The Power Of Multiple Options

The following is an excellent posting from Tim Tyrell-Smith at Spin Strategy discussing the choices we make and how events can flow in our career:

In job search as in life, there is real power in having multiple options. A few choices to make.

Now, some may find this stressful. After all, is it easier to navigate our lives if we have fewer choices to make? Not for me. I like the decision process. And the moments that surround it.

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Pass-Along Job Search Advice. Introducing ShortCuts™

Source: http://bit.ly/146NM0

OK, Now it’s your turn to shine.

This post is inspired by a number of people in my network.  One who helped during my 2007 search and one who recently arrived at a new job.

They took the time to share their job search experience with others.  And what a great thing to do.

You see, at some point, all of you will also arrive at a new job.  Yes, this will all be over.  And after 4 weeks, 3 months or one year you have learned a few things about job search.  Things that will die in your mind unless you create a way to share it with others.

Think of it like a post-mortem you would do on a business project.  What did you do right?  What mistakes were made and what would you do differently next time?  All great stuff.

Now some of you are thinking one of the following:

1. Good idea, but my focus is on the new job.
2. I struggled in job search. What can I teach others?
3. I’d rather wash my memory of it all.

I won’t blame you for thinking any of that.  Makes sense.  But let me give you a few reasons to re-consider this idea:

1. It will be therapeutic. Because as you transition out of job search and into your new job there will likely be some misgivings. Perhaps still some healing required.  Anger about having been put through all of that effort (networking, resume writing, interviewing, etc).  You may even really miss the freedoms of not having a 9 to 5.  Sharing your experiences with others will help close the book.
2. You will help others. As you “transition out” there are always people transitioning in.  Do you think they’d appreciate your advice?  Absolutely!  I talk to a number of job seekers that are even just a month in to their search and you know what they say?  “How can I help.  I’ve only been out a month!”. Well, you’d be surprised how far along you are vs. others just kicking off their search. Your advice will become a primer for others.  You may even kick off a new permanent networking career (recommended) as people call and say “Thanks for your advice, can I buy you a cup of coffee?”
3. It’s a good practice. Doing a good post-mortem is key to succeeding in business.  Perhaps your doing one after your job search (if you’ve never done one before) will give you a new tool to impress your boss in the new job.
4. You’ll use it again. This new economy may put all employees in a state of perpetual search.  An up-to-date guide to job search may come in handy again.  Think you’ll remember all the resources you utilized?
5. It’s a low effort solution. Once written, you will have a document you can easily send to folks needing advice.  And if you don’t have time in the new job to meet for coffee, at least you can share your experiences on paper.

So I’ve created a FREE download that will make it really easy to share your ShortCuts with others.  Page 1 includes information from this blog post.  Page 2 is the actual word template.  Once you fill in the details from your job search experience, you can save it to your desktop.

Once saved, you can send your version to your network via e-mail after you arrive at a new job.  You can share it with people you meet over the coming months who ask you for transition advice.  You can add it to your blog.

Or you can send it to me and I will pick a few to include here at the Spin Strategy blog.  Interested?

OK, here you go:

Download ShortCuts 1.0

Almost everyone I talk to in transition is learning something about themselves as a result.  For some, it is how much they miss working.  For others it reminds them of how badly they want to have this kind of “freedom” more often in life. Some of those look to this time to start a new business.

Whatever your learning during job search.  All that I suggest is that you share it with others.

And remember, comment below if you’d like to share yours with others via Spin Strategy.

Have a great week!

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Testimonial of the Solo Sheet

Call it the 1 page Solo Sheet, Resume Companion or Networking Sheet. Tim Tyrell-Smith’s post at SpinStrategy.com inspired me to do this after many years of working without a great mentor to guide me through my career.

I can’t recall how many times people would suggest that I apply to companies that did not fit my persona. I would attend a networking event, the woman next to me is trying to be nice by telling me that I should work for a bank and go on, and on about it until I ask her “What do you know about working for companies like Google or MTV?”

The conversation stopped and she said to me, I have no idea about those industries – I only know banking. The point here is that you could speak to someone – a recruiter or someone you are networking with and they will suggest what has worked for them. The caveat here is what works for me will not always work for you.

Instead of getting frustrated and feeling as if people do not understand what your dream companies or industries are – make it simple for them and use the Solo Sheet.

The Solo Sheet is a 1 pager that highlights your work history, accomplishments and shows where you want to be. Guess what, you get to express where you want to go with your career with this tool.

