What happens to many people as they look for work? They become stuck, inefficient and discouraged. To become more productive and get to your next job, you’ve got to think differently, perhaps seeing yourself as a one-person business.  So now you’re CEO of You, Inc.  Here are some initial questions to consider:

Have you set goals that are realistic and that excite you?

Where have you had traction so far?

What is clearly not working?

Where do you need help?

The reason you want goals that engage you is that they will be easier to accomplish. As a career coach, when I work with someone who is having difficulty getting things done, I often find that they’re not really interested in the work they’re pursuing. And by realistic I mean that you have the resources (time, money, patience, education, and so on) to reach your goals.

Next, pay attention to what’s working and what isn’t. Are you getting calls from the postings you’ve answered? Are recruiters calling you? Or are you finding that doors are opening as a result of your connections or networking? Do more of what’s working and less of what isn’t. (I know this sounds simplistic but you’d be amazed at how many job seekers are addicted to techniques that aren’t working.)

And lastly, where could someone else help you? If you’re having difficulty finding quality information, you might need to sit down with your local reference librarian. Or if you aren’t reaching out to people, you could get help growing your networking skills. Perhaps your resume isn’t as strong as it could be—look for resources to help you make it more effective (free community-based groups or a career coach.)

Now let’s look at the trademarks of a search that’s run as if it’s your own company. Distinguishing factors would be:

 A daily or weekly schedule of at least 25 hours a week

Good organization—a spreadsheet for contacts as well as a system for tracking your major activities

A clear communication strategy that  includes who you are, what you’re good at, why you’re seeking a new opportunity and what sets you apart from others

An emphasis on networking as this is the best way to:

— tap into the unpublished job market

–get advice that will save you time and effort

–motivate others to help you

  Relentless follow up. (Because it is in the second, third or fourth time you connect with someone that you get the best help.)

To re-energize your job search, make sure you’re invested in your goals, pay attention to what’s working and what isn’t, and run your search as if it were your own company. And a last word of advice:  be as flexible as possible and try not to say “no” to ideas that sound dubious. Getting to that next opportunity is rarely a straight line and help comes from surprising places.

Part of my New Year’s resolution is to do a better job blogging and connecting with others. Stay tuned for weekly posts.

On   September 27, 2011 (Tuesday) 11 AM , I’ll be giving a Webinar on “Dynamic Tips for Coaching Your Clients Through Job Loss.” For more information call 1-800-648-JIST.  Participants will be able to email questions during the session and every one gets a free copy of my book:  “Eliminated! Now What?” Hope you can join me.

Just had a really nice interview with Bruce Hurwitz. Check it out on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bhp/2011/08/30/coping-with-job-loss-1

When interviewing for a new job, it’s a good idea to think about what you have to offer and what your competitive advantage might be. In some cases it could be the diversity of your background, in others that you’re a recent college grad and are starting out, and in still others, that you combine strong technical skills with the ability to work well with diverse teams. Think of specifc examples that prove your advantage and make those a highlight as you interview.

I am frequently asked this question and it always makes me pause because I can see and hear the desperation behind it. So many job seekers have been out there for months and are worn down and discouraged. What should you do if you’re one of them?

Take a hard look at what has worked so far in your search and what hasn’t. Do more of what is working. Ask for advice. Get out of the house. Give yourself rewards. See your friends. Volunteer. Make a list of companies where you’d like to work and share that list with your network.

In this economy, it’s critical to search smart. Don’t keep doing the same old stuff if it’s not working.

Okay, many of us have just experienced our fourth major snow storm of the season and are wondering if we’ll ever see bare ground again. I noticed in my neighborhood, that people helped each other and sure spent a lot of time shoveling out. So if you’re in transition, the snow is a great “ice breaker” as everyone wants to talk about it and you might be able to help someone shovel off their walkway or get across a slush-filled street. Make it work for you and as all career experts advise, get out of the house and talk with others. And while you’re shoveling,  let people know you’re in transition.

Just a quick reminder as we’ve hit the solstice and winter is officially here:  hiring is still happening. I met with a client yesterday and she has three interviews this week! Also, keep in mind, that this is a great time to reach people and holiday parties should be an easy way to expand your network. So, sure, take short breaks, but don’t stop if you’re looking for work.

This past Saturday in the Business Section of the New York Times, I was quoted in Shortcuts as this critical topic often confuses job seekers. What do you do if you’re asked for a sample marketing plan or project as part of the hiring process? My advice is limit the amount of work you do for free, let the hiring company know that your project will be incomplete, and if they’d like a finished product, you’d be glad to work on a contract basis. Be flexible but don’t work for free.