Surviving a Layoff – Creating a Blueprint For Putting Your Best Foot Forward

May 24th, 2009 | By Bill | Category: Employment News, Resumes



This is no doubt one of the most challenging times to be living in America. With inflation, fluctuating gas prices, and the stock market rollercoaster ride, most people are struggling to make sense of it all and somehow plot their course in the storm. In a sobering report, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the national unemployment rate recently rose to more than 8 percent. The sudden loss of a job can leave us consumed with anger and frustration and a self-esteem that is in shambles. So, how can we pick ourselves up and move forward in the face of an economic downturn? Tory Johnson, the CEO of Women for Hire and Workplace Contributor for Good Morning America has been there, and says, “It was a harsh way to learn that not every boss, not every environment, not every job is going to work out.” But as with most adversity, she says we can come out of this stronger and more poised for a positive future if follow a few guidelines.

Know that you are not your job. Let’s face it, we’re a society that prizes position and accomplishment, but if your whole sense of self is wrapped up in your position at work, it can mean trouble. Due to the overwhelming amount of time and effort we put into our jobs, the minute that’s taken away we’re not sure who we are anymore. In striving to be the best in our careers we’ve unknowingly placed ourselves in a vulnerable position. Psychotherapist and FOX News contributor Beatty Cohan says this is a common scenario, “It really takes an enormous amount of inner strength to realize this phase may be over, but there is life after losing a job. With a plan, you can get yourself back on track.”

Secure your financial future. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that step one in that plan has to be earning some money, and pronto. Of course, knowing it and doing it, are two different things. Many of us have a very specific idea of what the perfect job looks like and are reluctant to settle for less. Tory Johnson says that’s a common mistake, “if you don’t have a reserve of savings that you can count on, that might mean taking a temporary and immediate position while you look for something that’s going to be more permanent and long-term.” The key word here is temporary. Holding out for the Holy Grail can cause more stress than it’s worth if the bills are piling up. You can still continue to look for the ideal job while you’re bringing in some much needed cash.

Put a face to your resume. At first glance, the internet looks like a life-raft to a drowning man, but Johnson says relying on it too heavily is the biggest mistake a job seeker can make. “You can sit in front of your computer all day and apply to hundreds of jobs, and then get frustrated when weeks and months go by and you’ve gotten no response,” she says.” The computer approach too often results in a false sense of accomplishment. Due to the large number of applicants applying these days, the key is to make an effort to stand out from the crowd by either picking up the phone or hand delivering your resumes. “Getting out of your house and talking to two people about a job is more valuable than applying to 30 jobs online,” says Johnson. Other ways to meet like-minded people who might offer opportunities are to join an industry group or association, attend career fairs, or go to a book signing on a topic you’re interested in.

Be able to articulate what you’re looking for. This is the perfect time to make a list of all the things you loved, and hated, about your old job. You can use this opportunity to fine-tune your desires for your next job so that they accentuate your strengths and downplay your weaknesses. If an interviewer asks you what you’re looking for and all you do is hem and haw and mutter “uh, a job,” then odds are you’ll be back on the sidewalk in a matter of minutes. A better approach is to think about what your perfect job would look like, narrow down your top three qualifications, and give that as your answer.

Do your research. You’ll really score points with your interviewer if you conduct a little research before you walk in the door. The internet is a fountain of information, so use that to your advantage. Your goal is to clearly understand the position that you’re applying for and know enough about the company that you can speak to both the needs of that position and the organization.

Evaluate the health of not only the company, but also the industry and geography in which it operates. It’s important to take a good, hard look at the path you’ve chosen. Is this a field that shows growth potential? Certainly the economy is in a slump across the board, but it may pay to take a closer look at your particular area of focus. The ending of a job is the perfect time to re-evaluate your career path and make some changes, if needed. Evaluate your area of the country, as well. Perhaps making a move to another part of the U.S. would open up more opportunities for you.

Speak with someone who actually works for the company.

Here’s a great tip. Who knows more about a company and what it’s looking for than the people who actually work there? Through websites like www.linkedin.com you can make contact with individuals who may be able to give you the inside skinny before you sit down in the hot seat. Most employees are eager to share information as long as they’ll remain anonymous.

Best Advice: Be realistic and then optimistic. Expect some disappointments. It’s a tough job market out there and there are thousands of other job-seekers staring down the same path of rejection as you. However, you can stand out from the crowd by refusing to give into pessimism and negativity. Remember, you can’t always control your circumstances but you can control your attitude. In a waiting room of down-trodden applicants, the one with the most optimistic and energetic demeanor will be the last man, (or woman), standing.

Marci Wise has spent more than 20 years in the Mass Communications industry, striving to bring people valuable information to help them in their daily lives. Her internet radio show “Finding Meaning in the Mysterious with Marci Wise,” which airs on http://www.theshiftradio.com, helps put listeners in touch with their own “inner knowing” with regards to deciphering the messages of the Universe. In addition, she’s also a freelance writer in the process of completing her first book and provides ghostwriting services for others, as well. For a list of her latest articles, visit her website, http://www.marciwise.com .

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