8 pitfalls of job-hunting from home

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported earlier this month that long-term unemployment (27 weeks and over) remains above 40 percent. The BLS also stated that the average length of unemployment hovers at more than 40 weeks. That’s probably not what you want to hear, especially if you just left or lost your job.

Many days you will neither network nor go for interview. Most of your time spent searching for your next opportunity will involve you, your desk, and your computer. It’s a tedious cycle of researching opportunities and cyber-stalking hiring managers and potential colleagues to address your cover letters. It’s worse than all those years spent sitting in your cubicle next to that toxic colleague.

The temptations for distraction surround you now that your daily routine has been disrupted. You need to keep to a schedule if you are going to beat-out the next candidate. Here are a few simple and effective ways to keep your mind focused day-in, day-out.

1. Don’t sleep in

Keep your schedule. There’s no need to change your alarm—you still have a full day of job-hunting ahead. Hop in the shower to shake off the cobwebs from a good night’s sleep.

2. Don’t grow a “job hunter” beard