I need your brainstorming powers to help me keep on keepin' on in my jobsearch. Can you help with tips on connecting and finding a job? Or with keeping focus, energy, staying positive as time goes by?
I was recently laid off - it was actually a positive thing because the office atmosphere was very negative. But of course, it's never easy during the in-between times.
(EDIT) We're a 1 car family, so I'm using my bike and public transportation to get to work, networking, etc. My son is home with me so as not to pay for daycare (he's 4.5), and I'm doing part-time assignments as a Virtual Assistant while I'm looking for full time work.
I've been hitting craigslist, linkedin, indeed, etc. I'm contacting my contacts on linkedin through the website and personally to let them know what I'm looking for. I don't want to be annoying, but I know that personal connections are better than anonymous online searching. I like to network, but my budget is limited and I lost my babysitter so getting out to network is tough - but if I can find a way, I want to get out there. What has been successful for the mamas who've gotten back into the work world recently?
I'm excited about getting back into the work world, into an office where I can be part of a team because that's were I can contribute the most and function at my best. Right now, though, I'm feeling a bit worn down because the last few years have been tough. My husband's been working full time AND going to school, so we're both worn down since we haven't been able to get a real break. What do you to do re-charge when you don't really have the time or budget to do a BIG recharge? How do you keep the positive outlook when it seems like you're not making headway?
I know there are good things coming. I'm so proud of my hubby and love my son to pieces.
Thanks for helping me keep on track!
ADD-From Tracy K's experience - as a receptionist or business owner in the Richardson/N. Dallas area, what would your response be to her fantastic go-get-it walk-in approach? THANKS!
Hi, I just went through the job search thing. I ended up applying at several temporary agencies (actually the first one found me on CareerBuilder.com). I'm working my 3rd temp job and will be hired in another week (permanent).
In the meantime, my husband got a job (after a year of substitute teaching) and when we joined the church (it's a church school), several people I met started telling me they had connections in my field & would send my resume out!
About recharging: I have just been working on my hobbies @ home; working out, etc. No money here either. I have never been a positive person but people -- on facebook and in real life -- have been praying & I became much calmer, knowing that the Lord would take care of us. And He has!
Best of luck to you!
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T.K.
answers from
Dallas
on
What worked for me was to print a stack of resumes and get all dressed up as though I were going to an interview. I have an insurance license. So, I went to the closest insurance office to my house, walked in and introduced myself. I let them know I lived in the area and was looking for a job so keep me in mind if anything came up or if they knew anyone hiring. I left them a resume and went on to the next. I only had to go to 4 and I landed the best job I've ever had. Someone passed my resume along to his father in law and I got the call. My new boss said he was so impressed that I would get out and go get it. He said that type of ambition and boldness was refreshing and I was hired. He didn't even check my referances!
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S.B.
answers from
Kansas City
on
I have signed up with 3 staffing agencies. It's how I found my last 2 jobs and I hope they will help me find my next one.
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T.S.
answers from
Dallas
on
VOLUNTEER! As an hr manager I can't say how important keeping your skills and prospects sharp is! You will make new contacts, feel better about yourself and looks really good on resume. It looks terrible to have gaps on your resume that say all I was doing was looking for a job. That translates to i was sitting on unemployment which is about to run out and I need another job to pay for my next unemployment vacation. Employers know there is no one that is looking for a job that spends 40 hrs per week for months at a time actually job searching. I know that sounds harsh but it's true! I also hired a young girl right out of college recently who offered to work for free for 2 weeks. She showed us her work ethic and organization skills and sold us that she would be an asset!
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C.B.
answers from
Boston
on
I stayed in touch with friends from old jobs once I stayed home with kids. Two at different companies called me to ask if I was willing to work mom's hours. I took one of them after interviewing both and am still there 5 years later.
Everyone and their brother will be contacting folks through Linked-In. I think it is better to really know the people you talk to, and don't sound desperate or they will not hire you. Ask them questions to make sure the match is good for you too. The last thing you want is to find a job and then have to find another one because you hate it.
About re-charging: hubbie and I had "dates" on the back deck when the kids were little after they were in bed with the monitor near us. Now we sit in the yard with a beer before dinner while the kids watch some tv or play in the yard. I also ride my bike or take a long bath with a good book. We watch tv in bed for about half an hour to an hour before we fall asleep at midnight, and we chat while we watch. Just connecting with the man I love and also having some alone time every week, even if it is a bath late at night, works for me.
