Inertia: The lack of movement. An object sitting still. An object without movement. The tendency of a body at rest to remain at rest or of a body in straight line.

The enemy of a good job search -- a search that lands the job hunter a good job sooner -- is lack of movement, lack of activity. That might be due to lack of motivation or momentum, or "waiting to see what will happen next month", or "Let's see if I get that call" or "There's a lot of info on the web, I'll find the secrets there". Or job search activity that's only in a straight line -- meaning, uncreative, as in using static wording in your resume or LinkedIn profile instead of showing your successes.

Or sometimes a job hunter will "need a break". This often happens after a burst of activity, and usually if that activity -- an interview, for example -- does not result in an offer. The dejected candidate stops their activity to lick their wounds. Or, the candidate who does get that second or third interview eases up on all other activity, because they figure they've got this one in the bag. Result: inertia.

If the job hunter's waiting or hoping does not materialize into an offer, other activity usually dries up, and they've lost momentum.

To overcome inertia: First, the best thing to do is have a plan for your search, and follow through with the plan regardless of losses or wins during your search. Activity is key.

Second: Motivate yourself during the search, too! Re-read your excellent performance reviews from your current or former job. Stay in touch with your references, who are your biggest cheerleaders. Stay current with your field. Refresh yourself in what VALUE you bring to a new employer. They need you!

Third: Try something new, and that will give you new energy. For example, at your next interview, bring a graph with you that points out why YOU are the best fit for the job. Or refresh your portfolio and make it a point to show it to the interviewer. You want the job, don't you? Then go all out for it.

Fourth: Keep yourself in the positive. Avoid listening to bad economic news over and over again. Associate with can-do people who will urge you on instead of keeping you off-task.

Doing these things will keep you in control of your search instead of it controlling you and causing inertia.

Smart search activity -- and movement -- will lead you to your next position. Keep moving, and see that you'll land sooner!

Congratulations to clients Lee, in IT management, and Tom, in hospitality management, who just landed! Others are in multiple interview mode, so it's just a matter of time.

And hearty congrats to Face2Face members Pat F., Mike M., George D., Chris D., Mark K., and Steve S. -- Steve landed because of a connection he made at Face2Face! The logjam in the jobs part of the economy seems to be loosening a bit, and that's good news!

Thank you for referrals from Scott F., Ingrid H., James H., Marni H., Carl J., Bob S., and others who've trusted us with their families and friends and clients. All our clients come to us via word of mouth, so we deeply appreciate your endorsement of us and trust in us. I consider it an honor to work with each and every person.

Are you tired of waiting for "something" to happen in your career while watching others land good jobs? Are you ready to take action and land where you should be? Do you want to laugh at the Great Recession? Then consider a Quick Consult with the Queen. Job search and resume queen, that is!

Here's what one Marketing Manager said about his Quick Consult: "I definitely felt like the session gave a fresh direction to my job search and have already begun to implement a number of your ideas into my strategy."

Why let more time go by with no salary or a too-low salary? Find out what's right AND what's wrong during a Quick Consult with the Queen. This 1 1/2 to 2-hour session gives you concrete steps to follow for getting unstuck. It also gives you practical insights into what YOU bring a new employer, knowledge about what sets you apart from the crowd of other candidates. The fee is $175 and the results are priceless!

And if you choose to work with Joanne on these steps, that fee is applicable to any job search project package.

Joanne Meehl does Quick Consults in person, via Skype, or over the phone. Call or email us today to schedule your session.