Nurture Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health During Job Search

An article in USA Today provides a breakdown of the report, including how each state fared in the recent poll. The poor emotional health rating also translates to poorer mental and physical health. People suffering from stress are more likely to experience high blood pressure, sleep disorders, depression, and a number of other illnesses.

When money becomes an issue, people with ongoing physical, mental, and emotional issues often don't get the care that they need.

So, what can you do to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical health during your job search and tough economic times? Here are a few tips to get you started:

Nurture Your Mental Health During a Job Search

• Limit your daily intake of bad news. Our moods are greatly affected by economic news. According to the survey, on days when bad economic news loomed - plunges in the Dow or the posting of high jobless claims - our emotional health took a beating. Stay informed, but don't gorge on bad news.

• Focus on what you can control. Create a strategic plan for your job search. Focus your energy and efforts on improving your job skills and your search strategies. Establish a daily and weekly routine. Establish concrete goals.

• Continue learning. Read for pleasure, education, and self-improvement. Learn a new skill. Update current skills. Become an expert on topics related to your industry or passion.

Nurture Your Emotional Health During Your Job Search

• Have realistic expectations. Realize that a job search can easily last from 3 months to a year in this market. Work and hope for the best, but understand that a lengthy search may be in store.


• Spend time with family and friends. Don't isolate yourself from friends and family. Our connection with others is important to our overall emotional well-being. Use the additional time available during periods of unemployment to reach out and connect with others more often.


• Pursue a hobby. Recharge your emotional batteries by taking time off from your job hunt to pursue activities you enjoy. Taking a break to enjoy a hobby provides a respite from the intensity of your job search.


• Improve the lives of others through volunteering. Volunteering offers innumerable benefits. In addition to the social good we can accomplish by volunteering, research indicates that we also receive individual health benefits. An additional benefit: volunteering is a great way to make networking contacts in the community.


• Connect with other job hunters. Offline and online job hunter communities [http://www.trainingcenter.savvyjobseeker.com/] can provide support during the stress of an ongoing job search and practical solutions to your particular job search dilemmas.

Nurture Your Physical Health During Your Job Search

• Get plenty of rest. Sleepless nights filled with worry can do more than create bags under your eyes. Lack of sleep has been connected to a variety of health issues including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.


• Eat healthy. Make healthy meals whenever possible. Poor eating habits can have a negative effect on your mood and ability to function. Unhealthy eating habits can cause nutrient and brain chemical deficiencies or erratic blood sugar levels. This can result in depression, anxiety, mood swings, and forgetfulness.


• Get plenty of exercise. Incorporate physical activities into your daily and weekly routine. Physical activities can boost your mood, energy level, physical health, and emotional well-being. An added bonus to being fit: In a survey conducted by Personnel Today, 93% of HR professionals said they would hire a 'normal weight' candidate rather than an obese one who was identically qualified.

The current economic situation is having a negative impact on people in general. However, we can make a concerted effort to lessen the impact on our overall well-being as individuals. Take care to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical health during your job search.

Search for a job in Singapore, you can always check out the latest jobs in Singapore job bank WDA where thousands of jobs are available.

How to Deal With Job Rejection

Job rejection is an inevitable and discouraging part of the job search process-we've all been there. Even so, each rejection is a lesson learned; with this in mind, you can maintain the confidence necessary to move forward to your ideal job. When dealing with job rejection, the two most important things to do are to ask for feedback from your interviewer and keep in mind that being passed over for a job isn't necessarily within your control.

Getting Feedback
Although job rejection might cause you to feel disappointed in your efforts, you can still gain something positive from each experience. Ask hiring managers what you can do to improve your chances in the future - some might be more than willing to give you some pointers if they felt you were a viable candidate who simply lost out to someone more qualified.

When you speak to the hiring manager, you can ask whether there are other opportunities within the company that might be a better fit for you. Even if there are no other open positions at that company, it doesn't hurt to let them know of your interest in working for them. Your perseverance might pay off by landing you an even better job later on.

Your interviewer is not your only valuable source of information; you can also talk with your friends and family. Some people are reluctant to do this because they feel that speaking about job rejection means admitting failure - as mentioned, this isn't the case. Your friends and family can provide valuable guidance to steer you in the right direction. The more people you open up to, the more potential you will have to get interview tips or even job leads.

What You Can Do in the Future
There are a few ways that you can improve your chances of being called back after a job interview. Most importantly, remember that job rejection is not a measure of your worth, so don't take it personally. The job market is always competitive, even when the economy is thriving. Your confidence in yourself, or the lack thereof, will show, so always maintain a positive outlook in your job search.

