Ask-A-Recruiter: Manage the Crush of Fall

Contributed by Caroline Ceniza-Levine of SixFigureStart

I am dreading getting back into fall, when my kids are back in school so the morning routine is crazy, the pace is faster as everyone returns from vacation and needs things yesterday, and the days seem shorter. What are some ways to take back control?

Knowing that things will be more hectic, block out time now while you have a moment to choose your priorities. Take out your daily planner or log into Outlook and actually block out the following:

Schedule 4 times in the upcoming year when you will update your resume. At the very least make sure your contact info is updated and all jobs are represented. Then add your latest projects (since you are doing this every few months your memory should be pretty accurate). Remember to refine the job descriptions so they are relevant to what you’re interested in today.

Schedule lunch breaks for specific dates. Pick people that you want to reach out to – for social reasons, for professional networking – and email them now. But instead of saying, “Let’s get together in the fall”, offer a specific date (“How about September 17 at 1 PM?). Aim for 10 dates between now and year-end. You can get away one day a week!

Schedule training days. Look into your company’s offerings now and register. This way, you reserve the time. If you can’t register yet, block out a half or full day each month. If nothing is offered on that day, catch up on professional reading.

Subscribe to trade publications. If you don’t already, find out what publications service your industry and see if copies are available in your office. If you need to pay for it, it could be tax-deductible as a professional expense.

Join trade organizations. At a minimum, you will get newsletters and announcements. It would also be ideal to attend meetings and join a committee. Many groups also experience a ramping up after the summer so they may welcome eager, new members.

Update your professional wardrobe. Get dry cleaning and tailoring done. Get shoes shined and repaired. Discard worn or out-of-date items and include replacements on your holiday sale shopping list.

Need more balance and focus on what you really value? Put yourself first with personalized, 1:1 coaching from SixFigureStart. Contact Caroline Ceniza-Levine at 212-501-2234 or caroline@sixfigurestart.com for a complimentary coaching consultation.