If you're taking the first steps back into the job market after a long hiatus, you may be surprised to find how much the marketplace has changed. Often, job seekers find that they need to completely reinvent themselves to find the job that lets them shine. Establishing a thoughtful strategy for your job search, tapping into a solid network of connections and taking some risks can help ensure that the reinvented "you" is able to thrive. Here are some tips to help you revamp yourself to succeed in your job search.
Connect and Network
You can't reinvent yourself in the privacy of your own room. Part of any job search strategy, especially if you've had some downturns, is reaching out to remind people of the assets you have to offer. Become active on social media if you haven't been before, and connect with people with whom you might not have previously interacted. Spread the word about what kind of job you're seeking. While it can seem frightening to make cold contacts, you may be surprised by the responses you receive.
Make a list of people who might be able to offer you good advice and strengthen your network. Call them up, buy them coffee and request their help. Seek their advice about how to rebrand yourself, and ask for introductions to new contacts in the industry. They may recommend people who are hiring or who can open doors to future job opportunities.
Research
Reinvention takes a lot of research and planning. Start by making yourself your first research topic. Dig a little deeper to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Determine the areas in which you want to improve, and develop a plan for that personal development. Seek feedback from colleagues to make sure you're assessing yourself correctly. You may even be judging things as weaknesses that your friends and co-workers consider strengths.
In addition, research the field in which you want to work, the companies you want to work for and the position you want to hold. Keep your mind open about what you want to do, especially if you're making a midlife career change.
Resurrect the research skills you honed in college, and try to get back into that inquisitive mindset. When you're seeking a new job, it's easy to fall back on the security of things you already know. Instead, realize that every day is an opportunity to learn something new, and that each thing you learn makes you more valuable to a new employer.
Behave As If You Had the Job
Develop the kind of strategic thinking you need to step into the job you want. Dress appropriately for the position you aspire to hold. While you are on the hunt for the ideal job, use your down time to hone skills that aren't as strong as they could be.
If you're trying to position yourself for a promotion within your current workplace, look for advocates within your company. Ask if you can shadow them or sit in on meetings that you haven't had access to before.
Create
Do something every day that allows you to express yourself and your passions. Even if your creative outlet doesn't lead directly to a new job, the fact that you're doing something creative helps you feel confident and productive, while it sends a positive message to potential employers.
If you want to start a new business, start building a business plan. If you want a promotion at work, start envisioning what you would do in that position. Set a personal goal to create something new every day so that you can look back at the end of the day and see what you've accomplished.
Be Resilient
Reinventing yourself within the job marketplace takes a great deal of persistence. Stay focused on what you want and don't give up. If you're trying to make a big change, don't be surprised if negative emotions crop up from time to time. Figure out what fears or doubts are keeping you from being bold, and find a way to push past them. Be willing to take risks in your job search and your reinvention.
Taking risks always involves a certain amount of failure. If you're reinventing yourself, you can expect that you'll fail frequently. Your success, paradoxically, depends on your ability to cope with setbacks and to be resilient enough to change as the marketplace demands it.
Resilience is a key character quality that can keep you strong through the ups and downs of your job search. If you can keep bouncing back, developing new skills and tapping into your creativity, you can make the most of all the research and connections you've amassed. By staying focused on your goals and challenging yourself to try new job search tactics, you should find your new "you" happily ensconced in a satisfying position before you know it.
Photo Courtesy of Anton Diaz at Flickr.com
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