With the challenging economic environment these days, many seasoned executives find themselves struggling to get ready for a job search. If it’s been awhile since you started your current job, you may be surprised at what’s required to embark on finding a new job and maybe a new career.

(1) Get your own email address. Choose a system like gmail, which will (a) let nearly all of your “good” messages go through, (b) easily allow attachments, and (c) never send a “mailbox full” message.

Do not under any circumstance use your employer’s email account for any job search activities – not even to receive an ezine or communicate with a career coach. Your employer has a legal right to read this email. Why take a chance?

(2) Use a professional name, not “KoolKat,” “Smith Family,” or “SusanandBen.”

For only a few dollars, you can buy a private domain from godaddy.com. You don’t need a website. Won’t it be nice to put “tim@timtimmons.com” on your business card, instead of “tim1234@yahoo.com.”

You can forward your email to a gmail account for easy access.

(3) Get a separate phone line or dedicate one phone to your job search.

Employers will not get a favorable impression when your phone gets answered by a child, a babysitter or even a guest who just happened to be visiting your home. Create a professional outgoing message. Use voicemail for messages. Don’t lose an opportunity because someone forgot to take a message or pass one along to you.

(4) Avoid sharing your job search strategies with colleagues, especially if you are still working. Keep your game face and choose confidantes carefully.

Hiring a coach may seem expensive but it could save your family relationships, keep you from saying too much at your workplace and possibly get you onto a new payroll faster.

(5) Make your mental and physical health a priority. If at all possible, keep up health club memberships that you actually use. Exercise will help you reduce stress and appear confident. Find something to enjoy every day: a walk with the dog, play time with the kids, a book or movie, or a creative outlet. When you feel frustrated an deprived you risk coming across as negative during job interviews.

(6) Choose a specialist to guide you through financial decisions. It’s easy to panic and seek a second mortgage or dip into retirement accounts, when in fact these drastic steps may not be necessary.

(7) Keep your family informed. A surprising number of self-help and career change books seem to assume every reader is single with no dependencies or ties. In fact, most people have family, communities and even pets who will affect any career decision.

By: Cathy Goodwin

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