Here are a few tips and tricks that have helped ECP clients manage the job search process and attain their end goal of getting a job.
Create a Schedule
If you’re unemployed, sometimes it can be hard to maintain your focus on job hunting. You don’t have a schedule that you have to follow, which means it can be easy to fall into having no schedule. Having a schedule will help you to feel better and to use your time wisely, which in turn will help you to get hired faster.
Get Up at the Same Time Every Day
Set an alarm clock to wake up at the same time every day and make your bed.
Get Dressed
Take a shower and get ready the same way you would if you were going to work.
Create a Daily “To Do” List
Create a list of what you’re going to do each day in your job search.
Try setting an alarm clock for 40-60 minutes for “Job Search —Stints” especially if you’re doing something tedious like filling out applications—and then take a break in between your stints to clear your head. Pomodoros are a popular and effective method for maintaining focus and not overworking.
Take Care of Yourself
Maintain Your Physical Health
Our physical health can affect our mental and emotional health, so don’t neglect yourself. Get plenty of sleep, drink water, eat a healthy diet, and move your body.
Make a workspace for yourself. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but having a dedicated space can help you transition into work mode. Make sure that you have a comfortable spot to sit that isn’t going to give you back problems.
Maintain Your Mental and Emotional Health
If you weren’t previously working from home, going from an office with other people to being home alone all day can be a big change. Keep in touch with your friends and make new ones. Let them know that you’re looking for a job and what your skills are. Networking is one of the best ways to find a job.
If you enjoy music, put some on. Whatever it is, just make sure it’s something that isn’t going to distract you from your job search.
Set Goals and Get Help
When you set daily goals for yourself, start small. Ask yourself questions like the following:
- How many people are you going to reach out to?
- How many jobs are you going to locate and/or apply to?
- How many companies are you going to research?
Get Help
As a client of ECP, you are offered tools and coaching for a multi-pronged approach towards your job search. Yes, you can find a job on your own. But it will be harder and it will take longer. With ECP, you have access to new resources, a whole team of people helping you, and experts coaching you through every step.
How Can ECP Help?
Your first step is to partner with your ECP Career Strategist to fill out all your employment history information in your JobRAMP, PATH. Yes, this is tedious. But it’s vital information so that we can help you find jobs that fit your experience, skills, and wants.
You will partner with an ECP Career Strategist (CS) to plan your daily and weekly action plan for your job search. Some clients can find that checking in with their CS via an email at the end of the day to let them know what actions and goals steps were taken helps to keep them accountable. The CS will have suggestions about tools or services available to you during your time with ECP that will maximize all your job search efforts.
Remember, marathon runners don’t start running 26.2 miles their first time. They set goals daily, weekly, and monthly as they become stronger and learn how to use their bodies and breath to enable them to run longer and farther.
You’re not alone. We understand the process of looking for a job and how frustrating and time-consuming it can be. We’ve been where you are now and we know how to make the process as easy and quick as possible.
Together, you and the people at ECP-Careers can do this. One step at a time.
For a free strategy consultation with an ECP Regional Director about your job search, submit your resume today!
