Coping Strategies for Job Search: Build a Support Group

In my blog I often speak to the importance of networking.  It is how people actually find jobs.  My seminal point about networking is that your goal is to build a team to help you land your next job.  Networking helps you spread your message, and capture opportunities that match your goals.  Your network provides many other benefits, none the least of which is the human contact which helps mitigate the stress associated with job search.  Within that team, I recommend that you have a subgroup, a core team, who you confer with more frequently.  Call it a support group for now.

Being in job search can be a lonely, frustrating place.  There is a certain amount of isolation created when you are without a regular place to go to work with other people. It is a time when dark thought can grip you, causing you to sink into a period of despair.  The best way to avoid that situation is to have an effective support group.  There are many models for support groups, but ultimately you want to assemble a group of people who have been in your situation, who have successfully navigated through job search, and who have an understanding of your particular career track.  Another way to describe these people is “peers.”

The support group that I recommend is one that will help you brainstorm options; assist in key elements of your search; provide emotional support and help mitigate the isolation factor.   A good job search support group will help you with problem solving, and motivation.   They will inspire you to meet all challenges put in your path.  Of the utmost importance, these people must hold you accountable for your actions.  In fact, this is the model for a Master Mind Group.  

The Master Mind concept  is hardly new.  In fact, it is ancient.  However, it was the 20^th century self-improvement guru Napoleon Hill who coined the phrase “Mastermind Alliance” in his book, “Think and Grow Rich,” published in 1937. Hill’s work, inspired by Andrew Carnegie, was the result of interviews he conducted with highly successful people.  One common thread he uncovered was that successful people relied on a core group of like-minded individuals who were helpful in goal-setting, coaching, and encouragement.  Hill spoke of a mastermind group as “The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony.”  Using a Master Mind Group in your job search is another powerful source of leverage.

So, who should you include in your Master Mind Group?  I already made the point that your Master Mind group must be experienced in job search and familiar with your field.  They should be people who you would consider mentors. People you hold in high regard, whose opinion you will respect even when their counsel is difficult to hear.  Above all, they must be committed to play a prominent role in helping you with your search.

Employing the Master Mind Group concept in your job search is another powerful source of leverage.  Your group will help you become more effective in your search, while minimizing the isolation factor and mitigating stress.  You will likely want to keep this group working with you after you land that next job, ensuring your career success.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com

Coping Strategies for Job Search: Leverage

You have often heard that it is unwise to “put all of your eggs in one basket.”  I guess that would be part of a farmer’s risk management strategy.  Or you may have heard someone ask, “what is plan B, in case plan A doesn’t work out?”  Or, “what is your exit strategy if everything goes to hell?”  Understanding the risks associated with any endeavor and developing a mitigation plan is always a good practice.  Knowing that you have covered your risk can be comforting, lowering one’s stress level.   

I advise my candidates and coaching/mentoring clients to take a multi-pronged approach to find new employment.  Looking for a new job, in the same industry segment, performing the same function is the obvious place to begin.  Expanding one’s search into other industry segments and with emerging companies is highly recommended.  I also advise my candidates to explore other options such as consulting or taking on short term projects; and to consider starting their own business, including the purchase of a franchise.   An important point to consider is that the multiple prong approach is complimentary.  In other words, you exercise the same activities in each prong of attack; networking, sending out resumes, talking to prospective business associates, and analyzing opportunities.   Another term for this approach is leverage.

Pursuing multiple career paths has benefits one might not expect.  The analysis of a franchise opportunity or buying/starting an independent business is stimulating and broadens one’s thinking beyond their comfort zone.  It will lead to an expanded network which will reveal other opportunities.  Taking on consulting projects keeps one in the game and helps to maintain cash flow.  It is an excellent way to stay relevant and to prove one’s value to an employer, often leading to an offer of full time employment.  Multiple avenues of attack for the job seeker keeps the search interesting, will generate immediate cash flow, and mitigate stress.

Why You Should Pursue Multiple Search Strategies

·       Will make your search more interesting; reduces boredom and anxiety: 

·       Increases your options, shortens your search time.

·       Complimentary activities.

·       Not for Profit/Volunteering.

·       Giving back improves one’s sense of well being

·       Project work or short term .

·       Sharpens the saw.

Working with a “Not for Profit,” or doing volunteer work is another consideration.  The very nature of giving back to the community is fulfilling for most people.  These activities will place you in contact with other philanthropic people, broadening your network and potentially leading to new opportunities.  

Pursuing multiple employment strategies is particularly viable for the over 50 job seeker.  The world has changed.  In all likelihood, the job you just left has been eliminated, outsourced, or filled by a younger, less expensive manager.  All industries are restructuring, so your job may not exist at other companies in the same segment.  You must adapt to this new environment.  You have the benefit of experience and valuable skills.  Your goal is to find new opportunities to employ your skills and experience.  Coming to grips with this new reality will improve your prospects, shorten your search, and mitigate your stress.  A complete but manageable strategy with multiple lines of attack is the answer.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.


Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com

Coping Strategies for Job Search Develop a Plan/Keep a Journal

Let’s face it; the single most important stress factor to any job seeker is financial.  “Will I find a new job before I run out of cash?” Will I deplete my savings?  Will I lose my home?  All are very real possibilities which can be overwhelming.  To be sure, the worst case will result if one becomes paralyzed by those thoughts and fails to engage in the process.  Realistically, this is uncommon for accomplished professionals who have overcome challenges throughout their careers.  You have the personal attributes and skill sets to be successful in your job search.  Your goal is to find the best possible situation in the least amount of time, resulting in minimal disruption to your life style.

I am a planner by nature, and by training.  When I am faced with a new or challenging situation my fallback position is to execute the problem-solving/planning cycle.  Analyze your situation; evaluate options, set goals; track activity; re-assess; make adjustments; then set new goals.  Developing a plan, committing that plan to paper, and working that plan gives me a measure of comfort which helps manage my stress level.  So, while in job search I employed my organization and planning skills which never failed me.

The starting point for your plan is to assess your skills and experiences. Then, determine where your background matches opportunities requiring your profile.  The obvious starting point is to find another employer in the same industry segment, doing the same job.  But, that is just a place to start.  In all likelihood the best opportunities will be somewhat different from your last situation.  It is likely that a smaller, emerging company in a different segment will be your next employer.

Elements to factor into your plan:

·       Establish a realistic time frame to find a job which includes the worst case scenario.

·       Clearly define your compensation and geographical requirements

·       Clearly define your primary and secondary employer targets

·       Ensure that your primary strategy involves networking

·       Build an effective yet flexible weekly routine

·       Keep a diary

·       Communicate, communicate, communicate

My average search takes 90 days from start to finish.  Depending on the complexity of the assignment and the season of the year, a search can vary by 30 days, plus or minus.  I tell people in job search that the old adage of one month of search time for each $10K of salary is still appropriate.  This statistic should help the job seeker develop a realistic time frame for their search.  For most people, especially those who have neglected their networks, it may take up to 90 days just to reassemble and engage your network.  Most jobs are still filled via networking activities so, prepare to spend 80% networking.

An important element to the success of any plan is a system to track your effort and results.  Job search is no different.  Keep a record of who you have talked with, the nature of that discussion and follow up issues.  Analyze your efforts.  If your plan seems to be working, stay on it.  If it needs some adjustments, make those adjustments and establish new goals.  Write down your thoughts and feelings for successes and failures.  Plan your work and work your plan.  This is the single most important way to ensure a successful job search, and minimize your stress.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.


Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com