Take Charge of Your Job Search – Volunteer a Few Hours a Week

By Sandy Prock M.Ed. JCTC, Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com

The worst kind of stress is the feeling that you have no control over your problem or situation. The good news is that you can take back control of your issue, even a job loss and reduce your stress.

If you lost your job, it is important to grieve your loss. When you have done this, you are ready to move forward.

First order of business, consider your job search as your new job. In addition, strongly consider finding a suitable place to volunteer. Google “volunteer opportunities" in (then list your city and state). One way to feel like a million bucks is to get back to work and one way to get back to work immediately is to volunteer. Consider volunteering a few times a week. We have had clients actually get jobs in places where they volunteered. However, you do not have to consider the place you volunteer as your final job destination. You can choose to volunteer anywhere you feel drawn. Be open to doing any type of job, even if it is not in your exact area of expertise. The idea is to get up and get going and to put yourself back in the driver’s seat of your life, while you are contributing something good and worthwhile. It can help you feel like a million bucks.

The rest of your work week, commit to your job search. Work a regular work week in conducting your job search. Explore jobs using the internet. Make sure your resume, cover letter and other job search documents are polished, well written and ready to go. It's never been a more important time to have a resume that "stands out from the crowd." If you are not an expert writer, consider hiring a professional to write your resume. This is not the time to skimp on how you present yourself. When you interview, wear your best clothes and make sure your documents look as good as you look.

The Internet allows you a vast opportunity to look for jobs, research companies and create a path to your next job. Remember - your next employer is looking for you too. Make sure you stand up so he/she can see you and hire you!

Bob and I wish you the best in your job search process. Land the job of your dreams.

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Masters in Education with an emphasis in Vocational Counseling), JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com