That’s the Plan, Stan
In your world there’s a place for everything and everything is in its place. You never forget a birthday because your iPhone calendar is updated daily. You create itineraries for the family’s summer vacation…Today, I’m talking to all you Planners out there.

Just because you are detail-oriented and efficient (as commendable as those qualities are) doesn’t necessarily mean that you are getting somewhere…at least the “somewhere” that will bring you the greatest sense of fulfillment and success.

It may seem obvious that Procrastinators might need a little extra push in the right direction— but Planners, as organized as you may be, also need a little help to identify goals that align with your skill set before creating an action plan that’s right for you.

Discovering and utilizing the keys that will help you achieve your full potential should be your top priority when starting your search for that perfect career. That’s why finding a licensed Birkman Method® career coach should be the very first item on that“to do” list you probably have. I think you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised at all the other talents and aptitudes (besides exceptional filing skills. Grin.) you never even realized you had.

For all you schedule-loving Planners, I’ve found one developed by the U.S. Department of Labor that I think you’ll find helpful…

Day 1

• Review your resume and cover letter. Update both as necessary.
• For job openings, check the print and online versions of local and national publications and job search Web sites. Apply via email and Web to as many jobs as possible to get yourself motivated.
• (added by me) Make sure you have a LINKED IN Profile – statistics show that over 75% of corporate recruiters and Executive Recruiters (headhunters) use this as their primary tool to find you.

Day 2

• Set your alarm each morning. Don't make a habit of sleeping in or you will be groggy for job interviews and will have a difficult time adjusting to your new schedule when you do start a new job.
• Check your phone messages and email and respond to employers, recruiters and those in your referral network right away.
• (added by me)  Make a list of your networking contacts.  Call at least 3- 5 a day.  Better yet make sure you are Linked to them via Linked In!
• Choose 5-7 people to use as references. Ask each person if they would mind being a professional reference for you and give them an updated copy of your resume.  
• (added by me)  Ask your references if they will write a reference for you on your Linked In site!
• Create a job search worksheet to keep track of which jobs you apply for at which companies. Leave a space to make notes on your follow ups.
• Relax. You accomplished a lot today.

Day 3

• Follow up on the resumes sent on Day 1.
• Check Web sites for new job openings. Apply to at least 5 jobs.
• (added by me)  Join in Linked In groups that are related to the job you have had and are seeking and in the locale you are most interested.
• Job searching can be lonely and depressing. Pick 5 people who are also job searching (even if not in your field) to create a "support group."   Trade off looking for opportunities for one another, you will stay on track for them!
• Look up professional organizations and Web sites in your field. Sign up for free emails from the groups and get a list of their upcoming events.  Network online and in person.
• Stay organized. Create a space in your house for your job search that is near the computer and the phone.
• Check your phone messages and email. Immediately follow up with employers/recruiters and leads.
• Get some exercise. Take a break and clear your head. Stay active, stay alert.

Day 4

• Get local. Walk or drive around your neighborhood. Make note of every business that could have use for your skills. Be creative and think broadly of ways you could fit in with a company.  While there are many ways to do this, getting out for the drive will open your eyes to a myriad of possibilities!
• If you only job search in your house you will go nuts. Pick a secondary place to job search like the library, the bookstore or the local coffee shop.
• Stay informed. Watch the news, read the business section of the newspaper, if you have a Business Journal in your area, read it every week. Pay attention to local and world events.
• (added by me) Think laterally – who sold to you or called on you at your last job?  If you were the decision maker for that product or service you could also be a great representative for the very same thing.  
• (added by me)  Look in Linked In for others who have had similar jobs to yours and in your city – take note of the companies they work for and have worked for as you already know that hire people who are skilled like you.  Check those company websites for jobs, call the people you found on Linked In and ask if they are hiring.
• Follow up with the jobs you applied for on Day 2. Check to make sure they received your resume.
• Apply to at least 5 jobs.
• Spend time with people you enjoy. Take your mind off your job search and reconnect with other important things in your life.

Day 5

• Identify 5 people with whom you want to do informational interviews.
• Think long term. Expect to be job searching for 1-4 months, depending on the type of job you are looking for. Make a budget for the next few months.
• Use or increase your professional skills while job searching. Sign up with temp agencies for short-term jobs in your field. Volunteer for a nonprofit agency or school in a position that uses your professional and technical skills. Even if you don't get paid, it will look great on your resume and you can use these new clients as references.
• Make a plan of action for next week's job search.
• Take a few days off. The less stressed you are, the more positive you will be during job interviews.
• (added by me) REMEMBER someone is looking every bit as hard for you as you are for them – help them to find you – keep updating your Linked In profile – it is like keeping your Light On!

I love how the Department of Labor suggests to “get exercise”, “spend time with people you enjoy” and to “take a few days off.” It’s easy to become so focused on the task at hand that you might be sacrificing time you need to re-charge your battery and stay connected to the people who care about you. Enjoy your summer! You now have a plan…your perfect job is out there just waiting for you!

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