Momentum

Momentum. The technical term of momentum has something to do with velocity and mass....which is pretty Greek to me. As a self-professed job search guru, I like to define momentum as the energy - and commitment - behind a job search.

I often say, looking for a job is like a job, and for that reason alone, many people lose momentum as they look for a new position. But as you lose momentum, you lose focus and you ultimately lose the drive to find a job that you love. So my advice to you...find a way to keep your job search momentum going.

I know, easier said than done, but there are ways you can keep your job search energy up - even with limited time. When I talk to people about their job search, I usually start out by asking how many jobs they have applied for in the past three months. Often, the answer is I don't know...or it's a rough estimation that's usually much higher than the actual number. A simple way to get and maintain momentum in a job search is to keep track of what you are doing and set goals. The goal part depends upon your situation. If you are unemployed and need a job as soon as possible, then you should set a goal of sending out 20 - 30 'contacts' a week. (A contact is sending your resume to a company, a friend, a neighbor, etc.). So now that you have set your goal, the key to keeping your momentum is keeping track of your activity each week and reaching your goal. Once you can see - on paper - your efforts for the week and that you are achieving what you set out to do, you will feel energized and your search will have the momentum it needs to stay on track.

For a different scenario... say you are only considering the possibility of a new job - you're not 'actively' looking. Well, you should still set yourself a goal. Maybe that's reaching out to former colleagues or contacts in a professional group - one contact a week. Or set a goal of sending your resume to three companies a week. Whatever you decide is needed for you, put it on paper, and stick with it! That will give even a 'not-so-active' job search focus and momentum.

Momentum is a good thing. It helps to keep us focused and ultimately helps us move in the right direction.