The quote is from Buddha. While I am not sure if he experienced the frustration that can come along with a job search, I think his advice is very fitting. Clients constantly tell me how they feel like their search is taking too long, they are lacking focus since they are looking at so many different things or they simply do not think they are making process. If you are experiencing any of this in your search, here is some advice to help you focus on the “now.”

The Push and The Pull – Every search has a Push and a Pull. The Push is the reason you are leaving (or have left) your current (or past) job. The Pull is what is attracting you to your new job. Too often, by dwelling in the past you end up focusing on the Push. This is a lot like talking about an “ex” on a first date. A little bit can go a long way (in a bad way). Focus on the moment, which is the company you are pursuing and why they are a good fit for you.

Work in Blocks - Most people are looking at multiple opportunities across a wide array of industries - particularly if you are looking to change fields. It is typical to be left feeling a little scattered and without focus when jostling all these different positions in various stages of progress. Try breaking down your time into blocks. You can organize the time blocks by specific industry or by activity type (follow up calls, check-in emails, etc.). This allows you to get into a groove and get the most out of a set of like tasks, versus constantly shifting gears.

The Interview – Simply put, your job at each phase of the interview is to get invited back for the next interview. Do not worry about how many steps are in the process. Do not worry about compensation. Keep focused on stating your track record of accomplishments and the ROI the company will get by hiring you. This will put you in a position to not only be invited back, but in doing so you can figure out if this is the right job for you.

Patience – It isn’t a virtue, it is a requirement. The average job search is taking 211 days. Companies are taking their time to make the right hire which is resulting in a longer process than we have seen in years. Have a system to follow up and keep in touch with your prospective employer(s). Demonstrating patience will only help raise your stock, since your competition is likely not playing it as cool as you will be.

Sucking the Marrow – Be in the “now” for every call, email or meeting. You need to be constantly expanding your network, so whenever you are in communication with someone get the most out of that conversation. Who else do they know? Who is hiring? Get everything you can out of each interaction. And, always remember “give to get.”

This process is a marathon, not a sprint – particularly in this economy. Keep that perspective and focus on making forward progress every day. That may be a positive conversation that leads to a new introduction can be just as valuable in the long run as an interview.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to get more like it delivered straight to your email, you can sign up here.

Want to use this article in your ezine, blog or website? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: It’s not about resumes, job boards, recruiters or even networking. As Your Career Attraction Mentor, Kevin Kermes will show you how to stop chasing after jobs and start attracting opportunities. He believes you are at your best when you can be yourself. Sounds like a better approach, doesn’t it? You can get more free advice like this by visiting him at www.careerattraction.com

© 2008 – 2010 – Kevin Kermes Inc

Interested in implementing these techniques to make your job search more efficient?  Check out Kevin's Job Search 2.o Bootcamp Homestudy System - designed specifically more the mid to senior level executive designed to drive opportunities to you, establish you as a Subject Matter Expert and cut significant time off your search - all without using job boards or recruiters.  Click here to learn more.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com

2009 © Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved

 **not sure you can make it?  Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you** 

 Whether you just started your job search or have been at it for awhile now, this call is what you have been waiting for.  You owe it to yourself to learn the secrets to cutting significant time off your job search now.  I also have some special gifts for joining me on the call, but you must be signed up (if can’t make the call, I will send you the recording afterwards – but you must be signed up).

On this webinar, you’ll learn:

 * the biggest block that’s likely keeping you and your search in low-gear right now and wasting precious time (and how to bust out of your rut)

* 5 things recruiters have begged me not to share with you that can keep you from having your job search sabotaged without you even knowing it. 

* why your resume is not as critical a factor in getting the interviews (or the job) as you think

* 3 immediate ways you can make your job search lean-and-mean right now! (These are so simple and yet so effective.)

* how you can start working a new plan immediately to find the job you want and cut your job search time in as much as half. 

 **not sure you can make it?  Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you** 

Reserve Your Spot by Going to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075

____________________________________________________________________________

Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine (read by over 21,000 professionals worldwide) – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that

Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater

How to turn rejection into opportunity in your job search

Have you heard this lately in your job search? “We have decided to move forward with another candidate…Our search has been put on hold…We think you are a great fit for our company, but just not the right one for this position….Let’s keep in touch.”  I know how frustrating the job search can be and these statements usually take the wind right out of you.  But, what if I could show you a few techniques to turn this into something positive – sometimes immediately! 

Every time you make a connection in your interview process you need to think about it in terms of building your network.  All too often, job seekers look at the process from a static, linear perspective: submit information, get the interview(s) and either get the job or not.  I will grant you that not getting the job is frustrating.  But how you handle losing the battle can result in you winning the war.

A huge part of the interview process is establishing rapport – winning hearts and minds.  Instead of seeing another door closing when you do not get the job, look at it as another door opening.  You have worked hard to make a new connection - professionally, sometimes even personally, bonding with the people in the company where you interviewed.  Shouldn’t you capitalize on it?  Here are some pointers on how to do so:

·         They know you are looking – ask for help networking.  If you have just impressed them enough to have multiple interviews, they should give you high marks.

·         Keep in touch.  Create a system to reach out to each and every person you talk to throughout your job search.  This is no different than a sales campaign.  And the person who isn’t buying today may be ready to purchase (hire) tomorrow.

·         Get to know the people you interview with.  This personal connection will get your calls, emails and requests answered quicker.

·         Pay it forward.  Find out what you can do for them.  Helping someone first is the quickest way to endear you to them.  They will seek you out to return the favor!

Not getting the offer – particularly after several rounds of interviews – is frustrating, no doubt.  But you have worked hard to make it that far.  In this economy, getting to the first round of interviews is tough enough.  So, when you do make a connection treat it like gold.  Managed well, this network can drive your job search for you.

* * * * * * * * *

 Avoid the job boards, 

work around recruiters 

and find the job you want in half the time.

* * * * * * * * *

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 17,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com 

2008-2009 © Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved

 Finding a Job – the RIGHT Job -- Has Never Been More Difficult… 

If you are a mid to senior level professional, frustrated by this current job market,

If you are finding that your network and job search techniques aren't bearing fruit,

If you are having a tough time standing out in this crowded marketplace,

Then let me show you how to...

Get the job you want, by using the secrets to the perfect job search 

 As a search professional, I collected “insider information” on how to uncover the "hidden" job market, work around job boards, what companies look for and how they negotiate. Combining my personal career experience with those insights, I’ve developed solutions that will help you find the right job more quickly and get the full compensation package you deserve. 

But don't take my word for it.  Read my clients' results using my solutions in their own words...