Believe me, when you show the Solo Sheet to people within your network, you simplify things for them and they won’t suggest jobs or companies that would not even cross your mind. The Solo Sheet eliminates distraction.

Please feel free to add comments or ask questions. This is about you!

Posted by guestblogger99

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Turning Stones. Generating Ideas For The Job Hunt.

I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic lately. And it seems that many discussions with job seekers lately tend to slip into the topic of yesteryear. Of old memories. The freedom of being a child.

And everyone says the same thing about their childhood freedom:

“I left in the morning and came home when it was dark.”

For me, it was when Mom rang the old bell on the side of the house. Growing up in Marin (SF Bay Area), the vibrations from that old bell crashed through the open space through the hills above our house. And eventually found me.

You also hear about the joys of pick-up soccer, baseball and football games. No organization, just “everyone meet up at the park”.

I think that as job seekers, we feel a strange sense of freedom during transition. We feel a bit guilty about it at times. Or at least I did. Because while you are technically free (of a regular job), it is not the same as those wonderful summer days during childhood.

Click here to read more from Tim Tyrell-Smith.

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Interview Day Jitters? Introducing Scream Therapy.

Source: http://bit.ly/JGq1Z

In this blog I often try to find ways to get you back on track.  Mentally.  When this whole job search thing knocks you off.

I’ve tried to do this by encouraging, prodding and suggesting.  And sometimes I need to knock you off track with a big stick, pick you up and dust you off.

Tonight, however, is about asking you to do something.  Something that might make you awfully uncomfortable.  And it might be embarrassing.

But if you do it right, no one has to know.  In fact I did it just this past week.  In my car.

If you can measure up, this task will potentially change your mindset and be just jarring enough to get your head on straight before a big interview or networking event.

I want you to scream a loud “YEEEEEEEE – HAW!”.  In your car.

I’m not kidding. 

And, while you could hit yourself in the head with a stick, this is a lot more fun.  As a way to get your head on straight prior to an interview.  Or any other day during job search when the stress gets to you. 

It’s actually less like a stick and more like a lemon meringue pie but it has the effect of those defibrillator pads on “ER”.  And you don’t have to say “clear” before letting this loose.

Now before you say “That’s it.  Tim’s finally lost it.” realize that this method is tried and tested.  In my life.  During my 2007 job search.  And many times since.  Whenever life throws a curve ball.

Don’t believe me?  Click below:

Screaming Tim

That’s me.  A few weeks back.  Recorded on my Blackberry. 

I hope this isn’t my Howard Dean moment.  One that destroys my blogging career. 

I’ll take the risk.  For you.

So why does screaming in your car help? 

1. It is something you never do (if not true for you, well . . . cool!)
2. It shocks your system and shakes the nerves right out of you.
3. It brings out the kid in you.  The kid that was full of confidence and promise
4. It makes you smile.
5. It is a great distraction.

It might also leave you wondering why you read this blog  🙂

What if you are not the cowboy or cowgirl type?  Know that your scream can be of any sort.  You choose.  It can be a “scary movie” scream if you’d like.  But find one that properly wipes your “top of mind” of any nervous thoughts.

For you newbies out there.  If you are new to scream therapy.  Here are a few pointers and warnings.

1. You will feel really silly the first time you try it.  In fact, I wouldn’t record your first scream.
2. Do it at a stop light when no one is around.  And have the radio off.
3. Scream as loud as you can.  Repeat until successful.
4. Don’t close your eyes.  Especially if your car is moving at the time. Be safe.
5. Avoid practicing in the company’s parking lot prior to the interview.  Big brother may not understand.

Now I’m going to ask something of you that I shouldn’t.  This is only for the brave.  The lion-hearted.

I want to hear your screams. 

Record them on your phone and send me a text.  That way, unless you are in my address book, I won’t know it’s you.  They’ll be anonymous.

Send the text to               (949) 280-7043         (949) 280-7043.

But I’m sure none of you will have the guts to send it to me.  I dare you.  😛

On Volunteering During Job Search

Article Source:  http://bit.ly/2VCnIX

Many months ago I wrote a post about consulting during job search.  I got a lot of good feedback on that post and still get good traffic to it.  Why?  Because it is a common thing people do when in between jobs.  And they want to do it right.  Avoiding the pitfalls.

