MOJO for the Job Hunter

It costs so much to be a real human being. That there are very few who have the enlightenment or the courage to pay the price. One has to abandon altogether the search for security and reach out to the job of living with both arms. One has to embrace the world like a lover. One has to accept pain as a condition of existence. One has to court doubt and darkness as the cost of knowing. One needs a will stubborn in conflict but apt always to total acceptance of every consequence of living and dying. Morris L. West: “The Shoes of the Fisherman”

I, like you, am struggling with trying to find work in this economy, in this valley, in this era when only youth seems to matter.

I, like you am accustomed to a high degree of success and acceptance. It’s hard to now be knocking on doors. I feel like the aging actress being asked to audition – once having been a famous star.

I, like you need to find ways to stay vibrant, active, and feeling and looking like I’m ready to tackle anything.

I, like you know the miracle isn’t going to happen – it needs consistent and constant hard work on my part – and on yours as well.

So:  Let’s do it different – let’s shake it up for ourselves and for those around us.

Let me share a little bit more about myself – and what I’ve done to get my mojo back.

For the last 30 years I have been a Professional Development, Leadership and Management Consultant. I’ve worked with individuals, teams, groups, boards, and even government agencies…..all work coming to me through word-of-mouth referrals.

Then, the recession hit. This horrible long lasting recession.

I wrote books. I wrote articles. I wrote my monthly newsletter. I blogged.  I knocked on doors. I felt like giving up.

THEN: Someone high up in State politics asked me to run for Assembly. 

I said YES.

Running for office was taking me out of my comfort zone – out of my laziness (working out of a home office it becomes easy to be lazy) forcing me to be at meetings, public forums, speaking to people, discussing issues on panels, being on radio and TV and stretching my abilities.

It was fun!  I met a whole bunch of new and interesting people. I made some new friends. I even lost a few pounds because of being more active. I got my mojo back.

Now: What can you do?

Do It Differently

I think it was Einstein who said that if you do the same thing over and over expecting different results, you are crazy. So, we need to find ways to do it differently.

Ask yourself:

• What are you doing now?
• What did you do for leisure time when you were working?
• When was the last time you took a course for the fun of it – art, woodworking, music?
• What community service do you do? Charity?
• Exercise? Sports?
• Have you re-visited your resume lately?  Have you revised it?
• What about some new training?  New ideas?  Have you explored them?

Basic Ideas – Worth Repeating

• Get plenty of sleep – at least 8 hours a day
• Ambien, booze, all leave you feeling depressed – be careful.
• Exercise – don’t make it a chore – make it fun
• Nap in the afternoon if possible
• Socialize – make friends, have potlucks, picnics, whatever you can
• Hang out with children – they make you laugh and feel younger
• Pamper yourself – beach, bath, massage
• Pets – animals – volunteer to be a caretaker
• Personal Hygiene – critically important – as is your Professional Image
• Depression – Climb out of the well – Do not deny your emotions, care for them
• FUN FUN  FUN  Laughter and fun the very best medicine of all 

Tips for Reducing Self-Induced and Unnecessary Stress

• Clarify your ethics
• Set realistic work priorities
• Treat people with kindness
• Stop taking offense at unimportant words
• Assume good will
• Perfection v. Excellence 

Remember Your Marketing Tools

• Business Cards – with phone numbers and e-mail  (Make them look good)
• Dress for the Interview possibility at all times – never know who is sitting next to you.
• 30 second, 60 second elevator pitch: Are they old and stale – need new ones?
• Resume up to date – always have a few of them with you
• Postcard sized marketing material to hand out

Find Your MOJO –

• Feeling healthy and looking good
• Doing things for others – get outside of your own needs
• Trying new things – new ideas, new people, new activities
• Buddy System
• Willingness to get out of your comfort zone and do new and exciting things.   

