Looking for a job in today’s market is a vastly different experience than it was ten years ago.  First, the process has changed over time. Sending out a resume or responding to an advertisement doesn’t usually result in an immediate invitation to apply. In fact, you may have sent out many resumes and not received one response. Second, high unemployment has created an incredibly competitive climate for almost every type of position.

Job Search Plan

Your job search requires a well thought-out plan.  Consider your search to be your “job” and follow your plan step-by-step.  

1. Start by defining your job goal.  What kind of job are you seeking?  

2. Consider your financial situation. Do you need to work immediately?  Or can you hold out for the “right” position.  

3. Full time or part time? How long will you give yourself to find that target position before you turn your sites to an “interim” job? 

Job Search Resources

There are many resources available for you to use in your job search, including:

Staffing and Recruiting Companies

Staffing and recruiting companies provide another resource and offer full-time and temporary jobs, many of which are posted on their websites as well as on other job boards. Job boards focused solely on helping the age 50+ worker include RetirementJobs.com and AARP.org/money/work.

Resumes and Cover Letters

Once you have identified a position for which you would like to apply, you will need to submit your resume and a cover letter.  The resume should be no more than two pages and should identify the job title right below your name and address block. Be sure to include your cell phone number (so the hiring manager can reach you immediately) and your email address.  Make sure your email address is professional—nothing cute or racy.

 Clearly summarize your skills and capabilities as they relate to the job you seek.  You don’t need to go back more than 15 years unless the earlier experience is particularly relevant to the position for which you are applying.  Be sure to include your computer skills and education (without dates).  Use key words from the job posting to demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Your cover letter should be brief with a few sentences pointing out how your skills and capabilities fit the requirements of the position.

Follow Up

Follow up on resumes you’ve sent by email or by phone.  Be pleasant and persistent in getting a response.  If you’re told that you don’t qualify, get more information—what skills and capabilities were required that you don’t have.  That will help you with your next application and may point out some training you may need.  You may be invited to participate in a phone screen—sort of a pre-interview.  If the employer is still interested you may then be invited to interview.

Interviews

Prepare for the interview by carefully researching the company.  Visit their website, look at new articles, and speak with employees and former employees, if you can.  Dress appropriately.  No matter how casual the organization, show respect by dressing at least one level more professionally.  Show up at least 10 minutes early and make sure to have several additional copies of your resume.

The best way to prepare for your interview is to rehearse with a friend or your career coach.  The mock interview will provide you with some additional confidence.

Your New Job Is to Get a Job

Searching for a new position is a job in itself.  Making a plan and working your plan provides the best chance of success.

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You’ve been looking for a job for over six months and discouragement is a mild description of your attitude.  It may seem like you’re sinking deeper and deeper into the well with no lifeline.  What can you do to restore your faith in yourself and your confidence in your ability to find a job?  You know your attitude affects the persona you present at an interview so it’s critical for your mental health as well as your ability to land that job.  It’s time to take a break!

Take a Week

Give yourself a week of NOT job hunting. No searching the job boards, no sending resumes, no phone calls, or emails.  Instead focus your “vacation” time on restoring your mental and physical health. Create a vacation schedule includes rest, exercise, and mental health restoration. Start with an exercise program—whether it’s working out on a treadmill, taking a long walk, swimming, stretching, yoga, or whatever is available to you—do it every day for at least 45 minutes. Eat healthfully by planning well-balanced meals.

Positive Mental Health

Devote 30 minutes each day to restoring your mental well being by meditating. If that sounds too foreign to you, then spend the 30 minutes thinking and writing about yourself—your best qualities—the things about you that make you the unique and valuable person that you are. If you have negative thoughts, just push them aside and focus on a positive one. This isn’t always easy when you’re in a period of discouragement, but just note one or two positives to start.  If you practice every day you will discover more.

Restart Your Job Search - Don't Just Pick Up Where You Left Off

Restart your job search after your “vacation.”  Don’t just pick up where you left off, but start all over.  Carefully review your job search goals. If the jobs in your field have pretty much dried up, identify the skills you have that are transferable to another position. Conduct some informational interviews to verify your suitability and get more data.  Revise your resume.  Make sure your resume is focused on a particular job title. You need a different resume for each position title.  Do your listed skills support the position for which you are applying?  You may need to reorder or add skills, depending on the position description.  

Vacation, Restoration, Re-energize, and Renewed

Searching for a job is a job and you may need a break—a “vacation” to restore your energy and gather your strength. Take a little time off to refocus and come back to your job search renewed.

Here's eight important things to remember when you're laid off and looking for work:

1. You have the right to feel bad, hurt, and angry.
2. You will get over feeling bad, hurt, and angry.
3. Don't burn any bridges when you're feeling bad, hurt, and angry.
4. You are not alone. There are more than 25 million unemployed and underemployed out there.
5. Connecting with people (unemployed and employed) will help you get over feeling bad, hurt, and angry.  It's called "networking".
6. Networking is the best thing you can do to find your next job.
7. You will get a more satisfying job than the one you lost.
8. You will become a stronger, better, and happier person because meeting tough challenges does that to you.

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