In addition to spending your time productively, you need a hobby. Hobbies give you something to talk about and ways to meet new people (aka networking).
One hobby that I embraced about a year and a half ago is running. Now, don't get me wrong... I'm not a "runner," I run for fun. I've completed a few 5k's; and up until early July when it was too hot to BREATHE outside, I was running 4-5 times a week.
Now that I'm in a cooler climate, I plan on picking that up again... the running. If you chose running as your hobby, set goals! Well, first thing first, buy good running shoes. If you invest in good running shoes you will be committed to running because of the financial investment alone!
Goals are next. Find a 5k to run. Give yourself 6 weeks to train, especially if you haven't been particularly active up to this point. There are lots of great websites to get you into a routine. I would google "couch to 5k" for a starter program. And commit to it!
A few weeks ago, a job bank guy told me that running is viewed highly by future employers. It shows commitment, that you are goal oriented and general self discipline. That was the day that I added my running club to my "activities and affiliations" on my resume.
Ok, you don't have to run. That is not the only hobby option out there. But pick something that you can continue to do while employed and something that reflects your personality and style.
Maybe refinishing furniture is your thing or building model cars or playing an instrument. Find something. Commit to it. Set goals. And use your hobby as an opportunity to network... and maybe even find a new career field... cause clearly the careers you are pursuing aren't working out so hot if you're unemployed. :D
Take my advice and run with it. Pun intended.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Wait
If you've ever applied for a job/interviewed for a job you know what I'm talking about... waiting for THE call.
Let me walk you through my most recent application process...
When I first re-started the job search in August, I applied for a development job with a university on the east coast. Kind of put it out of my head because it was a job-bank type deal... figured tons of people of applied... did NOT expect to have a shot at the position.
Then I got the first call for an interview! I was elated! I, clearly, accepted the phone interview... had to wait a week, but I was ok with that.
Phone interview happened. It was Awesome! They said I was one of five resumes they pulled out of over 200! (re-visit the sample thank you note regarding my resume header) They seemingly loved me and said that they would be in touch by the end of the week.
NOT 24 HOURS LATER: I was in! I was a finalist for the job!!! Much jumping up and down occured, calling of friends, general revelry, and booking the flight!
Then it happened, the real deal interview. Final interview. I wore the GOOD interview outfit... looked spiffy, albeit warm (it was REALLY hot Monday). I thought it went well. They were giving me bus routes to work and introducing me around... all felt right with the world. They said they would be in touch by the end of the week.
Here we are: Thursday, 12:15. Still no call. I have a countdown going till 5PM tomorrow: less than 29 hours. It's going to be a long 29 hours.
... CALL!
FYI, typing "call" does NOT work. Neither does staring at your phone. Woof. Check back in roughly 29 hours.
Let me walk you through my most recent application process...
When I first re-started the job search in August, I applied for a development job with a university on the east coast. Kind of put it out of my head because it was a job-bank type deal... figured tons of people of applied... did NOT expect to have a shot at the position.
Then I got the first call for an interview! I was elated! I, clearly, accepted the phone interview... had to wait a week, but I was ok with that.
Phone interview happened. It was Awesome! They said I was one of five resumes they pulled out of over 200! (re-visit the sample thank you note regarding my resume header) They seemingly loved me and said that they would be in touch by the end of the week.
NOT 24 HOURS LATER: I was in! I was a finalist for the job!!! Much jumping up and down occured, calling of friends, general revelry, and booking the flight!
Then it happened, the real deal interview. Final interview. I wore the GOOD interview outfit... looked spiffy, albeit warm (it was REALLY hot Monday). I thought it went well. They were giving me bus routes to work and introducing me around... all felt right with the world. They said they would be in touch by the end of the week.
Here we are: Thursday, 12:15. Still no call. I have a countdown going till 5PM tomorrow: less than 29 hours. It's going to be a long 29 hours.
... CALL!
FYI, typing "call" does NOT work. Neither does staring at your phone. Woof. Check back in roughly 29 hours.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Ways to Fill Your Time (pt 2)
So, we're still looking for a job. That means you still have lots of free time. You can only write so many cover letters in one day... and you can only read the same job postings over and over again so many times in that same day.
In addition to facebooking and writing thank you notes... you need to spend your time staying informed.
Are you on twitter? Join it! And don't just post useless things (aka i like blue shoes; diet coke is amazing (we all know that anyway); my mom is having a mid-life crisis and taking it out on me), post about current events, books you've read, places you've been... and follow interesting people too; not just celebrities. Follow a news source, a local paper and maybe an author... the more people you follow the more you will know.
This leads me to another way to spend your time: READ! What else are you going to do? Try to read a newspaper (or at least peruse the headlines) or other news periodical. If you stay informed on current events you will: A. sound intelligent at after work social events that you attend to network B. you will have something to tweet about (see above) C. you just MIGHT impress someone in an interview.
Read books too... I just finished a great book on Louisiana politics called "Inside the Carnival" by Wayne Parent. It was great, and I found that I had things to talk about with people other than the kids I babysit for to make ends meet.
And if you can't afford a new book: borrow a book... from a friend or the LIBRARY! The library is the BEST resource, unemployed or not.
Let's make up a to do list now:
1. Join twitter
2. Pick up a newspaper
3. Ask a friend for a book suggestion
4. Lather
5. Rinse
6. Repeat
In addition to facebooking and writing thank you notes... you need to spend your time staying informed.
Are you on twitter? Join it! And don't just post useless things (aka i like blue shoes; diet coke is amazing (we all know that anyway); my mom is having a mid-life crisis and taking it out on me), post about current events, books you've read, places you've been... and follow interesting people too; not just celebrities. Follow a news source, a local paper and maybe an author... the more people you follow the more you will know.
This leads me to another way to spend your time: READ! What else are you going to do? Try to read a newspaper (or at least peruse the headlines) or other news periodical. If you stay informed on current events you will: A. sound intelligent at after work social events that you attend to network B. you will have something to tweet about (see above) C. you just MIGHT impress someone in an interview.
Read books too... I just finished a great book on Louisiana politics called "Inside the Carnival" by Wayne Parent. It was great, and I found that I had things to talk about with people other than the kids I babysit for to make ends meet.
And if you can't afford a new book: borrow a book... from a friend or the LIBRARY! The library is the BEST resource, unemployed or not.
Let's make up a to do list now:
1. Join twitter
2. Pick up a newspaper
3. Ask a friend for a book suggestion
4. Lather
5. Rinse
6. Repeat
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Ways to Spend Your Money
The unemployed have limited resources. I know. I moved back home. There are a few things, however, that are worth your dwindling supply of moola.
First: dry cleaning. You MUST have a great interview outfit ready at a moment's notice, and most interview clothes are dry clean only... hence, spend your money on dry cleaning. And only wear your interview clothes when you must... we don't want our savings account spent at Golden Cleaner's up the road, but budget $20-30 per interview set for dry cleaning.
Second: good resume paper/stationary. This might sound obvious, but on a recent interview I was told that not everyone uses the "good" resume paper anymore. Do it! I spent $12 at Staples for 100 beautiful resumes. I would say that's worth it.
And going back to Thank You Notes... invest in some good stationary on which to write the TYN. Mine are pink with my name engraved on the front. It is an expression of me, and if you get a pink thank you note... you aren't soon to forget it. :)
And, finally, invest in a good pair of flip flops... especially if you are applying for a jobs in a "city" and have to walk around between interviews. High heels can do wonders for your calves... but they do a number on your feet! I speak from personal experience, you don't want to be limping into an interview... doesn't give them the "go get 'em" impression AT ALL!
So, take these tips and budget accordingly... this might mean skimping on some "fun" things, but if those "fun" things don't get you a job... you're just broke with a lot of crap.
First: dry cleaning. You MUST have a great interview outfit ready at a moment's notice, and most interview clothes are dry clean only... hence, spend your money on dry cleaning. And only wear your interview clothes when you must... we don't want our savings account spent at Golden Cleaner's up the road, but budget $20-30 per interview set for dry cleaning.
Second: good resume paper/stationary. This might sound obvious, but on a recent interview I was told that not everyone uses the "good" resume paper anymore. Do it! I spent $12 at Staples for 100 beautiful resumes. I would say that's worth it.
