Goal Setting

When setting your job search goals, consider using the S.M.A.R.T formula to keep you on track:

S - SPECIFIC
Specific goals have a much greater chance of success verses general goals. ie) Target companies which you would like to work for; research the companies and organize informational interviews

M - MEASURABLE
Your job search goals must be measurable; ie) organize a job log to track and monitor your progress and to ensure that you are following up with phone calls, emails and thank you cards/notes

A - ATTAINABLE
Goals are attainable if you follow your job search plan; are determined and patient.

R - REALISTIC
Your job search goals are realistic if you truly believe you can accomplish them. ie) it is not realistic to apply for positions which you are not qualified for.

T - TIMELY
Set your goals within a time frame ie) apply for 5 jobs per day; 2 informational interviews per week

The Job Search Girls - Sunny & Sassy

*This post has been re-posted 

Take Inventory of How you are Feeling

It’s important to know what your feelings and emotions are towards job searching in order to assure you are giving your best to your job search.  Checking in on your emotions is a great way to explore your happiness in any of life’s projects.  


Be sure to do a weekly check-in with yourself to make sure that you are on track.




Ask yourself the following questions and rate how you feel between 1 and 5

1.     Are my work skills adequate to find the type of employment I am looking for? 

2.     Do I have the right job search skills in order to job search effectively?

3.     Is my cover letter and resume getting me interviews?

4.     Have I sent out as many job applications as I could have this week?

5.     Do I have the right attitude to get out of the house and do some networking?

6.     Is my image generating results?

7.     Is my grooming presentable?

8.     How is my attitude about job searching and being employed?

9.     What was my self-confidence like this week?

Take note of how you’re feeling each week and reflect on what may be happening in your life on the weeks where you are not feeling that great.  Remember to journal about your job search in order to notice things that de-motivate you or lower your self-esteem.  Once you are more self-aware of how you are feeling and what makes you feel that way, you can make the proper adjustments (or work towards making those adjustments) and find the light at the end of the job search tunnel!!

~Sunny & Sassy

Full of Regret

Dear Job Search Girls:

I was recently quit from my job that I have been working at for several years.  The reason I quit was because I had asked for a raise that my employer did not agree with and after a lengthy argument I yelled at my boss and quit.  Looking back now, I have my regrets.  A friend reminded me that this employer is the only reference I have and that getting another job is going to be difficult without a reference!!  What do I do?  Do I apologize?  How do I know if my ex-boss will give me a good reference?

Signed, Full of Regret

Dear Full of Regret:

While this is a tough situation; there may be a way to patch things up with your ex-boss and still get a good reference from him.  I would start off my making an appointment to speak to your old boss in person and apologize for what happened.  Since you are feeling regret, I would imagine that maybe a part of the argument was unjustified.  Once you have apologized and worked things out, you can then ask your boss if they will still be a reference for you. Also, perhaps you can work things out enough to go back to your job!

From: Sunny

Sassy:  Wow, that is certainly a predicament you got yourself into, but it sounds like it was for good reason!  If you felt like you deserved a raise, well then you probably did and if your boss can't see the hard work you're doing than its better you quit anyways!  I would apologize, but don't ask for your job back - look for an employer where you will be treated properly!  Good Luck!

Sunny:  Sassy, if she wants her job back...that is ok too!  Let's try and focus on the reference part of the letter.  If the employer refuses to give you a reference then you could always ask a co-worker that knows the type of work you have done, and a good friend who can be a character reference.  Just because your boss and you had a falling out, doesn't mean you can't still get a good reference for the work that you have done.

STOP & SMELL THE FLOWERS!!

'Being without work' and 'looking for work' are both very stressful situations and because stress is the #1 killer it is really important to literally Stop and Smell the Flowers!

Research has shown that relaxation protects arteries from high blood pressure thus preventing heart attacks. Relaxation also helps us to eat healthy and exercise. When we are 'stressed out' we tend to eat unhealthy, quick processed foods. We also tend to stop exercising and taking care of our bodies. 

