Once again unemployment is high. What do you do?
For the last 15 years or so I have been listening to people talk about their future. I have to admit that going to school to study photography, film and television; I really thought that I would be listening to people talking and pitching film ideas. Best-laid plans right?
First and foremost, you have to network. It is a bit easier today with all the social media outlets. Facebook has groups, as does LinkedIn and Twitter allow you to follow companies and people at those companies to gain insight into their environment.
I’ve never been good in a crowd. Mingle isn’t my thing. But what I can do is talk to a group about being prepared for that future. The mindset to prepare hasn’t changed so much but the tools and resources available sure have. Where to start?
First, take a breath, relax and put together a plan. Make a list of everyone you know. EVERYONE! I say try to get to 50. In a workshop a couple months ago on this suggestion one woman said, “hey I still have the address list together from my wedding!” EVERYONE. Then contact each and every one of those individuals telling them you are looking for work and what you are looking for. Check them off as you go through the list. And determine whom you will follow up with and at what intervals. I’ve said this for years, you just never know. You just don’t know where your next lead will come from. I heard someone say, be careful of the feet you step on today they may be attached to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow.
Work on a financial road map. Get clear what you can and are willing to do and do without. Target specific companies and make sure you take full advantage of that thing, that place that is Social Media.
I’ve watched people for years apply to jobs with no real consideration of the company that they are potentially going to work for. Again, a bit easier today with the Internet, Facebook, LinkedIn and that Twitter. There is no reason in the world today for someone to take a job at a company that they don’t know everything about.
Using Social Media to enhance your job search comes with specific obligations and responsibility. I’m going to pull some numbers out of my hat. If you read 5 articles about Social Media, I bet that 2 of them will talk about brand. Yes you and I need to think about the image that we paint in the public social space.
I read a great article today by Carrie Wilkerson the @Barefoot_Exec, what she says about your social network and how she draws traffic. It’s the four C’s, character, conversation, content and consistency. You should also apply this to your job search. I think it will keep you from heading down the wrong path.