Volunteering and consulting have a few similar pros and cons.  But I think they are different enough that it warrants a separate discussion. 

The Similarities:

Well, of course, both are a great use of your time during transition.  Whether you are out of work for 30 days or 30 months, keeping your mind active and being involved in a business environment is a very good thing. 

1. Both keep you mentally engaged (thinking, planning, producing)
2. Both keep you busy, distracted and less likely to obsess over a single job opportunity.
3. Both allow you to show an active and productive lifestyle on your resume.  Employers like to see activity during transition.  “I was looking for a job” is not enough anymore during a six month transition period.

The Differences:

There are a few obvious and a few not so obvious differences between volunteering and consulting.  And there is a hybrid you should know about called “freesulting“.  OK, I just made that up, but it involves you providing consulting services for free.  But, here’s how volunteering differs:

1. Volunteering does not pay the mortgage.  But you may get a free lunch.
2. Volunteering is not a contract position.  You can easily leave any time.
3. Volunteering helps others who really need it.  And can’t pay for it.
4. Volunteering is not glamorous.  Yes, even the Jerry Lewis Telethon.

So, if you ask me should I take time out of my job search to volunteer in my local community.  The answer is yes.

But here are a few guidelines:

• Consider first getting more deeply involved in an organization in which you already volunteer.  Your local church.  Your kid’s school or sports team.  These are the most natural uses of your time.  Very local and close to the heart.  Only drawback?  These will not look as “professional” on the resume if you decide to list it.
• So . . . look for organizations that are well known and have well-run volunteer programs.  Habitat for Humanity or Make A Wish Foundation are good examples.  You get to give back and get to share your experiences in interviews.  Employers see you involved and estimate that you weren’t just stuffing envelopes.  Even if you were . . .
• Look for a position with some responsibility (see last point above) and consider the possibility that you might stay on board after you find work.  It feels good to volunteer both during and after your job search.
• Make smart commitments that allow you to get a good role but do not take you away too much form the job search.  While you cannot be looking for work 12 hours a day, you also cannot let another commitment limit your search to 3-4 hours a day.  And you certainly don’t want conflicts when big networking events are scheduled.  Or an interview is offered.
• When listing the volunteer experience on your resume, treat it like a job.  At least until you find one.  List the volunteer organization as the company, show the dates and location.  Describe your responsibilities and list your accomplishments.  Just like your last job.

So now you’ve done it. 

You’ve used your skills to help an organization that needed you.  You’ve filled a gap in your resume’s time-line.  You’ve been focused and engaged in something of value. You’ve avoided being obsessed by a single job opportunity.

Well done.

INTERVIEW WEEK: Talking To The Social And The Serious

Article Source:  http://bit.ly/bw6A3

During interview day, you will meet all sorts.  Some who inspire you and some who concern you.  Some who are really interesting and some who are boring.  And the tough part?  You have to be ready for them all.  You have to adjust your style and temperament as you move throughout the day.

Why?  Because there is a possibility that if you don’t adjust, they may not like you as much.  And despite you being a great person who is highly qualified, those interviewers may tip the scales the other way.  Toward someone who had similar qualifications but was better at finding parts of themselves that could meet an interviewer’s style.

Now you might be thinking:  “Hey, I thought I was supposed to be ME on interview day.  Isn’t this acting?”

I don’t think so because what I am talking about is more about energy.  Ramping it up and ramping it down.  Accentuating parts of you more in some interviews and less in others.  We do this everyday in life anyway, right? Talking to the teller at a bank and then bumping into a good friend outside of it.  We do it.

And you’ll do it starting day one on the new job.  In a day when you meet with the IT team, the Marketing team, the HR group and the Finance group, you will be looking to influence a wide variety of people.  But on interview day, those people have the larger influence so it is important to be especially focused on this.

It also has a lot to do with company culture.  If the stated company culture is outgoing, risk-oriented and hard-charging, well those parts of you better be present.  And if that’s not you at all, then yes, you should reconsider whether that company is right for you.  If you feel like you are acting.  Struggling to keep up.  Then you may be fishing in the wrong pond.

Today I will focus on two common interview styles.  Based on my own interview experiences.

The Social Interview

The social interview is conducted by someone who either has been asked to primarily focus on your “fit” with the organization or just is really interested in getting to know you.  This can also be a style used by the nervous (folks who aren’t trained or comfortable in an interview setting).  It may be because they will be your peer or your partner.  They will be relying on you less to get work done and more to allow their work to be more fulfilling. 

