I am typically a project or transition employee so I am finding new work every 3 to 5 years. The two things that have really helped me are: Sales Training and Comedy Improvisation training. In regards to sales training - prospecting, cold calling, qualifying are all skills that are necessary in a job search. Also, it gives you a context for evaluating your performance through the process. Managing yourself in your job search is similiar to managing yourself in a sales position; you have to set daily goals for number of phone calls, and number of appointments scheduled. You need to set a monthly goal for how many presentations you will make. For those of us who are used to being productive every day - it does a lot for our motivation to see what we have accomplished. If you are a person who has had her self esteem punched by a lay off - make your first calls to set appointments with people you have worked with and ask them about your strengths -what they think you did best - what they enjoyed about working with you the most. Take notes!! Ask for 3 suggestions of people you should call to ask about work opportunities and if you can use thier name when you make the calls. Don't forget to call on the people you work with OUTSIDE of work -the charity committee members - the other members of parent organizations - etc.

Posted by Ann King