Today’s Tip: Do You Have a Job Search Plan?

How many of you have shown up at the airport and said to the airlines, "I would like to go somewhere, where do you fly to?" How many of you were able to "wing-it" on a big project at your last employer? You wouldn't take a vacation without some kind of plan, nor would you work on a 6-month project at your employer without a detailed project plan that contained deliverables, milestones, and contingencies. So why would you embark on something as critical as a job search without having a plan? Drop everything and make a plan!

Some things to consider in your job search plan (obviously this is not an exhaustive list; it's just some ideas to get you started):

• your current financial situation


• how long can you support your family


• when does my savings run out


• can I sell anything


• when do I sell my possessions


• when do I apply for a loan from my 201k


• what is my dream job


• how long can I wait for that dream job before it is necessary to lower my expectations


• what am I skilled to do


• what skills are needed in the marketplace


• my education level - is it where it needs to be


• who can help me get my next opportunity


• what resources should I use to help me in my search


• should I spend any money on these resources, or just use the free ones,


• how many interviews do I need to strive to have in the next 'X' months


• when do I start to entertain relocation


• what networking clubs should I attend and why


• should I join an accountability group


• where do I post my resume

Did I get the juices flowing? I hope you will take some to time to craft your Job Search Plan. The premise behind the plan is that what gets written down and monitored, gets measured and completed. If it remains only in your mind, that little "procrastinating bug" creeps in and wins every time.

Send me your plan and I will offer a free critique!