And going back to Thank You Notes... invest in some good stationary on which to write the TYN. Mine are pink with my name engraved on the front. It is an expression of me, and if you get a pink thank you note... you aren't soon to forget it. :)
And, finally, invest in a good pair of flip flops... especially if you are applying for a jobs in a "city" and have to walk around between interviews. High heels can do wonders for your calves... but they do a number on your feet! I speak from personal experience, you don't want to be limping into an interview... doesn't give them the "go get 'em" impression AT ALL!
So, take these tips and budget accordingly... this might mean skimping on some "fun" things, but if those "fun" things don't get you a job... you're just broke with a lot of crap.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Holiday that Mocks Us: Labor Day
Happy Labor Day.
I just LOVE three day weekends.
Are you taking a trip for your holiday weekend?
Well, as a matter of fact, every weekend is a three-day weekend. Heck! I live every day like it's a Saturday!
Ok, not really. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I dedicate many hours of my day to looking employed, writing thank you notes, applying for jobs and facebooking. I just don't clock in or out; I can wear shorts and a t-shirt; and I can't usually tell what day it is... unless the bank or post office isn't open.
And even if I was employed, I can't imagine looking forward to a Monday off. Yes, it elongates the weekend and you get to avoid the "monday's," but you still have a Tuesday to deal with.
I did treat today a little bit like a holiday, I suppose. I slept in, got my free chick-fil-a (geaux tigers), napped, ate bbq, and generally avoided job search talk.
But tomorrow will act like the first day of the week, just like Monday normally does. And I will only have 4 days to do all of the every-pressing things I have on my to do list rather than 5. This hurts the odds of my dry cleaning being ready for my upcoming trip (job search related... no vacas for the unemployed), thank you notes arriving in a timely fashion AND finishing the unpacking that is still left from last weekend.
Thank you, Labor Day, for reminding me I'm unemployed; giving employed friends the option to talk about their "three day weekend;" and shortening my "work" week. Thanks a lot.
I just LOVE three day weekends.
Are you taking a trip for your holiday weekend?
Well, as a matter of fact, every weekend is a three-day weekend. Heck! I live every day like it's a Saturday!
Ok, not really. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I dedicate many hours of my day to looking employed, writing thank you notes, applying for jobs and facebooking. I just don't clock in or out; I can wear shorts and a t-shirt; and I can't usually tell what day it is... unless the bank or post office isn't open.
And even if I was employed, I can't imagine looking forward to a Monday off. Yes, it elongates the weekend and you get to avoid the "monday's," but you still have a Tuesday to deal with.
I did treat today a little bit like a holiday, I suppose. I slept in, got my free chick-fil-a (geaux tigers), napped, ate bbq, and generally avoided job search talk.
But tomorrow will act like the first day of the week, just like Monday normally does. And I will only have 4 days to do all of the every-pressing things I have on my to do list rather than 5. This hurts the odds of my dry cleaning being ready for my upcoming trip (job search related... no vacas for the unemployed), thank you notes arriving in a timely fashion AND finishing the unpacking that is still left from last weekend.
Thank you, Labor Day, for reminding me I'm unemployed; giving employed friends the option to talk about their "three day weekend;" and shortening my "work" week. Thanks a lot.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Ways to Fill Your Time
When unemployed, there is time. Lots of it. Now, a good portion is to be dedicated to actually FINDING a job; but that does not fill an entire day.
So, today I will share with you some valuable ways to spend your time.
Thank You Notes:
Write them. Thank anyone and everyone for anything and everything. For example:
Dear Alex Grey,
Thank you for providing me with such an inspirational header for my resume. Your template may or may not be the reason I have received any interviews at all. I am indebted to you. And when I do finally have a job, I will buy YOU drinks... and not just at CCG happy hour. You're the best. Visit me in DC when I'm important.
Sincerely,
Sarah Joy
And be especially sure to write thank you notes after interviews! Do it! I sent mine off today. It felt good... and it took up about 30 minutes of my day.
Connecting with old friends:
Get on facebook. Find people you know... and in the cities you want to end up. This is a way to grow your network and find free places to stay on interview trips. In 2 trips to DC, 18 states, and about 5,000 miles on my car... I have YET to pay for a hotel room this summer. Impressive, I know.
Take this two hot tips for today and tune in for more. I'm waiting on a thank you note from you...
So, today I will share with you some valuable ways to spend your time.
