If you are a job seeker, were a job seeker, or are about to be one, you know how much of a mess it can be. The further you go into your search for the “perfect career,” the messier and messier it can get.
The good news is that there are time-tested rules that can help you navigate you job search. Here are the 10 commandments of your job search:
1. Thou shalt go outside your comfort zone. Admittedly, the job search can put you in a lot of uncomfortable situations. After all, resumes and job fairs are far less appealing than hanging out with friends or relaxing in front of the television. Remember that, even though it might be nerve-racking, when you go out of your comfort zone, you exceed your own expectations.
2. Thou shalt network. Think about where you are right now. Did you get here by yourself? Probably not. No matter what job you’re going for, you need connections for support, advice, and getting your foot in the door.
Check out: 5 Tips for Networking Your Way to a New Job
3. Thou shalt not lie. You’ve heard of “fake it ‘til you make it,” right? While that maxim is useful, it should never be used to fabricate, exaggerate, fudge, or flat-out lie. A lie will always find its way back to its owner, and it could cost you a great job.
4. Thou shalt relax. It can be stressful, but take time in your job search to relax. Life is too short to spend half of it spazzing about whether or not your resume made it to the right person.
Check out: Stressed About Your Job Search? 3 Things to Remember
5. Thou shalt not forget to research. Know yourself, your industry, and the company you’re applying to. There is no excuse to send a cover letter or go into an interview without doing at least some research!
6. Thou shalt be grateful. Think really hard…is someone doing you a favor right now? Job-related or not, make sure they know how much you appreciate it. In your job search, whenever someone serves as a reference, helps you in an internship or interviews you, a thank you note is the least you can do.
Check out: How A Thank You Note Can Land You the Job
7. Thou shalt keep your resume up-to-date. Every single time you change your job, learn a skill, or earn an award, make it a habit to update your resume. Your resume is a living document that needs to evolve with you. Also, it won’t seem like a labor when you need to compile one.
8. Thou shalt continually seek to improve. Look at your skill set. Is it perfect? Probably not. Make yourself even more hireable by taking a class, volunteering, or practicing a skill.
Check out: Got 20 Minutes? 5 Things To Do For Your Job Search
9. Thou shalt set goals. Break down the big monster that is your job search to-do list by setting more manageable goals. You’ll notice you’ll get more done and stress less.
10. Thou shalt establish a personal brand. Job seekers, you are selling your very own brand of awesomeness. Make sure that your personal brand is cohesive, clear, and dynamic.
Check out: How To Create A Personal Brand Without Being A Jerk
What do you think? What’s your 11th commandment?
