Avoid A Job Search Rut

Avoid A Job Search Rut Are you spending nights and weekends on LinkedIn searching company after company while refreshing Indeed? Are you not only obsessively checking every job search sitebut alsostarting at your inboxbecause you havent yet received aresponse from any company youve emailed? Congratulations Youve entered the black holeDont worry, though the black hole is very easy to escape as long as you go around it. And since this is a ratherbei stressful experience, Id rather give you tips and words of encouragement than tell you aboutthe mistakes you may be making.Here are some ideas1. Networking EventsCheck out Meetup or Eventbrite if youre in a major tech hub check out the BuiltIn (City) and search for free events. Youll be able to meet and mingle with people who have a common interest and may be searching for a referral for a new role at their company. Remember to give twice before any ask. This is a great opportunity to establish and maintain relationships and be aya to follo w up with any gives. 2. LinkedInUse LinkedIn strategically. With LinkedIns new face lift you can search for people, jobs, companies, salaries while maintaining your entire network. You can also let recruiters know youre open to new opportunities by going to your home page then to Jobs Jobs You May Be Interested In Update Preferences Toggle On (Let Recruiters Know Youre Open). From here feel free to put any job title that youre interested in, along with your skill set. 3. OrganizeOrganize your job search from your wish list in a company and whom youve had coffee with. A simple excel or google doc will work wonders when keeping track of who and where youve met someone, what companies you are interested in, who youve interviewed with and any timeline in regards to application closings. This will come in handy when youre writing a follow up, thank you email or maintaining your overall network.4. AccountabilityBe accountable to yourself. Schedule yourself to go to X number of networki ng events, outreach to X number of people and apply to X number to jobs online per week (with a cover letter). By creating a weekly stretch goal and rewarding yourself for meeting your goals, you will be mora motivated to accomplish mini tasks. Heres an example, for every coffee meeting that turns into a job referral, I would reward myself with a my favorite latte or sign up for a drop in spin class.5. FocusBe sure you have a focus whether its a specific role, industry or responsibility. Being a Subject Matter Expert (SME) will allow you to be more sought after by potential employers and gives you more credibility to any new role. Having a particular focus in your next role will allow you to overcome decision fatigue and be 100% dedicated to your search.--Molly is a Career Coach specializing in relationship building, communication, emotional intelligence and goal making. When not working, you can find her adventuring Chicagos hidden gems, playing pick-up soccer with friends and maki ng plans to travel around the world.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer