Out of Work? Get Back on Track and Jump Start Your Job Search!

By Erin Fallon , Employment Specialist, Resource Partnership

Congratulations! If you are reading this article then you are taking the very first step in getting back on track to find work and jump start your job search! Whether you have been out of work due to illness, injury, or because of disability related issues, returning to work can be a frightening prospect, especially if you don’t know how to start.

Getting your job search back on track may not be quick or easy, but with careful planning and the proper support you can draft a roadmap that will lead you to meaningful employment.

Here are some steps to help you build your map.

1. Personal Assessment/Inventory

Examine your career goals and skills, inventory your work related strengths and weaknesses, identify your personal interests and any needs you may have on a job, including accommodations. Use this information to narrow the focus of your job search.

Tip:

  • To get help figuring out what type of positions best match your interests and background, take a Vocational Test offered online and at local career centers to help you define the fields best suited for you.

2. Develop a Plan and Commit to Your Job Search!

Once you have an idea of what fields interest you and best match your skills and abilities, develop and commit to an action plan for your job search to be successful. Create a detailed list of tasks you will need to complete and set deadlines to keep you moving forward.

Tip:

  • Setting up a support system of family, friends, current and past co-workers and employers or a professional Employment Specialist or Rehabilitation Counselor to assist you during your job search can be helpful. Hold brainstorming meetings with your support group either individually or as a team., Formal meetings will help you keep the focus on your job search.

3. Know Your Benefits – Meet a Specialist

If you are currently receiving any benefits (SSI, SSDI, Survivor Benefits, Unemployment, Workmen’s Compensation), you should know how returning to work will affect these monies.

Tip:

4. Visit your local Career Center and Take Advantage of Free Services for People with Disabilities

One Stop Career Centers often partner with agencies such as Resource Partnership or State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies to offer a wide variety of free services and resources to job seekers with disabilities. These services include assistance with your job search, help writing and updating your resume, assistance with disclosure and accommodation, support groups and information or referral to training resources to improve your marketable skills.

Tip:

  • To locate a Career Center near you contact visit http://www.servicelocator.org online or contact the Americas Workforce Network Toll-Free Help Line at 1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627).

5. Reconnect or Refresh

If you have been out of work for an extended period, you may have lost connection with contacts and resources that could help in your job search. Try to reconnect with these people or refresh your list by adding new names. This networking opportunity can provide support and focus to your job search. Employers will want to speak with at least a couple of professional references to confirm and better understand your abilities and skills. Since this information plays a key role in an employer’s decision, it is important to maintain regular contact with these key players in your job search.

Tip:

  • Create a list of references - supervisors, coworkers, or supervisees that have seen you in action. If you have not spoken to these people in a while, revisit these contacts with a phone call or email and let them know that you are looking for a job.
  • If you do not have any available professional contacts, create a list of people from other settings, such as volunteer positions and community groups, who can vouch for your abilities and skills.

6. Network, Network, Network!

Statistics show that networking is the most successful means of obtaining meaningful employment. Networking is not about asking for a job – it is learning about careers, letting people know that you are in the job market, and making connections. You can make these connections during your everyday travels and by setting up more formalized meetings such as informational interviews. When you are looking for a job, it is important to see opportunity everywhere you go.

Tip:

  • Begin by contacting people from an existing list of personal and professional references or by creating a list of people you regularly interact with at places such as community organizations, support groups, schools, convenience and grocery stores, barber and/or hair salons, day care centers, and gyms. Let them know that you are looking for a job.
  • The ultimate goal of networking is to develop a list of people who know about opportunities and can help you get hired. You will want to continue to develop and maintain contact with these individuals even after you have a job.

7. Create Your Own Commercial

Because you may not always have an opportunity to discuss your skills, strengths, and qualifications in depth, develop a brief pitch to market yourself. Similar to the way a company would advertise in the newspaper, or on television or radio, create your own “Elevator Pitch”, which will last for a maximum of 30 seconds, but can establish a relationship that could produce a job lead.

Tip:

  • Make it clear, concise, and compelling. In 30 seconds or less you want to make an impression.
  • For steps six and seven above, create a script for what you would say when you meet an acquaintance from the past or someone you have just met. Tell them what they need to know about you and your job search so that they can decide if they can be of assistance.

8. Volunteer

Volunteering can help you gain the experience and skills needed to land the job you want. Volunteering can also help you expand your professional network and shrink gaps in work history.

Tip:

  • For additional information and assistance with preparing for employment through volunteering, please contact Resource Partnership at 617-855-2791 to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator.
  • To find a volunteering opportunities in your local area, please visit http://www.volunteermatch.org/bymsa/m1120/c/opp1.html

9. Don’t Give Up - Get Support

Most importantly remember that a job search can be a challenging endeavor and it can provide opportunities for building new relationships, and making long lasting connections. A job search can be as adventurous as an amusement park ride –thrilling and exciting, yet full of unexpected twists and turns. Don’t give up and hold on tight!

Tip:

  • Try recording your thoughts, emotions and any important job search related events, perhaps in a journal or on a tape recorder. The information you record can help track your progress and avoid repeating mistakes. Use the information as a motivational tool to remind you of your successes when you get frustrated or feel hopeless.
  • Attend a Job Loss Support Group or meet individually with a professional support counselor. For more information on Support Groups and counselors in your area, please contact New Perspectives at 1-800-311-9619.

The steps above can help you build your roadmap for an effective job search. While each road back to employment is unique, the more resources you have to guide you, the more likely you are to arrive at your destination!

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Resource Partnership
251 West Central Street, Suite 31, Natick, MA 01760
P) 508.647.1722    Toll-Free) 1.877.YES.WORK    F) 508.647.9622    TTY) 508.652.7284
info@resourcepartnership.org

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