“Throw yourself out there, do something that your always wanted to do …use your time now.”
That was the advice that NEJS host Ajita Perera, shared with a group of job seekers during a recent presentation entitled: “Making Yourself Visible in a Networked World. “ She was the keynote speaker at the Acton Networkers weekly meeting.
“Getting involved looks good on your resume, shows breath of character, gives you the opportunity to share your skills and expertise plus you enjoy a sense of community spirit,” Ajita said. “When you volunteer, you do get something back; but it is more of the giving than getting.”
Ajita’s list of lessons learned during her year-long job search:
- Don’t stagnate in your work environment – attend (free) seminars, workshops, webinars
- Check your company’s policy on training & development activities – make use of them
- Embrace the new, keep learning, stay sharp
- Learn how to “sell” yourself – update resume regularly, have an elevator pitch
- Step outside your comfort zone, revisit old interests and talents
- Find at least one non work related activity you enjoy – find your “Inner Flow”
- Realize importance of networking, everyone you meet is a potential contact
- Build and maintain your networks of contacts even if you are employed
- Volunteer work is rewarding and can open doors
- Whether employed or not keep expanding your social networks
- Believe that you can create your ideal job opportunity!
- Unemployment is not the worst thing that can happen – it can be a blessing in disguise
