The word clutter means different things to different people. While some people have no problem with messy sock drawers, others get lost in piles of paper and lists that keep them going in circles and accomplishing little in their job searches. That’s the kind of clutter that interferes with your goals, and nothing is more crucial than having clear goals during a job search.
Controlling clutter has a lot do with a job search, said Samantha Naeyaert, vice president and owner of Muddle Management. She describes clutter as delayed decisions that happen when priorities are out of line. Clutter keeps people from having peace in their lives and accomplishing their goals.
So, you’ve got clutter. That’s not so bad, right? When you avoid the decision to deal with a messy desk or unread mail, you make a delayed decision, and instead of putting papers where they belong and discarding unnecessary mail, you set up the path for disorder.
Clutter grows when there is no system in place to deal with the papers and materials needed for your job search.
Clutter can be your worst enemy when you’re looking for a job. It can fog your mind precisely when a clear mind is needed to focus and plan your next steps. A chaotic work space takes your mind off of your priorities.
Time is valuable when you are job searching, and you can easily lose track of time when you’re disorganized. Take for example the important task of following up with contacts during your job search. Studies indicate only about 5% of job seekers send thank-you notes.
One simple way to make your job search more effective is to stand from the crowd by taking the time to acknowledge people by sending thank-yous. It’s hard to send notes in a timely manner when clutter abounds.
Clutter does not build confidence. In fact, it does the opposite. It can increase your anxiety level, create a feeling of restlessness and lead to depression.
Picture a job seeker trying to describe their value to a perspective employer during a phone interview. Now, look at the job seeker’s work space. There are stacks of paper and dishes, grocery lists, school work and mail scattered all over his work space.
It’s hard to be confident when your space is cluttered with stuff, but that’s a common scenario when there is no system for managing your job search.
Naeyaert encourages job seekers to keep as much information as possible in digital folders where it can be accessed easily and quickly. Clutter builds when there is no system in place to deal with papers you need to keep for your job search.
Here are some organization ideas:
• One way to create a clean work space is to create a system. Don’t delay filing that piece of paper. If you have a system, you already know where it goes. The decision is made already.
• Create large headings for files. Avoid using manila folders, if possible. Remember the Pareto Principle . This is the 80/20 rule, and it is a reminder that if you file 80% of your papers, you will need only 20% of them, so avoid creating a detailed filing system that takes too long to use.
•Keep regularly used items closest to your work space, and put rarely used items out of the way.
• A clear desk leaves room for creativity. Be sure to leave desk space to work.
Has clutter interfered with your job search?
