What To Do About Waiting During a Job Search – Don’t!

That recliner looks pretty good, doesn’t it? You’re between career stations, waiting for an interview, an
offer, or even an invitation to lunch. Your professionally written resume is bound to get someone’s
attention, but what to do in the meantime? If the word “strategic” appears anywhere in your portfolio,
you know the answer isn’t “wait patiently” or even impatiently!

Get Strategic: You now have time that you didn’t have when you were working, so dig out those trade
journals and dust off those must-read industry books. Sharpen the knowledge and polish the skills
you’ve allowed a busy life to dull; get ahead of the crowd by studying where the market is going, and
thereby honing your pitch at the next interview.

Get in Shape: Increase your exercise. Be sure to schedule it, so you can fit it in when you are work-
ing again, and bump up the reps and/or lengthen those walks or runs. You’ll need the energy you
gain in the job search, and the healthy bloom you need for interviews.

Get Philanthropic: Volunteer at homeless shelters, literacy programs, hospitals, or favorite charities.
Mix up pure service duties with training others. You will not only get fresh perspective on your own
situation and improve lives; you’ll gain new skills, networking contacts, and possibly a keener social
conscience.

Get Postal: Not “go postal” but “get postal.” You’ve got a beautiful portfolio; now get it in front of
people. Direct mail is the best marketing tool yet invented, so take advantage and mail it out!

That recliner never taught you a thing, so ditch it. Earn those accolades on your resume by enacting
your professed key strengths in your pursuit of career progression!