After each interview, step back from the experience and think of the things that you could have done differently. Many people become nervous at job interviews and as a result, they slip up in one way or another. Whether you stutter or don't make enough eye contact, recognize those mistakes so that you don't make them again.

In your future interviews, send a thank-you note to the interviewer as soon as possible. Thank him or her for speaking with you, and say that you look forward to hearing about the position. It's assumed that job applicants are searching in more than one place for a job at any one time, so following up shows that you are genuinely interested in the job.

Dealing with job rejection can be tough, but it is something that everyone encounters at one point or another. Seeking feedback and realizing that some factors are beyond your control will help you to move forward in your job search and find an ideal fit for you.

Seeking for a Singapore Jobs, you can always check out the updated jobs in Singapore WDA job bank where thousands of jobs are available.

Mistakes Job Seekers Make Series - Job Search Methods

When you launch your job search, the ocean of possibilities for where to get started can look overwhelming. With so many job-posting sites, companies posting jobs on their own sites, Craigslist, aggregators, job fairs and press releases, there is little wonder why you can go from overwhelmed to a dead stop in less than a second.

Not all job search methods are created equal in terms of how effective they will be in helping you to find a job. In this context, effective is defined at how fast you can find a job using a specific method and how you can exert some influence. Some of these methods, while highly visible, are so depersonalized that they can leave a job seeker depressed and feeling out of control.

All of the methods I'm going to outline have strengths and weaknesses associated with them. For some job types, these characteristics are softened up. For other job types, they may be worse than what I'm about to describe. Save it to say, you need to understand these characteristics and plan accordingly with your daily activities. It is also important to deploy at least 2 methods at all times, because you will find that the pros and cons of one method can be offset by another method. I believe many job seekers make their mistakes around search methodology by simply spending too much time on a single method or not fully understanding what their specific actions need to be.

- Job Search Methods: (I've lumped together ones that are fairly similar in their characteristics.)
1. Networking

This method is the best method. If you ask most people how they got their job, the answer is generally because of some personal connection. The adage "It's not what you know, but who you know" has to be describing the use of your network in finding a job.
Pros:

* This is efficient in that it can cut through the resume submittal process and skip over HR, which is usually a gate keeper in the process.

* This process allows YOU to sell yourself rather than your resume having to do most of the work. It's more personalized and therefore, you will feel more in control.

* It's more fun. Usually you are out there meeting up with your network or at some social setting to meet more contacts.
Cons:

* It takes time. Time in this regard has two dimensions. First, it will take more of your time to interact with your network be it email, coffee dates or a casual drop in, and second, it takes more calendar time. In order for your network to become a good source of job leads, it will take time for you to connect with them, for you to lay out what they can be looking for, and for them to find out about job leads that might work for you and then tell you. It's like turning a battleship.

* Not all of your network can or will help. For various reasons, some people simply will not be of any use for giving you job leads. That doesn't mean they don't like you, they just don't want to do it. It doesn't mean you cut them off or give up, because you never know when they will wake up and help.

2. Online/Internet

This can include companies that post openings, places to post your resume, job openings listings, aggregators, etc. This category is online and it will involve your submittal of your resume and sometimes filling in a form. You may or may not know the name of the company with the opening.
Pros:

* Extremely convenient. Since most people have computers, it's easy to sit down in front of the TV and surf a job-posting site for the jobs you're seeking. You can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time due to the power of the internet.

* If you're looking out of state, it gives you greater access to openings in other geographic locations.
Cons:

* Ubber competitive. Since millions of people have access to the same thing you do, there will be a high applicant flow submitting their resumes. It's hard to stand out in the crowd.

* The perfect match. Job openings in this category are often using resume-management software to weed out any resume that isn't a perfect match to the criteria of the opening. This depersonalizes the process and doesn't allow your personality or values to play in to the process.

3. Agencies and Recruiters
This is a situation where the charter of the group (be it profit or nonprofit) is to match up applicants to openings. Most of the businesses in this category make their money from the company who has the opening.
Pros:

* Someone else is doing most of the foot work. You only get contacted if there is something that seems to fit your background. The recruiter will work hard to get to know you, not only from a resume perspective, but also your personality and needs.

* Saves you time. If you are working, this is a great arrangement, as you only have to do a minimum amount of effort on your end to set the wheels in motion.
Cons:

* Specialization. Most of the time the reason why companies use recruiters is because their opening is specialized and applicants are hard to find. Unless you are lucky enough to be in that category for jobs, they probably aren't going to be interested in you.

