Laid Off? Now What?
November 12, 2008 by Darlene McDaniel
Filed under Jobs
The announcement regarding DHL got me thinking about layoffs and how I can help people who find themselves wondering about how to find a job during these tough times. Here are some things to consider if you find yourself in the job market unexpectedly:
1. Take some time to develop a job search strategy. You may need to begin working somewhere in order to have an income, to cover expenses, bills, etc. But take a day or two, a week or two if you can afford it to develop your job search strategy. Some questions you may want to consider in developing your strategy include:
a. Are you willing to move?
b. Are you willing to change your vocation?
c. Are you willing to take a pay cut?
d. How much do you have in savings?
e. Can you afford to wait to find employment or do you need to begin working immediately?
f. Is unemployment an option for you? Don’t ignore this option. It may help bridge a financial gap.
2. Identify at least 5 different jobs you are willing to consider. If you can identify more, than do so. You can’t have too many options.
3. Network, Network, Network! Don’t shy away from talking to people. Connect or reconnect with people who are still employed. The best way back into the job market is to tap into the hidden job market. The key to unlocking the hidden job market is networking!
4. Update your resume and cover letter. No “padding”! Make sure you include a healthy dose of your accomplishments. Don’t just list dates, titles, and responsibilities. What did you accomplish? Connect your accomplishments, skills and abilities to the job requirements included in the job descriptions you are considering.
5. Prepare for potential interviews. Especially prepare how you will respond to “why you were laid off?” “Have you ever been terminated?” Practice what you will say. Write it down, practice articulating it and ensure that all anger, bitterness, frustration are dealt with before you sit down with a hiring manager. If they suspect that you are angry, bitter, or frustrated you may not get past the first or second interview.
Your emotional well-being will make or break you during this job search. If you need to vent, do so, prior to sitting down to discuss potential opportunities. Work on your emotional bank account. If you know you are at a deficit, get to work, Your success depends on it.
Tags: Laid off, Interview Chatter, Network, Resume, Cover Letter, Prepare, Interview, Padding Resume, Preparation, Job Search, DHL, Unemployment, Job Requirements, Hidden Job Market
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After hearing about two friends getting laid off in the last few weeks, this advice couldn’t come at a better time. I’ll definitely be passing along these points – really helpful!
Good advice. I’d like to add one thing to point number two: what job have you discounted as a pipe dream?
I was a veteran in the hotel biz when I was “let go.” The money was good, and I had a solid track record, but my heart wasn’t in it. Once I was out, I had a hard time with the realization that I didn’t want to go back. I wanted to be a writer.
I did my research and homework and, in less than two months, I was working as a writer for an ad agency…even though I had no experience or formal training for the job.
Getting fired sucks, there’s no doubt about it. But don’t let that terrible feeling blind you to the possibilities that exist.
And as for taking a pay cut…since I had no experience, the job required me to take a $13K pay cut [well...actually that's not true, since I was now making exactly $0K per year ;) ]. But I loved the work and was good at it, and within two years I was making 50% more than I had been as a Hotel GM.
As scary as it is, your future is a blank canvas. And it’s easier to take that leap of faith when you’ve already hit rock bottom.
Hi Rachel and Danny! Thank you for stopping by Interview Chatter today!
Rachel – I am glad the information helps! I will be writing more on this topic over the next few days and weeks. Please let me know if I can do anything to assist your friends.
Danny – WOW!! Thank you for your add to #2. It is AWESOME and I think I may use it to write my post – part 2 of the this series on Laid Off! Now What? I appreciate your story! Thank you so much for sharing it!!!! I am glad you are doing what you love to do!! More people should get that blessing! Please stop by any time!
Darlene
Darlene, another great post. But I think there is one thing that we need to discuss as well. In a competitive market, the art of selling oneself is important. Candidates need to move past the post my resume, or submit my resume, and then wait for answer that will never come. A sense of urgency is required to get the next position, and with economic news uncertain, people need to move quickly.
Danny, I read your post with interest. I am a Christian and associate all of the actions/results with God. Therefore in reading your post and describing your coming into your new job – I find that awesome. I believe that God makes paths and places us in situations that we would not have taken ourselves. I am certain if you were not fired, you would not have quit and taken the new position. Sometimes things happen for a reason, outside of our control, but He knows where it is all headed.
Hey Jason! The art of selling oneself! I like it. I will chew on that today. It is a great suggestion. One of the reasons I got into career counseling was to assist people in their interview. I work with my clients and teach them how to discuss who they are and what they bring to the table. I like the way you put it, so don’t be surprised if I use your terminology! Have a great night!
I think as we consider the market moving forward, we will find that the work force will become even more fluid. By fluid, people will express themselves in their companies for certain projects, moving to and fro, offering little resemblence to the stable worker staying at one company for 20 yrs. With that, the art of selling oneself will become the most important point of the day.