When Finding a Job IS Your Job

Building a Job Search War Room

2004-2010 G. A. Puleo

Lackadaisical efforts generate lackluster results -- successful job searches are rarely the result of chance or luck.  Today's tight employment market makes it even more important that your job campaign combines strategy, perseverance, consistency and action. 

Seize control of your job search by identifying then going after what you desire.  Become the Commanding General of your own unique, results-driven job campaign. 

Strategy formulation begins in the War Room:  it is the hub and center of all activities directed toward finding a job.  To succeed, you must ensure that you cultivate the necessary resources that create an environment that builds the proper mindset for the battles of your job campaign.  The Job Search War Room is both an internal mindset and an external environment that puts you in command of your career. 

The Job Search War Room is your best defense against the temptations of daytime television.  Don't fall prety to these time wasters!  Set aside a private space that is ONLY used for your job search.  Separate yourself from noise and other distractions.  Keep this area sacrosanct -- if it doesn't help in your job search, then move it someplace else. 

The key items in your War Room should include: 

• Telecommunications equipment.  Telephone, cell phone, VOIP -- just be sure to use this particular phone exclusively to follow up on job leads, network and schedule appointments (not for idle gossip or talking to friends about non-job related matters). 
  
• Computer with Internet access and email.  The mainstay of your job campaign, be sure to have a good word processing program that allows you to easily customize cover letters to employers.  Consider a database of your job leads and replies to help you track your progress as well as identify roadblocks. 
  
• Printer.  Preferably a laser printer, but an inkjet will do.  Just be sure your cartridges are full and the print quality is smudgeless. 
  
• Cotton paper for hand delivered or mailed resumes.  Although most candidates submit resumes electronically, always have one or two printed copies of your resume with you at an interview; use paper with at least a 25% cotton content for the most professional results. 
  
• Calendar.  Either paper or electronic, a single calendar is critical for scheduling interviews, consultations, meetings, follow-up calls and education (workshops, webinars, etc.). 
  
• Address book.  Again either paper or electronic, your address book is one of your most important sources for generating job and networking leads.  Don't forget to be involved with online social media like LinkedIn -- there are a lot of contacts and jobs that results from these connections. 
  
• Motivational material.  No job candidate -- no matter how well qualified -- will bat 1,000 in a job campaign.  Motivational materials (books, posters, audiotapes, DVDs, whatever works best for you) help keep you focused and confident.  Think of them as an insurance program to overcome the inevitable feelings of frustration that arise during a job search. 
  

Some optional items in your war room include a fax machine and print or online newspapers.  (Even though only 10-15% of jobs are advertised, both print and online newspapers still provide a good lead generation source as well as identify trends in hiring processes.) 

The Job Search War Room is the headquarter for "Brand YOU."  Treat it seriously and with proper respect.  Develop a daily schedule that allows you to focus exclusively on your job campaign.  Successful job campaigns are well managed projects:  they focus on your strengths, provide resources to overcome your weaknesses and allow you to take focused action daily.

Click here for A User's Guide to Managing Your Career -- our 90-minute webinar to help you take charge of your career path.