Music Job Search Series: And Now We Wait…

Through out this series I have covered Job Searching, Resumes, Cover Letters, Special Requests for Worship Musicians, and Selling Yourself to Prospective Employers. This next installment will list some of the things you can do while you wait to hear back from potential employers.

Give yourself a daily routine and cultivate healthy daily habits. Organize your morning to get a good breakfast and take care of yourself before you start your work for the day. Make a plan for each day that is doable and will help you feel successful.   

Keep current on your job alert emails. Make a list of all the jobs that you are going to applying for that day. I have a spreadsheet that I use to input all the information I need in one place.  

Talk to your referral network regularly and be on the look out for additional networking opportunities. Check regularly but don't spend all your day on facebook or linkedin. Give yourself an hour and set the timer. This is a place where I struggle and need to take my own advice. You will thank me later. 

Read something positive everyday to keep you motivated. I love a good quote and try to surround myself with bits of positive wisdom throughout the day.  

"Chase down your passion like it's the last bus of the night." 

~Terri Guillemets

Pray for guidance and discernment. Don't forget to pray and take your joys and concerns to God. You are looking for jobs in music ministry after all. A job search is an uncertain time in anyone's life and you don't have to go it alone. We all could use a little comfort and guidance right now. Take a minute right now to connect to God.


Send Thank you notes and/or emails after all interviews and referral opportunities to show your gratitude and appreciation. Here are a few thank you letter samples to get you started:

After Interview Thank You Email :: Job Interview Site

Interview Thank You :: Thank You Note Samples

Sample Thank You :: Job Search at About.com

Email Thank You Message Examples :: Job Search at About.com

Don't forget your devotional life. Find a new book or devotional that lifts your spirits. Make time for stillness and quiet.  I am currently reading Max Lucado's "Traveling Light" which is based on the 23rd Psalm.  It also has a  music component that is nice for us worship musicians.  

Keep learning and improving your skills. Take a music lesson, find a free webinar, check out new books from the library. These are just a few examples. There are tons of free resources on-line that you can use to keep your skills fresh. I have enjoyed a few free webinars from worshiptraining.com and many blog articles that have helped to keep me current. Stay active on your favorite music sites and post comments and questions. There are several great choices in the links list on the left hand side of this blog.

Make music whenever you can. Find opportunities to share your skills in music and worship, jam with friends, plan a recital or evening of music for a local fund raiser or event. And don't forget to practice. Pick up a new song you have always wanted to learn and spend time on it regularly. 
 
Tie up Loose ends in your life. Complete that filing project you never seem to get to. Plan that road trip you have always wanted to take. A few things on my personal list include enrolling to take my final class for church musician certification so I can move to the next step and making recordings of music that I have been working on to add to my musical resume. Once you get your dream music job you might not have time for awhile to get these projects done. So, don't wait!  Now is the time to work on your list. 
 
Try something new! Have you always wanted to learn to knit or learn another language? You might want to try a new experience or hobby right now. Broaden your horizons and learn a new craft or skill. 
 
 

Through out this series I cover Job Searching, Resumes, Cover Letters, Special Requests for Worship Musicians, Selling Yourself to Prospective Employers, and what to do while you wait.