TRY THESE TIPS:
1) Practice deep breathing - inhale through your nose and exhale slowly from your mouth. Do this when you are feeling uptight. It is a great technique to use just before going into a job interview.
2) Listen to your inner voice and re-word negative thoughts. Instead of saying, "I will never find a job!" say "As long as I am diligent and keep looking every day, I will find a job!"
3) Schedule a time to take a walk every day no matter what the weather is like. Exercise will help to clear your mind and provide you with more focus for your job search. It will also help you to sleep better. A good night's sleep is crucial in assisting your body to relax. And always remember that as long as you focus on your goal, you will find that light at the end of the job search tunnel.....!!
Remember: DEEP BREATH IN, SLOW BREATH OUT!

From SUNNY + SASSY, the Job Search Girls

Too Old + Too Qualified

Dear Job SOS
I'm  50 years old, male and have been looking for work as a chef for a long time. Everytime I go to an interview, the employer is half my age and thinks he knows everything. I know I could do a better job than him but I never get called back for the job. I'm starting to feel really depressed and don't know what to do.
From, Too OLD + Too QUALIFIED

Dear Too OLD + Too QUALIFIED
Sounds like you need to have a good hard look at your interviewing skills. Acting like you're better than your employer at the job is NOT going to get you the job! and so what if the employer is half your age, what has that got to do with anything?!
From SASSY

SUNNY: "Hey Sassy, have a bit of compassion for the guy. Sounds like he could be suffering from a bit of a mid life crisis. Give him a bit of slack!"
SASSY: "Slack! He needs to give himself a slap! What kind of talk is that? Acting like he's better than the employer is not going to get him the job."
SUNNY: "Acting and thinking are two different things; so maybe he's thinking that but that doesn't mean he's saying such things in the interview!"  
SASSY: "Ya, but even if he isn't saying it, his 'better than thou' attitude is going to come across in the interview!"
SUNNY: "I agree. He does need to think about how he is coming across in the interview. It is important to demonstrate respect and positive regard for the employer, no matter what his thoughts and judgements are about him/her."

Dear Too OLD + Too QUALIFIED
So, you're 50 years old and skilled as a chef. Don't let your assumptions about age get in the way of your success. Your thoughts influence your state of mind and your state of mind determines your success in the interview. Assuming you have been doing this work for a long time, your skills are honed, your personality mature, you are hardworking and reliable; in other words, your age is a benefit to the employer. So, market yourself in that way! and your attitude will be evident in the interview. Before you know it, you will be working!  Believe in yourself and you will find the light at the end of the job search tunnel.
From SUNNY


SASSY: "In other words, focus on the positive not the negative!"
SUNNY: "Yes. And the positive energy will shine through in the interview!"

Given UP!

Dear Job SOS:

I have been out of work a long time and I have tried everything that I can to find a job.  I have sent out hundreds of resumes and I have never gotten a response from anyone!  There are no jobs out there, anywhere!  There is no damn light at the end of the tunnel!
From Given UP!

Dear Given UP!

Maybe it seems like a big black hole right now, with no light at the end of the tunnel, because you are only focusing on internet job search.  Thousands of people use the internet for job search as their only job search tool, everyday.  The odds of an employer selecting your resume are slim with those odds.  Sitting in front of your computer for hours is not going to get you a job!
From SASSY

At the same time, internet job searching can be beneficial IF you are connecting with the right resources.  Are you connected to Social Media websites such as: Linked-In, Twitter and Facebook?  If you're not, then you should create a profile and start connecting with people and networking to find more job opportunities!  Do a google search for advice on how to best use these great job search tools!
If you broaden your job search with networking, in-person job search, social media sites and utilizing local community resources, you will increase your chances of finding employment!
You will see that light at the end of the tunnel!
From SUNNY