, who like you and could help form a job-seeking network. Finally, craft a 10-second pitch describing the sort of work you're looking for. Include an explanation of why, if you're so good, you're looking for work.
Days 5–6: Pitch 25 of the people on your list. Leave voice mails, if necessary. Ask if they know anyone at your 20 target employers.
Day 7: Take the day off. Be proud of yourself. Have fun.
Day 8–9: Pitch the other 25 people on your list.
Day 10–11: Answer five on-target employment ads. Find them using the new employment websites such as indeed.com and simplyhired.com, plus specialty employment sites for your field, and your 20 desirable employers' own websites.
Day 12–13: Write a compelling letter to the hiring manager (not Human Resources) at each of your 20 target employers, invoking, where possible, the name of someone who recommended that you contact him or her.
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