Making a plan

A lot of focus continues to be on the unemployment numbers coming up. I've seen several predictions that the unemployment rate will hover around 10% through the summer. Again, this presents a challenge to the job seeker as to how to find jobs that are out there, or to go it alone. Pursuing self-employment can be exciting, but most often takes a while to build up to the point where you can live off of it. If you are looking for that right employer, then you need tomake a plan that will give you an edge over your competition.

How's your elevator speech? Is your resume written to stand out to a potential employer? How are you finding companies to apply to? Most jobs don't get advertised, particularly higher skilled ones. Are you prepared to answer interview questions confidently?

As you go through the process of finding work that aligns with your personality tendencies, strengths, values, dreams, and passions, make sure you attend to other areas of your life. Watch your diet, get exercise physically and mentally, and maintain important relationships. It's important to not let discouragement show during this time. Maintain a positive and confident outlook, and you will find that job you are looking for.