Tips on Staying Active in your Job Search

I keep on reminding myself that I am not alone. There are lots of other people like me now "working" from home.
I find myself furiously searching on the internet for ideas, information, etc. There is sooo much out there!

My philosophy is even though I do currently have a paying job, I am still working...even though it may be in my slippers...in my living room...with my hair in a just "out of bed" look. I still wake up and get out of bed when my husband does. I "work" typically until he comes home. When I am networking, those are considered my meetings.
This is my way of keeping busy and allowing myself to stay in the WORK mode. If not, I could end up on the couch with a bag of chips or something!! (Though most people who know me well know that I have trouble sitting still for like 5 mintues)!!

I find that going through some of the job search sites can be quite helpful. They give you an opportunity to see what is out there and the ability to stay on top of the job market.
Here is a list of my favorite:
www.indeed.com
www.highedjobs.com
www.simplyhired.com
www.juju.com

These sites aside from higher jobs seem to pull from other sites, (careerbuilder.com, yahoo.com, etc...)

Next I network like a madwoman. I try to meet with at least one new person a week. Most of the time I try to focus in on people that are in the industry that I am trying to get into, but sometimes I venture out. Hey, you never know who knows who!!

I realize that not everyone is comfortable finding someone on the internet, calling them and asking to meet. So here are some tips:

1. Remember to do a little research on the person that you are meeting and the job that they have.
2. When you call, make sure to clearly state why you would like to sit down with them. Maybe you have something to offer them as well. Remember this:
would you want to sit down with someone who only talked about themselves?
Listen to what they have to say, see if they offer any advice, thank them for their time and then follow up with either an email or a handwritten card.
3. If they say they are quite busy right now, ask if they have time for just a quick coffee/tea, or offer to meet them close to their office or work location, or just let them know that you realize that they are busy and would be happy to meet with them some time in the future. Keep in touch with them and hopefully soon their schedule will open up.
4. If they offer you any referrals, people you should get in contact with,etc. make sure to follow through right away. We don't want them thinking that you one, are not greatful for their help and two, you have a genuine interest in moving foward with whatever your idea, career, plan is.

I hope this helps!!