Using Mindfulness to Help You Job Search Better in These Unique Times

Entertainer - humorist Will Rogers once said “Even if you’re on the right track you’ll get run over if you just sit there”. The statement seems apropos when the question arises - Should you be job searching in these uncertain times or hunkering down and sitting it out, waiting for better times?

Before you consider this question, ask yourself how stressed out or anxious you are since you’ve lost your job or been temporarily laid off? Is the stress overwhelming you to the point where it, along with your anxiety, are prohibiting you from such things as job searching, organizing for your next interview – preparing for your future, for example? In short, you know you should be preparing, instead you’re sitting on the track, wasting valuable time?

If so, these are issues which must be dealt with before you can move yourself into motivated job search mode or even partial job search mode. The fact is, the longer you're out of the world world, the more difficult you may find it to motivate yourself to re-enter it. Furthermore, the more difficult it will become to move forward. Worse, this lack of action could develop into a downhill spiral; causing you to lose opportunities for some great jobs.

>> Consider Mindfulness to better direct your thoughts and feelings. It’s an important tool for helping focus on the present.

"Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention to the present. This state encompasses observing one’s thoughts and feelings without judging them as good or bad,” says Melanie Greenberg PhD. Furthermore, says Greenberg, “Mindfulness is deliberately directing your attention away from autopilot, negative and judgmental thoughts, to be present and connected to whatever is happening in the moment”. Such as job searching.

Research has shown that mindfulness helps reduce anxiety and depression. Allowing you to center your attention on the now. For example of setting new, measurable job search goals, work or personal goals; to consider or reconsider changing your career. In todays unique and changing times, mindfulness will allow you to get clarity on how to bring your next job and life plans to fruition.

Mindfulness expert Thich Nhat Hanh says:

* Regularly practice breathing exercises.
* Concentrate while you breathe.
* Be aware of your body as you are breathing.
* Release the tension as you breathe.
https://www.mindful.org/five-steps-to-mindfulness/

>> Career and hiring pros say:

* Even if you aren’t actually applying for a job it’s best to keep networking. In short, the more you network and relationship-build - the more you participate in the overall process of getting a job. And the far more likely it is for you to get hired.

* Keep your skills up to date. Hiring pros recommend you keep your skills up-to-date for a variety of reasons. Doing so allows you to be prepared when a job comes along you weren’t expecting, the job market for your industry suddenly opens up; you receive a referral to a job; or someone recommends you.

Here’s 5 Tips to help you stay job search active:

1) If you apply and don’t receive a response, wait two weeks and email the hiring manager, including a copy of your resume and link to your LinkedIn Profile.

Practice mindfulness to steer clear of anxiety. Even in these unique times HR pros are working diligently to streamline their new interview and hiring processes to meet new health requirements. That said, they may be taking longer to return emails and calls.

Keep your message brief and to the point. Be clear, from word one, when reminding the HR pro what you can achieve for that company and what your top skills are. Make it clear this is a company you do want to work for and make a statement about its culture, mission or goals in order to show your interest and help capture their attention. If you have been interviewed, be sure to say thank you. And periodically send them an email 'touching base'.

2) ‘Follow’ companies and hiring pros. Read their blogs, make industry comments and comments which relate to topics presented but which also show your expertise. Don’t try to overtly sell yourself; but do be professional.

3) Regularly network online. Participate in online live workshops, in virtual events, for example. Interact, make professional comments which present your industry skills. If possible, ask several participants to become LinkedIn connections. When they do, make it a point to email them regularly to discuss topics of interest, share resources and get-a-job strategies.

4) Prepare yourself for virtual interviews – this is the way of the future. Laura Labovitch, CEO of The Career Strategy Group in Bethesda, Md. says “Have a friend ask you questions on camera. Discover the best on-camera poses when interviewing." Additionally - practice using your voice in a way which projects, shows interest and helps you engage the interviewer, for example.

5) Perform research on companies you’d like to work for. Aside from general company info, check out online reviews – how do they treat their customers? Check out their Facebook page; what are they promoting or presenting? Discover if this is a company culture you’d like working in and would thrive in or is it toxic? If it’s toxic, employees will frequently make negative remarks on social sites.

Bottom line:

Consider slightly changing job search methods you use, and the path you take, in order to continue successfully navigating these unpredictable times. But don’t give up. Do something job-search related daily – regardless how small. And, very importantly, discover how to use mindfulness to help you eliminate stress and anxiety and make it easier to get a job.