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Update LinkedIn

Remember that reference to social media and Google? Well, LinkedIn is the Facebook for recruiters and business owners. There’s always something going on, on LinkedIn and there are countless job opportunities posted on the website, daily.

People who list their skills on their LinkedIn profiles get 13 times more views – that’s a huge jump for someone who’s looking to start a new career. LinkedIn is also a great way to meet new people and start making connections.

Bonus Tip: Make sure your profile picture is professional and friendly. No holiday shots in Hawaiian shirts or bikinis. Settle for a black and white or color shot of your shoulders up, smiling.

Network

Conferences, events, online, in person – network with professionals from your chosen field. Talk with them, and more importantly, listen to what they have to say. This can be as simple as reaching out on LinkedIn or attending an event in your town or state.

Important: find out where the people in your field socialize online. Forums? LinkedIn? Wherever they go, follow. Be engaging and never afraid to reach out – what’s the worst that could happen?

Bonus Tip: Get some cards made up with your name and number – cell is fine, but keep it professional and avoid bogus titles for yourself. Hand them out in conversation.

Find Recruiters

These are the folks who can give you a head start. They’re professionals at recruiting people for the right job. Find them by checking out recruiter directories or by networking via LinkedIn.

Always ask about their experience and what their specialty is to ensure that you’re talking to a person who knows your field.

Exercise

After you’ve left or lost a job, it’s very easy to lose focus of what’s important. It’s easy to become trapped in a cycle of depression or manic activity – the desperation to do what you love or find another job can be overwhelming.

This is all part of putting yourself out there again and seizing your opportunities. But you have to keep yourself healthy and balanced to do that. No, you don’t have to transfer to a quinoa-kale diet, but you probably should get exercise every day, even if it’s just a morning walk.

It will get your blood flowing and broaden your perspective.

Set Goals

Don’t be rudderless. Realize that your dreams aren’t going to materialize out of thin air and that you have to get out there yourself. But do it in strategic manner. Set goals and priorities for your year, months, and weeks. Break down what you want to achieve, then go for it.