Maintaining Confidence While Job Searching

Last week I met with a group of job seekers at VCCS. This group was unbelievable to work with. The support and laughter they provided to each other while job searching and the fun atmosphere they contributed to was overwhelming. When asked “as job seekers what do you think other job seekers need to know about” they replied “how to maintain confidence while job searching.”

This didn’t come as a surprise. Confidence is hard to maintain when any change in our life is present. It was however interesting to see that this was still an area of concern with such a talented group of people with strong work backgrounds and experiences. It can be hard to recognize your own talents during a time of frustration. Sometimes it’s easier for someone standing on the sidelines to see what you have to offer. How can a job seeker maintain steady confidence through this period of change?

Maintaining confidence is not always an easy thing to do. Whether you are currently searching for a job or not, confidence ups and downs can be present during any change, quitting smoking, exercising more, eating a healthy and balanced diet etcetera. You are not alone in facing confidence battles.

Your challenge this week is to ask yourself these questions and write down your thoughts/answers:

(If you are a job seeker using VCCS services, relay answers that you feel comfortable in sharing with your counsellor)

What is important to you? List 3 things that are important to you right now.

Success means something different to everyone. What does living a successful life really mean to you?

When you decide that you are making a change what are the feelings and thoughts that maintain your positive outlook for a successful outcome?

What do you think your best friend might say are some of your best qualities? List 5 qualities that your best friend may say about you.

What is one small thing that you could do today to change the way you feel and boost your confidence?

I hope that if you are struggling to increase confidence you really consider the above questions and talk to a counsellor at VCCS Employment Services. Increased confidence can greatly increase the positive results in your job search.

JOB SHOPPING: AVOIDING THE PITFALLS

As the holiday season rolls around many of us have our minds on the task of shopping for presents for family and friends. Like shopping for gifts, job hunting can be a pleasant, creative adventurous process or it can be stressful and frustrating.  It all depends on the circumstances.  

I am not an avid shopper, I don’t like the stress of figuring out the perfect gift for someone and then going through the motions to get out there and find it.  It is a lot like finding employment and its hard work.  

In the past, when Christmas shopping,  I often procrastinated and put off  the task.  Eventually I would hit the stores wandering aimlessly trying to discover the latest and greatest product that would serve as the ultimate gift. I ended up running out of time and rushing to the store at the last minute with all of the other panic stricken shoppers, competing for the same items.  This strategy never worked for me.  I would always end up with the wrong fit having paid the highest price for a lesser product or missed out entirely on an opportunity.

What happens when you approach your job search in the same way?   Much like shopping for the perfect gift, a successful Job seeker should avoid pitfalls of job shopping and follow some basic rules for success. 

1. Know what your job goal is:  Be specific, know the type of job you want and develop your job search plan around the job goal.  Avoid wandering aimlessly like the shopper without a clue about what to buy.
2. Be Realistic:  Take into consideration the availability of jobs in your area that match your job goal as well as the skills, qualifications and training required.  Similar to gift shopping, If you are shopping for a product that is rare or doesn’t suit your needs, interests or abilities then it is a waste of your effort, time and resources.
3. Make a list:   A good shopper will put effort into researching, identifying and making a list of all of the places that will provide them with opportunities and options. A job seeker should do the same. A well formulated list will provide the basis of a strategy for contacting employers, submitting resumes and following up with contacts.
4. Work towards a Deadline:  We know that the gifts need to be under the tree on the morning of Dec. 25^th. Set a deadline for getting a job and plan all of the activities you need to do within a timeline that works towards achieving this goal.
5. Have a Plan B:  If a product is all sold out or the sales have closed then you need to come up with another gift idea.   If you don’t have a job by your deadline, what is your back up plan?  What concessions will you need to make? What does that look like in your job search strategy?

There are those individuals who relish a full day of recreational shopping or plan entire trips hunting for bargains and fantastic finds.  Without the pressure of meeting that deadline and filling that wish list It is a time when one can explore the market, be creative, daring  with the freedom to just walk away if  an item doesn’t suit you.   In the same no pressure circumstance, this is true for the job seeker as well.  Often the best job opportunity is found when one is already employed. If you are currently looking for work I wish you success. Set you job goal,  Make your list, check it twice and enlist some help from VCCS Shop Smart!

Making Killer Cold Calls

Job searching is an exercise in self marketing. In effect a job seeker is selling their skills to a potential employer. Sales people use a variety of tools to market their products. For example, sales people often use cold calling as a way to connect with potential customers. Job seekers can use cold calls to connect with potential employers and see if your skills fit their environment.

Here are some example steps for cold calling:

1.        Make a list of potential employers with phone numbers and contact names (if possible). Having a pre-made list allows the job seeker to continue momentum with their calls, rather than stopping after each call to look up contact information for the next call.

2.        Make your first call to a friend or family member that is in the industry you are interested in. This step serves two functions:

a.        This first call will allow you to explore information about the industry with an individual you already know. This individual might have additional contacts at other companies in the industry, and/or be able to point you in the right direction of important questions to ask about other environments.

b.        Calling an individual you already know decreases the pressure of the first call and better prepares you to talk to others in the industry.

3.        Ask employers, “How often do you hire?” or “What is your hiring cycle?”, rather than “Are you hiring?” The immediate answer to Are you hiring? might be “No.”, without letting you know that there is likely to be work available in about six weeks.

4.        Ask, “Who should I forward my resume to?”, rather than “Are you accepting resumes?” This question serves two purposes:

a.        The answer should be “Send it to me.”, if you have reached the right person.

b.        If you receive another name, it gives you the direct contact name of the individual you should be speaking with.

5.        Keep a log that states the company name, when you called, who you spoke with, and any other additional steps, (i.e. call back Jennifer on the 15^th of December).

Start with these strategies to help manage your cold calls and to keep track of what you have done. Why not challenge yourself to call 3 new employers this week! If you need assistance in making cold calls, please drop by VCCS and meet with an Employment Counsellor!