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!