Having to perform a job search is rarely at the top of a list of "fun" ways to spend ones time. Job search is generally regarded as dreary work at best.

The process is almost always spent independently. Job seekers look at newspaper ads independently, make calls to companies independently, get turned down independently, wonder if they are ever going to find a job...independently.

Now, I'm not suggesting you should take friends to your job interview; I'm talking about a support network.

Job search doesn’t have to be lonely. So many studies have shown that teams can out-perform and out-achieve independent workers.

Why don't job seekers have buddies? No, not someone who will let you cry on their shoulder, but another job seeker!! Think about it. Without positive support in any new and uncomfortable situation

it's so easy to become discouraged, to start to believe negative hype. Many job seekers find themselves settling for a job they aren't happy with because they believe that there are no jobs out there. There are jobs out there!! You just have to find them.

How can you stay motivated?

It becomes very easy to feel that you are all alone and that this is not happening to anyone else. So, it either becomes a problem with your methods of job search or a problem with the job market.

The real problem is isolation. How can you possibly stay motivated in a vacuum? Who will tell you that you will get that job? Hearing "no" is crushing to anyone's ego, especially a job seeker who may be worried about paying the next electric bill. So how can you avoid this isolation and the negativity that can build up around an independent job search?

Find a team, form a team, or hire us as your career coach!

With a team, you have people who are going through worse situations and make your problems seem insignificant. With a team, you have support and praise. With a team you have a network. With a team, you can keep going. A team builds steam to keep it moving forward.

You can frequently find structured job clubs or success teams through state employment offices, some college employment offices, churches, and professional organizations.

You can also form your own group if you know of other job seekers or work with us to match you with team members.

However you do it, do it!! The team concept works and will not only keep you motivated but will help you network for job leads, expand your contact list, and uncover many new possibilities that you might not have yet considered in conducting a successful job search.

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Surranna Sandy is the President of ResumeSolutions.ca. Ms Sandy is a Canadian expert in resume writing, interview preparation, career coaching,, employment trends, hiring practices and workplace issues. Ms. Sandy partners with both Fortune 100 companies and individuals to deliver targeted programs focusing on résumé development, job search strategies, networking, interviewing, and salary negotiation skills. Contact Ms. Sandy via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at (416) 361-1290/1-866-361-1290.