Social interviews can be frustrating for some candidates who are looking for real data from their interview day.  Some candidates want real engagement and see social interviews as a waste of time.  But I view them as a healthy and important part of the process.  They can also be:

1.  A nice break from an otherwise more rigorous schedule.

2.  A time to ask more open and honest questions such as “what will I like most and least about working here?”

3.  The chance to really connect with someone.  Interviews can often feel a little impersonal so having a few social interviews mixed in can be really helpful.  Perhaps these are the folks you follow up with between day 1 and day 2 if you get called back.

If you walk into the room and are greeted by a big smile that stays that way.  If they offer coffee and water in a way that makes you want to accept it.  If they seem to sympathize with your “long day”.  These are all signals of a social interview.

So smile back.  Ask questions that fit this style.  Ease back the throttle and use this time to get to know someone a little bit. 

But be careful that you are not too cozy.  I have seen a social interview shift to a more serious tone. It happens.

The Serious Interview 

Yes, interviews can be serious.  And I don’t mind these at all.  I expect one or two of these during each interview day. 

Who are they?  Some are just serious people who, like you or unlike you, approach interviews as a critical investigation of your qualifications.  So they tend to be less focused on WHO you are and more focused on WHAT you have done.  Here you will be asked to prove yourself and bring to life with rich detail HOW you accomplished all of the things you claim on your resume.

How do you quickly spot a serious interview?  Well, you will still get a smile but it is likely a small one that is short lived.  You may get an offer for coffee, but it won’t feel like one you should accept.  There will be little chit chat and what there is will be all there for a purpose.

Now if you are a social person or if you just left a more social interview, be ready to adjust.  In fact, in between interviews as you are being walked down the hallway, is a great time to reset your expectations for the next interview.  That way you aren’t shocked by a significant shift in interviewer style.

One reason I don’t mind these interviews is that I am aware of what’s on the line for a company and for a manager.  A bad hire due to poor organizational or interview skills by the company has ramifications.  I respect the need of a company to prove me out.  And sometimes we all need a good grilling.  And let’s be honest, sometimes it helps to knock the dust off your feet.

Serious interviewers tend to work off a list of standard or favorite questions.  And they are asked in a set order.  Often there are two or three follow up questions.  Once I had a serious interviewer ask me the same question three times in a row (adjusting the scenario ever so slightly) to see how I would waver under pressure.  So be confident.

They can also be hard to read.  Even if you provide an absolute perfect answer, you may not see even an inkling of approval.

So if you are less comfortable in a serious interview they are highly valuable for a candidate.  Really?  Yes, because you can ask serious questions of a serious interviewer. You can challenge them a bit.

And if your interview day includes three serious interviews and one social interview, you’ve now been told a little about this company.  If one of the serious interviews was with the person who would be your boss, well you now have a decision to make.  Are you a serious person?  If not, how will they really be like starting day one?

On e suggestion?  If you get an offer, ask to discuss the offer over lunch with your new boss.  Still serious?

So, on interview day, be prepared for a lot of different types.  Be flexible.  And pay attention to how you feel in each interview. 

Feeling welcome and respectfully challenged is good.

INTERVIEW WEEK: How To Nail The HR Interview by Tim Tyrell-Smith

Article Source:  http://tinyurl.com/yb9dy67

During your interview process, the odds are you will spend a decent amount of time talking with people in HR.  For most jobs, you will at least have a screening or phone interview with someone in HR prior to being invited for an in-person interview.

Once on-site there is also a really good chance that you will interview with an HR manager or director during your interview day.  Depends on the level of your interview.

But why worry so much about the HR interview? 

Well, if you are thinking that the HR interview is the least important of all. Or if you think that it will be simply a time to fill out the basic application and review benefits.  I got news for you.

The HR interview is not a walk-off and is not the time in the day where you relax or coast.  In my experience, it is a key time when you need to be on top of your game.

Do not underestimate the value of your on-site HR interview.  And do not assume it is yet another screening interview.  Or do so at your own peril.

If the HR interview is first up on the list and you are expecting an easy start, you may be jolted out of your chair and end up on the defensive for the rest of the day.  How does that sound?

So, here are my 5 tips for nailing the HR interview (and they may not be what you were expecting to hear):

1.  Prepare the same way for the HR interview as you do for any other interview. 

Use the same vigor and same attention to detail. This shows respect and consideration of their role within the company.  Vet them and get to know their background.  Can you add some unique prep just for HR related issues?  Of course.  But if that is all you ask of the HR group, you are missing out on a significant learning opportunity.

