So, you’ve decided this is the year. You’re going to stop “thinking”
about returning to the workforce and actually “do” it. Now what?
Starting your relaunch using a structured approach and incorporating
some tools to keep organized and focused can make a world of
difference.
Having a Focus: What type of position are you looking for?
While some relaunchers are very certain about the type of
positions/industry, etc. they’re looking for, others aren’t. Without
clarity, you can spend a lot of time spinning your wheels and wasting
others’ time. Even if think you know the types of position you’re
looking for, investing some time making sure you are clear is an
important first step. While there are many ways to do this, they all
include these basic components:
- Doing some self-assessment and reflection on past jobs (paid and
volunteer). What were the parts of your jobs you liked, disliked? What
environments and corporate cultures bring out the best in you?
- Knowing your skills and what you bring to an employer. Why would an employer hire you?
- Gathering outside input by asking former work and volunteer
colleagues what they valued when working with you. Sometimes others can
see us more clearly than we can see ourselves.
The iRelaunch Return to Work Roadmap is a perfect resource that can guide you step by step through this process. Working with a career coach is another option.
Organizing your Job Search
Now that you have clarity on the type of position, what structure do you need to put in place to keep your search focused?
- Setting goals – While you cannot control when or where you’ll get
an offer, what you can control is your activity. Setting realistic
weekly goals is a great way to keep moving forward and not let time slip
by. Set the goals at the end of each week, so that when Monday morning
comes, you already know what you need to be doing – network with five
former colleagues, update LinkedIn profile, research 10 companies in a
specific industry, update your skills by signing up for a class, online
tutorial, etc.
- Staying organized – At the beginning of a job search, keeping
everything organized seems simple. Over time, as your activity increases
this will become more and more difficult. Tools to stay on top of
things include:
- Spreadsheet – Create a spreadsheet where you track everything!
Networking meetings, job applications, follow-ups, etc. This can also
help your Excel skills!
- Calendar – Use an online calendar not only to track all meetings
and appointments, but also to include reminders for follow ups.
Incorporating BOTH personal commitments as well as those related to your
job search will eliminate double booking and help you be realistic when
setting your weekly goals.
- Notebook – Keep all your notes from networking meetings, interview
prep, interviews, research, etc. in one place. It’s much easier when
you look back to find something or review input you’ve received from
others.
- Being accountable – While some can do this themselves, others may
find it helpful to work with someone else on this. Do you know other
relaunchers? Perhaps having a “relaunch buddy” or starting a
semi-monthly accountability group would be effective? Would working
one-on-one with a career coach be beneficial? Perhaps a combination of
the above.
No matter where you are in your relaunch, start TODAY by setting
goals and utilizing some of the above methodologies to make your
relaunch effective and fruitful.