Job Search Deja Vu

Job Search Deja Vu I was picking up some weekly groceries at the local supermarket, Wegmans this weekend. (I love Wegmans. The store has everything wonderfully presented plus you NEVER have to wait in line) The fun thing about living in a small town is that you always run into someone you know. It makes me feel like I belong here. OK, anyway, back to the topic. I ran into Steve, a job seeker Ive known for several months. Steve was telling me how his search this time around has been easier that his first time after 9/11. This got me thinking. Why would it be easier if the economy/job market is so much tougher? I didnt need to think long to realize that it is because hes been through it before. The second, third, forth time youve had to do something, it gets easier. There is less of a learning curve. Job search requires so many skills: networking, resume crafting, interviewing, negotiating, job search correspondence are just a few. If youve brushed up on those skills recently, they are fresher. You know what to expect. Well, kinda. Hindsight is 20/20. From a previous job search you learned some valuable lessons: Never stop looking Dont hold out for the perfect job Meet as many people as possible Follow up on every lead Ask good questions during the interview Dont take rejection personally Diversify your search (occupations and/or industries) This sense of deja vu, as unwanted as it is, is a huge benefit. It allows Steve and others whove experienced job loss the ability to hit the ground running sooner and faster. Your body and mind can focus on the known rather than getting stuck in a rut by the unknown. Regularly, I hear people say that they just want a stable job and they never want to go through this experience of job search again. I say to them Get used to it, you WILL be going through this again and sooner than you think!. What about you? Has this job search been easier than your first time? Tell us why!