Published Dec-15-2009
Create a job search schedule and stick to it. Good time management is important to stay focused and on-task. Start by deciding what hours of the day you're going to devote to your job search - then start and stop on time each day. No one expects you to work 12 hours a day when you do have a job, so why work that much when you don't have one?
Imagine that you are your own boss, and hold yourself accountable. Seriously, really imagine what it would be like to be your own boss. You might find that you are better suited for owning your own business. You might realize some things about yourself as an employee that can stand to be improved. You might find that you would be a really good boss, and start searching for management positions instead.
Organize your job search space. It is proven that an untidy environment reduces productivity and creates distractions. Treat your desk, spare bedroom, or kitchen table as your new office and keep things in their place.
Avoid the couch. The time-warp that exists somewhere between the couch and the television will inevitably reduce the productivity of your job search when a quick break turns into a Seinfeld rerun marathon. Besides, staying busy will help keep you focused and positive about your prospects.
Set goals for yourself. Actually, set a lot of goals and accomplish them often. Try to have a goal every day and every week that you can accomplish. Achieving goals creates positive reinforcement for all of the hard work that you're doing and eventually all of those smaller goals add up to your ultimate goal: finding a new job.
Eat healthy and exercise. Okay, so you're working in your kitchen and you are surrounded by all of the mid-afternoon snacks you used to wish you had at work. But we all know that bag of Bugles leads to a nap on the couch (and the time warp mentioned above). Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly helps the body produce endorphins - the chemicals that create a sense of happiness and well-being - and maintain high levels of energy.
Take a break. All work and no play makes people grumpy. All work and no pay¿ well, you can imagine. If you have recently become unemployed you may feel the urge to jump into your job search with all of the energy you have, working 10 or 12 hours seven days a week. Remember that your body and mind need some rest and relaxation as well. Stick to the schedule that you have created for yourself on weekdays, and take the weekends off - don't worry because prospective employers aren't working either.
Above all else, stay positive. A positive, upbeat outlook will make you come across as a strong candidate in interviews; it will motivate you to stay off the couch and fill out applications instead; it will help you make it through the job search process and back into a paid position. What should you do once you get that paid position? Well, that's up to you, but at least you won't have to fret about the time warp anymore.