This week, the conversation centers around planning and devoting time to your job search. Our featured guest this week is Jack Jeffery. Jack is a Communications professor at Ohio University and its branch campus in Chillicothe.
9/23/14 – Interviewed by Scott Proietti
1. In your opinion, how important is it to create a routine on a daily basis?
JJ: Whether on the job or seeking a job, a daily routine is important. On the job, it allows an individual to address tasks that may be done efficiently, thereby freeing up time for more creative and innovative pursuits. As a job-seeker, it is important so you are taking the right steps in a strategic manner throughout your job search, but not wasting time fretting and just grasping without having a plan.
2. What is your best advice to job-seekers?
JJ: Make personal contacts with individuals in the profession. Seek opportunities to even work on a volunteer basis just to get experience and invaluable references, which pay off in the long run. This is effective networking.
3. How much time should someone devote to his or her job search on a daily and weekly basis?
JJ: For an already busy college student, I would suggest about an hour a day, as time permits, and five to seven hours per week.
4. How can job seekers better position themselves to land a job over the rest of the competition?
JJ: Get experience and make connections. If possible, prior to your last semester, seek out experience and mentors who can help revise your resume, put you in touch with individuals in the profession and even make phone calls on your behalf. Stay in touch with folks who are connected to you throughout the job search .
5. What steps do you take to ensure that you are scheduling your time in an efficient manner?
JJ: I make lists and schedules, usually at the start and end of each workday. That way, I have a plan to follow during the day whether than wondering what to do next.
How much time should the average job-seeker spend on his or her job search on a weekly basis?