* Perfect match. Even if the recruiter isn't specializing in hard to find applicants, they are expected to bring applicants who are not only a perfect match to their criteria, but are fully screened. They are expecting any applicant who comes from a recruiter to be ready for hiring. They only want to speak to a few people who are perfect in every way. A recruiter will kick you out at resume screening if they can't see the perfect match, because that's what they're paid to do.

4. Volunteering, Temp Work and Job Fairs These are not necessarily "standard" job search methods, but they have been known to produce full time jobs for many; so I toss these in the mix for consideration.
Pros:

* Each one of these will give you the opportunity to gain greater exposure to people inside a place of business. This builds your network and, therefore, gives you greater access to openings.

* Gain experience. Not with a job fair, but with volunteering and temp jobs you gain work experience which helps to fill gaps in the resume, as well as has income potential.
Cons:

* No real job. Even with companies going to job fairs, these aren't always representative of something with a job attached to it. Job Fairs are often done to support community efforts and companies that show up are sometimes there for PR, not because they have any openings.

There is no perfect job search method. Each one has aspects to it that are appealing and all come with known disadvantages. Once you understand both, it allows you to figure out how best to focus your actions.

Seeking for a Singapore Jobs, you can always check out the updated jobs in Singapore WDA job bank where thousands of jobs are available.

Hiring the Best: Internal Vs External Recruiting

The effective recruitment of qualified candidates is a key strategy to ensure your company remains competitive in the marketplace. However, one of the challenges that businesses and organizational leaders alike face is determining which strategy is most appropriate. In other words, when should an internal recruitment process be used versus conducting an external search?

Typically an internal recruitment process is applied in larger, very stable and developed organizations. Not only do these larger organizations have their own pool of qualified candidates, this strategy utilizes internal promotions as a recruitment and retention tool. It is an attempt to create employee loyalty and commitment as well as long term job satisfaction. It is also a succession management tool. At the same time, the internal recruitment strategy is less costly than an external process. As well, the candidates are well known to the organization and therefore orientation requirements are much less.

However, it is essential that the internal recruitment process be well managed. Job analysis and skills required must be assessed and clearly stated to candidates. Candidates also need to be informed of the overall process and the timeframe. They need to be informed of the job requirements, the selection criteria and, most importantly, internal candidates need to be treated with respect. If a candidate is not going to move forward to the next step, he/she needs to be informed in person and provided a rationale for their lack of success. At the same time, the recruiter needs to think about how to keep this person motivated and committed to the organization. If they are not treated with respect, you can be assured that this employee will leave within six months.

So when is an external recruitment or executive search strategy more appropriate? Most organizations select an external strategy when they are aware there is a shortage of good internal candidates or when sincere objectivity is required. In situations where a new direction or vision has been developed, an external search process also allows an organization to bring in new people with fresh ideas and/or target a candidate who has the skills to take the vision and make it happen. In many cases, organizations will utilize the services of an executive search professional when they do not have the time or resources to conduct the search themselves.

At the same time, applying an external search process is essentially a marketing strategy. In other words, the organization is promoting itself and their employment opportunities. This can increase the organization's reputation as an employer, resulting in more highly qualified candidates applying for open positions. It also allows the organization to target potential candidates who may not be looking for another job opportunity at that moment.

An external search process must also be well managed, transparent and fair. Again, external candidates must be treated with respect and provided the same opportunity as an internal candidate. The search professional needs to spend a good deal of time to deeply understand the organization and the role the new incumbent will play. This includes understanding not only the technical skills of the job role but also the personality and behavioural characteristics required to succeed in the job. Once this is complete, the recruiter works closely with the client to develop an effective search strategy and the methodology for making the final selection.

External search consultants typically have access to more candidates and have a candidate research capability that most organizations do not. This allows consultants to identify candidates who would not normally be looking for a new opportunity, tap them on the shoulder and make them aware of what the organization has to offer. External executive search professionals also have more capability to conduct a broad national search. With our world becoming a global marketplace, this is becoming more and more important.

Recognizing that one of the keys to organizational success is the ability to attract and retain highly qualified staff, organizations also need to carefully determine which search methodology will be more effective. When making your determination, take time to examine the market conditions, the availability of candidates, the impact of each strategy on current employees, the necessity for objectivity and the overall cost benefit. Keep in mind that each job will have a different need.

Seeking for a Singapore Jobs, you can always check out the latest jobs in Singapore WDA jobs bank where thousands of jobs are available.

Summer Job Search Tips

Many job-seekers give up on finding new employment during the summer months, mistakenly thinking that it is a slow season for hiring or because they are distracted by the lazy pace of the summer months. For every business and hiring manager that may be on a hiring hiatus for a week or so during the summer season, there are even more that are looking to ramp up hiring to go into a new fiscal year fully staffed. Following tips for finding a job in the summer will help you land one faster - without breaking a sweat!