2.  Ask HR the same questions you ask those in sales, marketing, finance and purchasing. 

Ask a smart HR person about plans for the next company picnic and you may see the eyes roll back.  Not that building and managing a positive culture isn’t part of the HR role, but it is not the way to the HR heart.  Many HR staffers are keenly aware of the company’s compensation programs which are often tied to company performance and stock price.  So as long as you are not asking the “look how smart I am” question, assume HR is in the loop on company strategy.  And by asking each question to every person on your dance card, you get a better research result.  A better N or sample size.

3.  Assume HR is a key influencer in the decision process. 

At the very least, the HR person will be a part of the end of day round-up where your next steps get decided.  More likely, HR will be the one compiling the larger group’s comments for the hiring manager.  And if they don’t get all the comments they need, they may fill in a few extra of their own to fill the gap.  And you get to influence those comments by being a strong interview.  Finally, many hiring managers use the HR team as a deciding opinion.  After all, they do a lot of interviewing and can compare you with a lot of others.

4. Kick off your day with a big burst of energy.

Since HR interviews are often first, it is the pace setter for your day.  Stumble early and you may have trouble catching up by lunch time. If you nail this interview, you not only have created early momentum.  You have created an informal sponsor of your candidacy.  Someone who can help you quietly work your way to the top of the list.  Your positive energy combined with a strong skill set and experience match reconfirms the decision to invite you for an interview in the first place.  You move on to round 2 and HR looks good for finding you.

5. Clearly highlight or reinforce your qualifying and memorable accomplishments.

Remember, of all the people you meet during the interview day, the HR team is going to be most schooled on what the hiring manager is targeting.  Often, they are also the most knowledgeable of the company’s desired personality or work-style fit.  So be clear on who you are, what you’ve done and how it will benefit the company.  And how you can drive or support its future growth.

So, be aware of the possibilities when interviewing.  It is possible that the HR interview will include filling out the application and the sharing  of company information.

It is also possible that during your HR interview you will earn every ounce of the complementary bottled water you got on your way in the door.

And wouldn’t you rather be prepared for the latter?  I thought so.

What To Look And Listen For On Interview Day

Article Source:  http://tinyurl.com/ye5f59v

Interview days are big days in job search.  You worked hard to get it, arranged a day to be available, took time to prepare and likely sacrificed something to be there.  And while not quite as big as your wedding day or the birth of your first child, one piece of advice remains the same.  Pay attention to what is happening around you.  Be especially conscious.  It will fly by so fast that, if not careful, you will be left tired and without much memory of what just happened.

From the second you leave the house, forget about trying to memorize key questions and answers and begin paying attention.  Paying attention to the sights and sounds of the day.  Because someone you love, at the end of the day, will say:  “How did it go?”  And you’ll need to have some sort of answer for them.  But more important, your reason for interviewing is not just to impress.  You are there to understand if there is a fit from your standpoint.  The company, those people, that culture. 

And if you spend all of your preparation time on how you will impress, you will be left without any of your own data regarding the fit question.

And if you get an offer at the end of the process, it will largely be because the company sees you as a great fit.  But as you evaluate the job offer – objective and subjective aspects – you’ll need a good memory of the sights and sounds of the day.  You’ll need to separate your desire to find a job with your total response to the experience.

So, what can you look and listen for on interview day?

Well, here’s where knowing yourself a bit prior to arriving really helps:

• Are you a social or introverted person?
• Do you like a busy or calm office environment?
• Are you a team player or more of an independent?

And if you know these things, you can even have “a few things to look for” in the back of your mind.

Here are my thoughts:

