Deal with your blues
" So... what do you do?"
"Well, I ... I ... well, nothing. I am looking for a job."
"So, you are job hunting. That in itself is a full time job!"
ALL OF us experience the "looking for a job" phase in our employable period of life. And, we cannot deny that looking for a job is, at the least, as annoying, depressing, aggravating, exasperating and frustrating as any other profession under the sun.
Here are some tips to make this journey, down the dark corridors of unemployment, a little brighter.
Smell the flowers
Now that you have lots of time on hand (not that you asked for it!), use it to slow down the maddening pace of your life. Try relaxing. It is important to realise that the stress you are going through is inescapable. Give yourself time to take stock of your emotions and come to terms with your situation. Look at it this way: "I will be working sometime in the near future, so let me enjoy a leisurely lifestyle, while I can!" You could do some of the following things to make the phase productive:
Indulge in activities you love, but never had the time for
Do something you last did in your high school. It's a great stress buster!
Exercise; another scientifically proven stress buster
Spend time with your family and catch up with friends
Get real
Accept the fact that you will have to cut corners. Branded goods need to stay on the supermarket shelves, and not fill your shopping carts. You will have place for them once your pay- cheques start coming in. Sit down with your family members and present to them the real picture. Tell them that you need to cut costs, for the time being, which is possible with everyone's cooperation. We often underestimate our children's understanding of such situations. They will more often than not feel mature and responsible and help the family overcome the crisis without pain.
Just do it!
Importantly, do not shy away from a temporary job, or any other offer you get, even if it does not match your experience or skill. This will give you some learning and exposure. And, will `keep you in the game.' You still have to do something everyday so that you do not slip into the dungeon of `Unemployment Depression'. Most importantly, it avoids any `embarrassing gaps' in your résumé once you are back on track. You can also use this precious time to acquire new skills. A workshop for professionals, a seminar on career development, a computer course, etc. - anything you always wanted to do, but never had the time for and which would look good on your résumé.
Network
No, I am not asking you to join a computer-networking course. You know what the wise old men of the corporate world say, "It's not what you know that's important, but who you know." Start networking with people. Who knows, your friend's aunt's husband's colleague's friend might be looking out for somebody with your qualifications! Let everyone you know, know that you are looking out for a job, and ask if they know of any openings in the industry you desire to join.
Resume `resuméing'
Time to dust your old résumé! Update and polish it. A résumé is your first step towards a job. It should accurately describe your achievements and skill sets. Quantifiable professional achievements should be highlighted. Most importantly, it should be so impressive that the employer grants you an immediate audience.
A customised covering letter along with your résumé is the best way to convey a prospective employer that you are motivated enough to have done your research on the organisation before applying for it.
Rejections
Does a rejection mean you are fit for nothing? No, not at all! It simply means that you do not fit the job profile you are being interviewed for. And, would you really thrive in a profile you are not fit for? Look at interviews as learning experiences; small steps that take you closer to that `perfect position' you aspire for. Spend time preparing for interviews. Understand organisations, the industry and their corporate culture before you approach them. Indeed, unemployment is a transitory phase in one's life, what with an average person making 10-12 job changes in his career.
Acknowledging unemployment means facing this phase of life with greater equanimity. The secret is to stay positive and look forward to that great career just round the corner.
HAJIRA SHAHEEN
faqs@cnkonline.com
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