Coping with the Job Search Roller Coaster

A job search requires you to get 'psyched up' to update/write a positive resume and cover letter and to continue to pump yourself up as you prepare for networking and interviews. If things don't work out as you hoped, there is somewhat of a let down. But you can't afford to spend time feeling down because you must continue on with your search. Even in good economic times, a job search can be an emotional roller coaster because of the uncertainties. You get excited about the possibilities and at least somewhat disappointed or disheartened if it does not work out. In these times, that cycle may be repeated several times. Rather than letting that frustrate you over and over again, it is best to find ways to cope with that job search roller coaster. One of the difficulties some people face have to do with their situation and coping strategies they apply to it. No matter the reason you are conducting a job search, you should develop strategies to help you cope with that change. Dr. Nancy Schlossberg, author of Overwhelmed: Coping with Life's Ups and Downs, discusses coping with change and suggests you consider whether or not there is anything you can do to change the actual situation. Can you brainstorm a plan to help you make a change? Can you negotiate - perhaps when the change will happen, for example? Is there positive action you could take before the change actually takes place? This may have potential, even if you would be leaving your job involuntarily. Secondly, is there anything you can do to change how you view the situation or change? Instead of thinking of it as 'the end of the world' could you view it as providing you with an opportunity to do something different? Even if you can't view it as a positive, if you can think of the change as a neutral event in your life, that will help you to cope with it. Also, you are encouraged to find ways to take stress in your stride. Find ways to release some of those emotions, apply relaxation techniques, play, find some creative or physical outlets for your stress, etc. Although I have identified this post as related to a job search, the same suggestions apply to other transitions in life. We will address more on this emotional roller coaster in a later post. Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice, providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change and job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, non-retirement planning, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person or at a distance via telephone. Ms. Davis is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Identify the Skills You Possess That You Enjoy Using

Sometimes when I talk to people about the kind of work they want to do and skills they would like to use, they have a difficult time identifying their primary skills. Generally speaking, skills can be developed and improved by using them repeatedly in a work situation, but also in volunteer, community, and family or personal activities. In many cases, people enjoy doing things they are good at. In some instances, you may be good at a particular skill, but you no longer want to use it on a regular basis. That is OK, too.

Skills have been categorized in different ways, but probably the most basic method is to think in terms of working primarily with people, with things, or with data. Although most tasks involve some combination of those skills, we can think in terms of these as primary skill sets.

If your primary skills involve working with people, that would generally mean you have the interpersonal skills to interact with others - whether one-on-one or with groups. You probably enjoy talking to and helping others, persuading or training or advising others. Your next steps would be to determine which of the 'people' skills you most enjoy using.

If your primary skills involve working with things, that would generally mean you have the ability to work with your hands - whether using fine motor skills, or working on large objects. You are probably good at maintaining or fixing equipment and machines, and finding out how things work. People who are good with things use a variety of tools and equipment. If this describes you, you probably have the ability to follow written instructions and the ability to build, repair, and/or maintain things. Many "things" people are good at operating machinery or tools, large or small. Again, determine which "things" skills you most enjoy using.

If your primary skills involve working with data, that would generally mean you have the ability to work with information - generally with numbers or other pieces of information. You may be good at handling details, storing and retrieving information, and problem solving. Again, you determine which of the "data" skills you most enjoy using.

Whether you are looking for employment or volunteer opportunities or even identifying new hobbies or classes you want to take, knowing the skills you possess, that you enjoy using, could be helpful. In some cases, you may need to learn a new skill to be fully marketable, but that could be relatively easy, if it builds upon other skills you possess.

In addition to some formal interest inventories, there are probably several an online quizzes or surveys to help you identify your preferences for working with data/information, people or things. One simple tool is available at http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca. It is sponsored by the Canadian Government. Choose the 'Skills and Knowledge Checklist' button. Following completion of the survey, you would receive a list of occupations that represent your primary preferences. You can also think about things/activities you are good at that you have enjoyed and create your own list of preferred skills.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and on-line. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Still trying to Figure Out What To Be When You "Grow Up"?

Many times people have said to me, "I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up". Generally, the individual is already what we would consider grown. In most cases, the individual is someone who has several years of work experience, but that is not the kind of work they want to keep doing.

If you feel the same way, maybe you should take some time to figure out what you would like to do. It can seem like an overwhelming task, particularly without any guidance, so it usually helps to break it into smaller pieces. You may begin by thinking of career dreams you have had and starting a list of possible career directions. Don't eliminate possible jobs because of pre-conceived notions you have about what the field is like, without getting the facts. Just brainstorm and come up with a list of potential occupations, to get you started.

Some people find it helps to complete some self-assessments to identify interests, abilities, and other personal preferences. Formal assessments are available that will provide a report with potential occupations that may fit with your interests and skills. There are also assessments that will help you to clarify your personal strengths/personality type, or your values, as they relate to work, or other personal preferences.

Although I recommend a formal assessment, if that is not feasible, it may be helpful to do some informal self-assessments or reflect upon your work-related preferences. Set aside small blocks of time to work on those so that you can work your way through it.

Create a list of occupations from your brainstorming or from the assessment results. Review that list and identify any that you need more information on. You may want to read about some of those potential occupations that you are not familiar with. Then you can determine from those potential occupations if there are any you would want to prepare for or pursue. Perhaps then you will have figured out what you want to do, now that you are grown up.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice, providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a job search or career change, retirement planning, or other life transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.