18 ways to transform your job hunt

How to banish the anxiety and frustration

Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash

Shock and awe.

That’s what it feels like to be told you are losing your job. It’s an almost instantaneous flood of emotions, fear, anger, disgust, shame, sadness. You can’t think clearly, it’s like a bolt gun to the brain before the knife delivers the final cut, exsanguinating you of energy and will.

I know. I’ve been there three times. I also spent nine months on the sidelines after coming back from working abroad. Despite turning around a failing publishing company, I could not seem to get a break.

In the 18 years since, I’ve worked with dozens of clients in the same boat, helping them craft a CV that sets them apart and job hunt in a way that navigates the choppy waters of unemployment to a safe harbour.

Here are 18 things I’ve learned along the way about how to do that.

#1 Be clear on what you want

Nothing reeks more of desperation than applying for anything and everything. It saps your energy because you spread yourself too thinly when it comes to your valuable time. You are also more likely to be less successful, and every ‘no’ can feel like the ancient Chinese torture tactic known as ‘lingchi’ or death by a 1,000 cuts.