My computer was broken, leaving me without one for almost a week. What an odd experience that was. I couldn't look up phone numbers or information. I felt disconnected because I couldn't get on Twitter. I couldn't check email or blog. As inconvenient as this was, it did force me to do things differently.
In talking with a colleague we thought it would be interesting to ask job seekers to go without logging into their computers and smart phones for a few days to see what happens. Anyone up for that challenge?
Part of the logic for asking you not to log in is that it will force you to do things differently- change behavior. Frequently, this is what needs to happen with your job search anyway. Remember the old adage "If you continue to do the same things, you will continue to get the same results"!
It is so easy to hide behind the computer. Job search is not about applying to jobs on-line. It is about meeting people and building relationships. This is possible to do on-line, however, my hunch is that you aren't really doing that. This challenge is about finding new solutions and it is asking you to be proactive. These are some of the behaviors that might change by going without a computer for several days:
- You stop sending emails to strangers and hoping for a response.
- You stop checking email every 15 minutes hoping there is an invitation to an interview
- You stop searching the job boards for the perfect job
- Instead of Googling for an answer, you pick up the phone and speak with a person
Unplugging can be frustrating. But remember life before computers? What did we do? It is about building RELATIONSHIPS!
Let me know if you try logging off and what happens.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
