It's finally Friday. The last thing you want to be doing is applying for jobs. And you've had it with networking. And you can't bear to attach your resume to another email. So what should you do? TAKE A DAY OFF! So often, looking for a job becomes your full time job, and you deserve a rest.  Take Friday to relax, and follow OneWire's tips on how to revamp your search, what you can do this weekend, and what you can do to prepare for the week.  I realize that I may be asking a lot, trying to get you to devote some precious weekend time to your job search, but I think it will make the coming week a lot less stressful.  That said, I've kept everything in groups of 3's, so as not to overwhelm you.

JOB SEARCH TIPS

There are tons of sites and blogs that maintain a focus on job search tips and techniques.  But it can be difficult to pick and choose which tips to follow.  Here are some of the most important tips that I can think of that will definitely make an impact on your job search process.

1. With so many job search paths that have recently sprung up, it's easy to get lost or stick to one path.  To optimize your job search, make sure you are putting equal effort towards each approach--creating your resume, registering with job matching sites or job boards, establishing a presence on social media sites, and networking in person.  It's great to build connections via Facebook and LinkedIn, but they don't do much good if you never actually meet anyone in person.  

2. Don't rely on your resume.  It's definitely an important asset to have during your search, but it shouldn't be your crutch.  These days, resume submission just isn't enough.  It's actually become a very passive form of searching--all you do on your end is attach a file and then wait for a recruiter to contact you.  That approach doesn't make a lot of sense anymore, given the number of open positions versus the number of applicants.

3. Stay motivated.  Here's how:

• Arm yourself with realistic, practical information about the job search process. 
• Make your job search a networking project for yourself.  That is, don't think of it as a task or requirement.
• Own your search.  You should be proud of the steps you're taking, proud of your efforts, and proud of your ultimate output.
• Set realistic, attainable goals.  No need to plan to get hired in one day if you don't believe it will actually happen.
• And finally, take breaks! (Like the one you should be taking after you finish reading this blog.)

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND

This particular weekend is perfect for catching up on job search-relevant reading and doing some prep work for the coming week.  It's going to rain all day Saturday, so you won't be outside anyway.  Might as well be productive.  Definitely do some standard reading.  The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, your local newspaper.  If you prefer magazine format, I suggest the usual suspects: BusinessWeek and Newsweek.  These will all help to keep you updated on the economy and the activity of many major firms and companies and will give you a feel for what the job market looks like.  Even if you think you're completely prepared, it never hurts to do a little more reading.  Like I said, it's raining...

These newspaper and magazine sources are great for information on what the economy is doing.  But where should you turn for informaion on what people, job seekers in particular, are doing?  Given the web-based nature of today's job search, I suggest turning to blogs.  There are some great job search blogs out there, filled with tips and good advice.  Here are a few of my favorites:

1. WSJ-Laid Off and Looking--This is a personal favorite.  I think it's great to have some insight into the lives and minds of experienced professionals via a blog.  It's an incredibly casual and accessible forum, but loaded with good advice and personal stories.  The contributors are M.B.A.s who have recently been laid off, and this blog tracks their job search experiences.  Definitely a good read, both because it covers many topics and garners many reader comments.

2.  The Job Stalker--More humorous than "Laid Off," but filled with equally good advice.  I think this blog is a must-follow, not just a must-read.  The author actually makes you laugh out loud, which could be just what you need while applying for jobs.  The best part, though?  She provides practical tips and suggests creating easily atainable goals, making her approach to searching for jobs realistic instead of overwhelming.  She provides a welcoming sense of comaraderie as well, as she is currently looking for jobs and writes her blog almost as a job search diary; she lets you know what she did right and what she did wrong, and how you can benefit from her experiences. However, if you're not into following blogs, at least read "Looking For a Job is a Full Time Job" Parts 1, 2, & 3.  That's where the bulk of her advice can be found.

3. Career Hub--Another great blog with many contributors, which is nice because the blog combines many different perspectives and opinions, all with the goal of helping you find a job or keep your job.  Career Hub gives advice across the board, on cover letters, search tips, staying motivated, and more.  My favorite aspect is that a few of the writers incorporate task or idea lists.  I, personally, am a huge fan of lists, especially when it comes to searching for jobs.  Their format alone can actually help you to find a method of organization that works for you.

Check these out and be sure to bookmark them on your browser so you can check back in for updates once in a while.  And don't forget to bookmark this blog!  If you like the type of information that these blogs provide, I suggest creating a Google Alert on your computer, so you can read the latest news and be sure that you are getting the most recent information.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE WEEK

Now you're armed with some great tips and you've done your reading.  What's next?  Take some time to prepare for the week.  If you wait until Monday, you'll lose half a day of search progress because you'll be spending that time organizing and planning your next move.  And on top of that, if you need to find some motivation on Monday morning (because its Monday and because its the morning, that may take a few cups of coffee, a walk or run, going to find breakfast) you may lose the whole day by the time you're finally motivated, organized, and ready to get started.  Here are some ideas for how to prepare yourself this weekend, so come Monday morning, you won't feel too guilty lingering on that third cup of coffee.

1. Get organized early.  Make a list of easily achievable goals: fix resume, register on job sites (like OneWire!), create a cover letter, gather contact information. 

2. Plan out your days on a schedule you'll actually stick to.  Don't plan a 9 hour day if you know you won't follow though on it.

3. Buy some good snacks.  I don't work well hungry.  You probably don't either.  So stock up on your favorite healthy snacks to increase your productivity.  And don't forget to include a lunch break in your daily schedule.  Employed individuals break for lunch and you should too.

Hopefully these tips help you out this weekend and in the coming week.  It's easy to get off-track after the weekend, so try to use your time as best you can.  I'm 100% serious about taking the rest of Friday off.  I'm also 100% serious that it will rain on Saturday.  If you have to do some work in front of the TV, that's fine.  But keep it tuned to a newsworthy channel and fight the urge to switch to ESPN or the Food Network (unless you are applying for jobs at either of those places, in which case, go ahead!). Get out there and apply for those jobs! Network! Build profiles!  Jobs are out there, so don't get discouraged.  Next week, we're focusing on networking, so get your accounts ready!

GOOD LUCK!