Thank You Notes:
Write them. Thank anyone and everyone for anything and everything. For example:
Dear Alex Grey,
Thank you for providing me with such an inspirational header for my resume. Your template may or may not be the reason I have received any interviews at all. I am indebted to you. And when I do finally have a job, I will buy YOU drinks... and not just at CCG happy hour. You're the best. Visit me in DC when I'm important.
Sincerely,
Sarah Joy
And be especially sure to write thank you notes after interviews! Do it! I sent mine off today. It felt good... and it took up about 30 minutes of my day.
Connecting with old friends:
Get on facebook. Find people you know... and in the cities you want to end up. This is a way to grow your network and find free places to stay on interview trips. In 2 trips to DC, 18 states, and about 5,000 miles on my car... I have YET to pay for a hotel room this summer. Impressive, I know.
Take this two hot tips for today and tune in for more. I'm waiting on a thank you note from you...
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Move Home
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? We've all been asked that question... now think back to age 21:
SJ's response was NOT living at home after 3 years of working at an impoverished wage. But, alas, that is what I'm doing.
Saturday marked the first time I have moved INTO my parents' house. They moved in this house after I started college, and I think record for consecutive nights in said house might be 6 nights... maybe.
I spent a lot of last week packing up, throwing out and sorting through my apartment to prepare for the pending doom. Mind you, I was packing up with job offers on the horizon... which made it all bearable.
Then the big day came. Four friends came over and we loaded down all cars involved. Bed, dresser, table, chairs, clothes, dishes, among other things.
About 45 minutes into the drive, I called to check on the car with my dresser in it... only to be affirmed that my worst fear was true:
"Uh, SJ, we're going to be a little late. We had to stop."
"Why?"
"Well, the top drawer fell out of your dresser. I'm picking up your panties on the side of the interstate."
"Awesome."
I just started laughing. My life IS a comedy of errors, but really? I arrived home shortly after that conversation... my mom joined in the laughter. As did the entire gang. Are the margaritas ready yet?
Well, the driver was being quite the jokester, and it was all a lie... but he had me going for sure! Not ten minutes later, however, we did realize that something WAS missing. My bed. It got left on the front lawn. That's right, on the curb in downtown BR... Go figure, it wasn't there when I sent a friend over to pick it up.
Panties: check! Bed: nope
Reflecting back on the move, though, if a bed is my only casualty... great! Let's be honest, I've lost worst things this summer (i.e. my job, my acceptance to graduate school, my sanity).
And now I'm home. Well, not quite. I'm at a coffee shop "in town." Because my parents don't live in a "real" town. They live in the country, where WiFi DNE. Awesome.
Let the job search continue!
SJ's response was NOT living at home after 3 years of working at an impoverished wage. But, alas, that is what I'm doing.
Saturday marked the first time I have moved INTO my parents' house. They moved in this house after I started college, and I think record for consecutive nights in said house might be 6 nights... maybe.
I spent a lot of last week packing up, throwing out and sorting through my apartment to prepare for the pending doom. Mind you, I was packing up with job offers on the horizon... which made it all bearable.
Then the big day came. Four friends came over and we loaded down all cars involved. Bed, dresser, table, chairs, clothes, dishes, among other things.
About 45 minutes into the drive, I called to check on the car with my dresser in it... only to be affirmed that my worst fear was true:
"Uh, SJ, we're going to be a little late. We had to stop."
"Why?"
"Well, the top drawer fell out of your dresser. I'm picking up your panties on the side of the interstate."
"Awesome."
I just started laughing. My life IS a comedy of errors, but really? I arrived home shortly after that conversation... my mom joined in the laughter. As did the entire gang. Are the margaritas ready yet?
Well, the driver was being quite the jokester, and it was all a lie... but he had me going for sure! Not ten minutes later, however, we did realize that something WAS missing. My bed. It got left on the front lawn. That's right, on the curb in downtown BR... Go figure, it wasn't there when I sent a friend over to pick it up.
Panties: check! Bed: nope
Reflecting back on the move, though, if a bed is my only casualty... great! Let's be honest, I've lost worst things this summer (i.e. my job, my acceptance to graduate school, my sanity).
And now I'm home. Well, not quite. I'm at a coffee shop "in town." Because my parents don't live in a "real" town. They live in the country, where WiFi DNE. Awesome.
Let the job search continue!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)