Keep Your Chin Up, Job Seeker
The circumstances of how one comes to lose his or her job may differ, but the questions that follow are the same: What will I do now? Do I have enough savings? How am I going to tell my family? Is something wrong with me?
Job loss is a rejection, and those who have been laid off know that what follows could be akin to a period of mourning – mourning a career, a daily routine, a way of life. While feelings of self-depredation following a job loss are normal, it is crucial that new job seekers get out of that mindset immediately.
The truth is a job loss or job search has happened to almost everyone, and if it has not happened to someone, it inevitably will.
A job seeker is not damaged goods despite how he or she may feel after a job loss. Your skills, accomplishments, and experience do not disappear after you lose your job; you are simply transitioning from one position to another. This time can be a remarkable opportunity for you to find a position best suited to your talents and interests. If you keep your job search in a positive light, whether through discussing it with friends, family, and professional contacts or just in your private thoughts, others will take notice, including interviewers and hiring managers. Almost all new positions are found through face-to-face connections, and companies want to hire happy people.
Related: Hear Challenger SVP, Rick Spriggle share guidance for anyone in a professional transition.
Learn more about Challenger’s career transition services for individuals.
tips to help manage the first days of a job search.
- The first days following a job search are best used cataloging skills and accomplishments, as well as previous positions, employers, dates of employment, and if applicable certifications, licenses, or awards for the resume. Make sure to include lots of numbers and data, for example, dollar amounts you’ve saved the company or budgets you’ve managed.
- Job seekers should have a short pitch ready that includes the value you can bring to an organization as well as past accomplishments.
- While it may seem counter-intuitive, tell everyone you know you are currently seeking employment. Make a list of contacts and meet with at least one person per day. Related: How to build and connect your network.
BONUS!
Hear more about how to manage the job search!
We interview veteran job search coach John Wirkes about the stress of the job search and how to best keep your head in the game. If you have any follow up questions or would like to hear discussions on other topics in upcoming episodes, please leave us a comment on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
Future episodes include diversity, women in business, global HR issues, outplacement trends and more!
