I don’t know whether you’re at the starting point of your of your job or career search, or whether you’ve been in this mode for a while. I don’t know if it’s come upon you as an unexpected slap in the face or was obvious as it unfolded.

I’m not aware of your current mindset regarding this situation, but as a self-employed professional for the last sixteen-plus years, I’ve consistently lived with this mindset and in this environment.

As a consultant, trainer and speaker, I’m continually in job search mode . My business strategy is such that I source clients, deliver my services, then move on the the next one. So I’m intimately familiar with the roller coaster of emotional and psychologial issues that accompany the ebb and flow of job or career search.

So, with almost seventeen years of job search experience, I’ve learned a few things. I thought I’d share some of the strategies, tips and tactics that work for me, and may be helpful to you as you transition into success:

Face reality. No one is going to show at your door and beg you to work for them, no matter how smart or experienced you are. There are dozens of people as qualified and capable as you, looking for the position you want. Sending out a few resumes, making some calls to old friends or expecting others to hire because “they owe you” will rarely, if ever, happen. The good news, just about everybody thinks this is how it works, so, by taking charge and doing a few of the right things, you’re light years ahead of the competition.

Clarify your value. The people we touch or meet, naturally want to be helpful. Make it easy for them by being clear about what it is you want and need. Be specific. Don’t put the burden on the other person to find you a job. It’s not her/his responsibility, it’s yours. Leverage their connection by being crystal clear about the value you have and who you think can benefit.

Deal from strength. No matter what your current situation, you have a number of strength areas. These could be talents you have been given, skills you have acquired, expertise you have gained, experience you have lived or relationships you have built. Assess your strength areas and evolve your job or career serach from this basis of strength. You will feel more confident, be perceived as more capable and accelerate your chances for success.

Accept the process. Job or career search (or finding the next client) is not an activity, it’s a process. It is a never-ending story of sourcing new opportunities, making new contacts, exploring options and developing new and existing relationships. It could take as long as a year to find the right job, with right fit, with the right company. Make your job search your job, and go at it every day. Go at it with an enthusiasm and energy that befits your power and potential. That’s what employers are looking for more than anything else.

Work your network. Each of us has, irrespective of age, career path or culture, a network that is our most valuable asset. Make it your top priority to identify the individuals within your network who have the power and potential to influence your job or career search success. Focus on developing, nurturing and strengthening your relationships with these people, not just as a one-time exercise, but an an on-going strategy. Discover what they want or need, or are involved with, and make a contribution to their lives in this area. Keep doing this for the next 90 days. They will see you as a valuable resource and want to work on your behalf. Be ready when they ask how they can help.

Network, network network. There is a misconception that one’s network is the key to job or career search success. It is one key, not the only key. In fact, your network can have a detrimental effect on job search. Why? because these people know you (perhaps too well) and often only see you in the light of the past, limiting your potential to expand your horizons. Meeting new contacts activates the “Network Law of Strength in Weak Ties”, that allows new connections to see you in your current condition, accelerating the relationship, with its associated benfits and opportunities.

Stay the course. After an intial flurry of activity, there is a strong tendency is to sit back and wait for the few opportunities that arise to bear fruit. After all, these epeople did seem interested, resumes have been submitted, interviews are pending. Don’t allow your efforts to slow or stop. Your job or career search is as much about disqualification as qualification. Keep working, keep networking, keep investing until your job or career position is confirmed.

Separate search from self. One of the biggest hurtles in your quest will be to battle, and overcome, the intermittent bouts of disillusion, despair and discouragement, that can arise when you least expect it. Develop the discipline of separating your job or career search from your sense of self. Do not, under any circumstances, allow yourself to take the current situation as a personal issue. The one sure-fire tactic to deal with this issue head-on is taking some form of action: a call to a helpful colleague, an internet search for a new contact, firming up a commitment to attend an event. Action is the sure way to beat the job search blahs.

Build a success diary. Every day allows you to move forward. Each includes one opportunity for action that adds to your success meter. Keep a written log of the positive outcomes that are part of your job or career search. You will amazed at the number of different ways you grow, learn, experience and mature. Use these items as foder to fight the negative emotions that lie below the surface.

Job search success secret. As a last entry, I want share the most powerful strategy I have discovered to create success in my personal and professional job search. The one tactic that had delivered more than I ever expected is simple, yet not easy. I strive to contribute to the life of every person I meet.  In this way, I work contrary to the way our society operates and make others see me differently, as a valuable resource. They are then open to being helpful to me, often in ways I never anticipated or expected. So rather than managing the process with the expectation that other person will help you why not take the position that you will be helpful to them? Make a tangible contribution to their life, sincerely and unselfishly. Then watch the results. You will be amazed.

I’d love to see any ideas or insights you might have about this, or respond to any questions you might have.