1. The Parking Lot.  From the second you exit the car and head toward the front door, there are things to observe. How big is the parking lot?  Is it full?  If visible, what can you see by looking through the exterior office windows?  Are there product posters or other signs of life?  How about the grounds?  Well manicured and attractive?  Does that matter to you?
2. The Lobby.  How is it furnished?  Are there company products out and available to touch?  If there is a receptionist, how are you greeted?  Do you feel welcome or do you feel like you’ve just disrupted something important?  While you wait, is the phone ringing off the hook?  And how is the phone answered?  With authority or with a real desire to help?
3. The Hallways.  On the walk to your first interview, you have a unique opportunity to get a sense for the culture and energy of the office.  As you pass people in the hallway, do the smile and say hello to you?  Do they say hello to your escort and ignore you?  
4. The Offices.  If you walk by offices, how are they furnished?  Lots of personal effects?  Are there meetings going on there or is it mostly just people on computers?  Are the office doors open or shut?  These are all signs. If you choose to notice them.
5. The Conference Rooms.  How about the conference rooms?  Are they being used?  Do people look up when you walk by?  Yearning to be in the hallway with you?  Or are they animated and focused?  Having fun or getting frustrated?
6. The Total Office Environment.  What noises are you hearing?  Dead quiet?  Loud banter?  Joking?  Laughing?  Is that what you’d like to be a part of everyday?  Is this a thriving and growing company?  Or one struggling to figure itself out?  Of all the people you meet, how many smiled at you?

Now I’m not here to suggest you look for Utopia.  And the culture of some offices are not so easy to predict based on a walk through on interview day.  But, unless you know someone who has worked there and can share their experiences, your walk through is the best evidence you have.

If you get a break.  Even a short bathroom break.  Take some notes that can help you remember HOW YOU FELT as you walked through the office area.  Especially important is to remember how you felt as you walked through what would be your department.  If those people weren’t smiling, well now you’ve learned something, right?

And of course, in addition to your open ears and eyes, you can ask some questions to get a sense for those who work there.  Open ended questions are best here.  Such as: “How do you like working here?”.

So, on your big day, make sure to bring big ears and big eyes.  Pay attention and allow the hours in that environment to burn a solid impression.  One that will remain well into the week in which you need to decide if it is the company for you.

Or if you’ll be running from the altar in a matter of weeks.

Obsess Much? How Staying Busy Keeps You Sane During Job Search by Tim Tyrell-Smith

Article Source:  http://tinyurl.com/y8otcj3

I write a lot about the psychology of job search.  For me it is one of the top keys to finding a job in this or any market.  If you have your head on straight, you come across differently than those who don’t.  Your mannerisms deliver you in a confident way.  You avoid the smell of desperation.

It allows you to focus less on over-pursuing job leads and more on pursuing with confidence the next wave of opportunities. 

But even the most confident of us obsess a bit in job search.  Why?  Because “how is it possible that a smart person like me (with my background) isn’t being called for interviews”?  Once the job search moves into months not weeks, you start to wonder.  And wondering becomes worry. Especially if you begin spending your savings to fund your search.

So always having two or three warm leads is important.  That way what happens with one is less important.  As a result you are less often checking e-mail and more often busy doing something more valuable.  Author and blogger Tim Ferriss says to check e-mail twice a day.  At Noon and at 4:00 PM.  Give it a try.

How do you know if you are obsessing?

1. You are consistently going “off plan” to check in with a recruiter (for the fourth time that week).
2. You are continually e-mailing the HR team to see if they got your resume via Monster.
3. You have Outlook set-up to check for new messages every 5 minutes and to make a noise when they come in.
4. Your Blackberry is set-up to “blink red” when a new message comes in.
5. You berate the HR team for not seeing the value you offer to their organization

Of course this is all wasted time and, importantly, wasted energy.

If you are one of those folks checking e-mail every ten minutes, I have some thoughts for you.

1. Build a communication plan.  Decide who is in your job search network and then build an objective plan to confidently reach out on a periodic basis.  For the most part, try to avoid impulsive actions.
2. Change Outlook and Blackberry settings so that you are not “prompted” to check e-mail throughout the day.  No blinking lights and no “you’ve got mail” during job search (also a Ferriss point).
3. If you think you should call and follow-up with a recruiter, HR person or hiring manager.  Check your communication log if you have one.  More than once a week is too much.  If they want you, they will call.
4. On those days and weeks when you know your expectations will be high.  After a submission, after an interview, after a recruiter meeting.  Plan events, meetings and special projects around the house that will keep you busy.  Away from the e-mail.  Ideally when the call finally comes you will be relaxed with your head in the right place to accept whatever news comes your way.
5. In terms of your mindset, remember that your life is not on the line here.  While finding your next role is a big priority, your ability to balance this effort with other important things in life is also key.  Your role as a parent, spouse, uncle or friend.  Those roles can provide a great and highly rewarding distraction.  Just when you need it.

For other ways to stay busy during job search, check out this post:

101 (Other) Things You Can Do While Looking For A Job