The Adage, “If You Fail to Plan, Then Plan to Fail” Also Relates to Initiating a Job Search. Winning Steps You Can Take to Combat Job-Seeker Paralysis

(Part I of II)

I am currently assisting 35 folks, and when each received the news of their respective lay off, they diverged into two groups: One group was utterly shocked and immobilized, and the other (the vast majority), simply panicked, and their first instinct was to dive head-on into the job market without a moment's thought or planning. It is completely understandable, particularly when the shock begins to wear off and the shear terror relating to the harsh realities of today's job market begins to seep into a job seeker's every waking thought. I can certainly relate. The first time I was ever laid off, I had many restless/sleepless nights and at times, I had to resist the temptation to allow my worries to spiral out of control. Like so many, I was out of work many months. Those in transition today wonder how they will support themselves and their families and how long it take before they find gainful employment. They are also concerned about how their background stacks up against others with whom they are competing for the same jobs. Some improve their chances by opening their minds up to the possibility of relocating. It's tough; no two ways about it. So what's a worried job seeker to do if they haven't thought through a game plan?

Here are some specific steps that you can take to short-circuit the "worry, fear, doubt and panic" cycle to get a game plan together, and thereby greatly improve your edge and fast-track your chances of being successful:

1. Recognize that worry, fear, doubt and panic are emotions that require energy and inhibit your ability to think clearly and rationally. Why not, instead, try to harness all of that great energy and funnel it back into a job search?
2. Take a beat and get in front of your home PC or go to your favorite cafe or other place and bring your yellow pad or if you have one, your laptop with you.
3. Begin putting your wish list together. List 25-50 companies you might want to work for. If your list yields fewer than 25 results, get to the Library and consult your local “Book of Lists” or either the “Standard & Poor’s" or “Moody’s” U.S. business resources. If you happen to have a subscription to Edgar or D&B’s Hoover’s, you can also get some ideas from them. Sometimes, seeing the companies in black and white will trigger your thoughts, and remind you of companies that have piqued your interest in the past. (If you are unfamiliar with these reference sources, see my post on this subject entitled, “A Great Networking Strategy That Can Really Open Doors.”)
4. Now list any people you might know at those companies. Don't be discouraged if none come to mind for the majority of the companies on your list. Keep going!
5. List other people you know and categorize them into business contacts, friends/neighbors, family, and acquaintances. Leave no stone unturned! You NEVER know who might know someone at that company who may help you gain access or give you a leg up on your competition. That’s the concept of six degrees of separation, and the premise upon which linkinin.com was founded.

OK ... That's enough to digest for now. Tomorrow, I'll show you how to put it all together. Be sure to check back for Part II!

Make your energy work for you!!! Open your mind and it will pay off and start to open doors.