Nothing in life just happens. It isn't enough to believe in something you have to have the stamina to meet obstacles and overcome them.to struggle. Golda Meir

Getting Your Career Mojo Back

CSIX Talk

So, all this career counseling talk  brings me to my talk at CSIX this month.  My title:  “Mojo for the Job Hunter”

This economy has left a lot of people out of work for way too long.  In addition , here in Silicon Valley there is really a pre-disposition to want younger workers.  Those who have been laid off due to the recession, some of whom had worked in the same company for over a dozen years, are having a horrible time finding new work.

Many have become depressed, apathetic, and scared.  They’ve lost their “mojo.”  They’ve lost their enthusiasm, excitement and optimism – all of which is necessary for job hunting.

My talk was to give them some strategies for getting out of their rut.

I got my mojo back while running for office – which brought me out of my comfort zone and had me meeting bunches of new people.  It was fun.  I needed the jolt.

Now, I’m ready to tackle some new large projects.   Just to remind you – from one of my clients:

Chief George Cameron said, in part:

During the past year Arlyne has worked with nearly all Samtrans’s divisions in various tasks and roles. She has developed strategies and programs which have greatly benefited the District in dealing with issues such as team building, organizational development, process re-engineering, management and leadership training, 360 degree management evaluations and conflict resolution.

ArLyne’s instinctive ability to very quickly understand the crux of issues that management has either overlooked or not acknowledged, has set her apart from the majority of consultants which I have worked with over the last twenty years. Additionally her direct approach to both management and staff has been a refreshing change, which in my opinion has augmented her ability to resolve underlying issues or problems.

CEO, Mike Scanlon said in part:

Beginning in early 2001, we engaged the services of Dr. ArLyne Diamond to help the San Mateo County Transit District effect a cultural change through leadership training and coaching.  Simply stated, her performance was exceptional.  Her coaching produced demonstrable differences in the leadership qualities exhibited by our managers and key staff members and resulted in significantly improved relationships throughout the organization.  

I strongly recommend ArLyne’s services to any organization particularly one that wants to confront its performance objectives head-on.  Her approach is direct and unequivocal.  Most of our staff members found her style refreshing and provocative, but individuals must be willing to face sometimes difficult realities in order to implement her suggestions.  An example is the “360 degree management evaluations” in which performance assessments are generated both up and down the chain of command.  In the process, our supervisors and managers were exposed to some candid appraisals by subordinates.  While initial reactions were sometimes unsettling, there was general agreement that the outcome led to a stronger, more competent team.

ArLyne is an extremely well trained, highly motivated individual who draws upon years of experience and a superb educational background.  Despite her direct approach, she presents her programs in a casual and warm manner and is able to relate well to people of all persuasions.  

Energy, Enthusiasm & Excitement

Energy, Enthusiasm & Excitement Gets You To The Front Of The Line
On November 17th, I spoke to the group at CSIX about the importance of the quality of everything you do towards networking and getting a job. My talk ranged from the importance of doing your research to the way you write your query, cover letter, and resume. I offered suggestions about how to handle the interview (once you get it) so that you appear to be the “A Player” they are seeking.
Mostly though, I talked about the importance of staying energized. You, especially if you are not a “twenty-something” need to show your vim and vigor. You need to be energized and enthused. I offered my audience a series of tips on how to stay energized. They included:
• Start now – you can’t wait for the last minute
• Get plenty of sleep – even take a nap if you can
• Exercise
• Have FUN! This is most important
• Socialize – yes, even though you are depressed
• Personal Hygiene and Grooming – at all times (as I looked around the audience, I knew this one had to be emphasized)
• Learn something new
• Be around young people – they energize
• Get involved in your community, associations, etc.
• Create and meet with small support groups
• Read – for pleasure
• Love children – be around them to hear their giggles – it is so energizing.
• Love family, friends – let yourself love and be loved
My conclusion: As difficult as it may be because you’ve been out of work too long, you have to pull yourself together and act as though all is well in your world. You can’t do that if you are staying in a deep tunnel of depression. Grab a toe hold this minute and start to pull yourself out of it. You need to be energetic, enthused, and excited in order to convince those you want to have hire you that you are the best possible choice for them. Good Luck!