Summer Specific Jobs: One of the most direct summertime job search tips is to look for a sector of employment that relies heavily on summer season employment such as hospitality jobs in resorts, hotels and amusement parks. Landscaping, life guarding and summer camp counseling are also ripe with opportunity in the summer. Usually these jobs are contracted for just a few months, but for the high-performing employee, a repeat invitation may be extended for next year - or possibly even a permanent job in another area of the company.

Fiscal Year Timing. Many companies end their fiscal year at the end of June each year. This means that new budgets have been prepared for the upcoming financial cycle and often new jobs or "on hold" jobs have been funded and managers have been given the green light for hiring. Getting your resume into the right person's hands around the middle of June may give you first dibs on being interviewed and hopefully hired.

Follow Up Frequently. Because summer is a time of vacations, trainings, and other activities that may take the hiring manager off-site, a job seeker needs to remember not to get discouraged and to follow up frequently. If a week or more has elapsed since you expected to hear back from a hiring manager, send an email or make a phone call to inquire about the status of the position. If you get word via automatic e-mail responder or from a voice mail that they are "out of the office", try back every several days until you reach your contact.

Stay Focused: Summer can be a time of many distractions; friends heading to the beach, long days at the park and backyard cookouts - the last time on a job-seeker's mind may be actually finding a job! This can especially be true if the job search as been languishing on for a length of time and the feeling of discouragement has set in. However, staying focused on the goal of landing a job is as important during the summer as any other time of the year. Use your new found free time to research companies in the industry that you'd like to work in and brush up on how to resume tips. Write your daily job search activities on a calendar so they remain "real" and mark each off as it is accomplished.

Searching for a Singapore Jobs, you can always check out the updated jobs in Singapore WDA job bank where thousands of jobs are available.

Three Ways to Reduce Job - Search Stress

Conducting a job search is one of the most stressful things you'll ever do. In fact it ranks right up with losing a spouse or bringing home a new baby as the most stressful times in life. Stress in a job search is unavoidable, but there are things you can do to help alleviate the affects of job search stress. Here are three, to name a few.

1. Avoid the emotional roller coaster.
A job-search roller coaster begins after a great interview. You think you've nailed the interview and an offer is within days and your job search will soon be over. You're flying high with hope and good will. Too often at this point job seekers stop all further job search activity while they wait for the offer. They stop networking, sending out resumes and following up on leads. This is a bad idea. A week goes by, two weeks, three....no offer. Your hopes are dashed and you're down in the valley of emotional doom. Meanwhile you've done nothing since the interview and now you have no prospects on the horizon.

To avoid the emotional roller coaster don't stop your job-search activities until you've got an offer that you are ready to accept. No matter how promising you feel about an interview keep sending out your resume. Keep networking to discover new leads and follow up with every job prospect. Besides avoiding the emotional ups and downs you'll be in a better bargaining place when an offer does present it self.

2. Stay connected with people.
One of the side effects of an extended job search is isolation. Persons tend to stay away from others the longer they are in a job search. Isolation is a breeding ground for stress and anxiety. In stead, force yourself to get involved with others on a daily basis. There are many ways to stay connected to others.

* Network with your peers for job leads

* Get in touch with your college alumni group

* Volunteer at your child's school

* Get active with on line social networking

* Offer pro bono services to keep your skills current

* Take a class to learn new skills

* Get involved with your church or synagogue

* Offer to coach your child's baseball or soccer team

* Attend your profession's local association meetings
Besides keeping you involved with the lives of others, each of these activities are potential good sources for discovering job leads.

3. Take better care of yourself.
Stress and poor lifestyle habits go hand in hand. Job seekers under stress tend to neglect their diet and avoid exercise leaving them feeling sluggish and not as sharp thinking as when they were working. Instead, practice self care to keep your body and mind in top working order.

Add to your list of job-search "to-do's" the following:

* Exorcise till you sweat everyday.

* Avoid comfort food-it only comforts for a short time.

* Eat plenty of raw foods.

* Avoid sugar in all its forms.

* Turn off the TV and go for a walk.
Job search stress is unavoidable, but you can help reduce it by adhering to these three simple tips. When your stress is lowered your mood is elevated and your whole outlook on life improves. Why not start feeling better today?

Search for a job in Singapore, you can always check out the latest jobs in Singapore job bank WDA where thousands of jobs are available.

Seven Job Search Mistakes to Avoid

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