Job Loss: There is a light at the end of the tunnel
By Wayne Pagani, MCRS, MCIS, MCCS
Senior Consultant and Strategist, Graham Management Group
Job loss, downsizing, layoff – these are all terms that describe scenarios that we would prefer to avoid. Yet, these days, they are increasingly becoming a part of our daily conversations and, for many, an unfortunate reality.
If you are dealing with such a
situation, don’t despair. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and
here is how you can find it:
You did not Leave your Skills at the Door
Once you closed the door to your last job, you need to remember that
you retained all the experience, skills, and abilities that you applied
on the job. These talents will drive your return to work and career
transition plan. List your strengths and start looking at how you can
apply them as you move forward. Know your weaknesses and focus on
strengthening them.
Develop Your Leaving Story
How you plan to tell your story will be particularly critical as you
prepare to engage in a strategic job search. Don’t get stumped or –
even worse – embarrassed, simply because you weren’t prepared. Put your
story on paper and get comfortable with knowing your response. You will
be asked the question at some point as you network and perform
interviews. How you convey your message will certainly influence your
outcomes. Have a positive summary that will answer the question without
belabouring it – and certainly not by bashing a former employer.
Take Your Time to Regroup
If you have just left your previous job, there’s no rush to get back
to work immediately. It may seem that way – especially at first, but
this may not be in your best interest. People often jump into the first
thing that comes along only to end up in a miserable dead-end job or
business partnership. Others start self-marketing without really
knowing what they are marketing or to whom. Don’t forsake the
opportunity to invest the time and effort in making sure that you make
the best career decision. Perform an initial self-assessment. Determine
where you are in your career, how you will manage your expenses, and
what next steps will give you the best return on your job search
investment.
Be Proactive in Your Search
To perform your job search, you need to proactively learn about the
labour market as it applies to you. Keep up with what is happening in
your industry, current trends, and future areas of business growth.
There are a number of tools at your disposal - take advantage of them.
Government resources, industry associations, and economic development
websites are abundantly stocked with resources, news, and information.
To save time in your search, subscribe to relevant journals,
newspapers, and your favourite RSS feeds to allow information to funnel
directly to you.
Create your Personal Board of Directors
Be so bold as to form your own personal board of directors (BOD) to
contribute to your career development. If this approach works in
business, then why wouldn’t it work for you? Surround yourself with
leaders and successful people who can help to elevate your own
endeavours. Once or twice a year, plan brainstorming sessions with your
BOD – either individually or in a group; your entire group is likely to
benefit from the process depending on the chemistry and dynamics.
Collect Great References
Give some thought to your references. Make sure that you take time
to maintain regular contact with them. Include and inform them
throughout your job search. Provide them with details of what your
potential employers are looking for so that they are better prepared
when the recruiter or employer calls for a reference check. Most of
all, find creative ways to thank them for their support.
Get Professional Support
If you received outplacement services as part of your severance
package, then engage the provider. At the very least, see what they
have to offer. Most of the best and dominant leaders in our industries
today engage the services of personal or professional coaches. If you
do not have the advantage of an outplacement service, look for the best
professional to support your needs and collaborate with them to get a
competitive advantage. In this shrinking labour market, every little
bit will make a huge difference.
Stay optimistic. Losing a job can be a painful and deflating
experience. However, over time you will rebound and position yourself
to make the most of a bad situation. If you are currently dealing with
job loss, there will come a time that you will succeed in your search.
By bringing everything that you do in your career transition into your
next role, you will carry forward all the assets that you left with
from your last job and all that you gained in between, and secure
valuable long-term insights into how to maintain a sustainable,
leading-edge career perspective for the future.
May this be the crisis that leads you to the opening of a new door –
the light at the end of the tunnel where your greatest career potential
will be found.
Wayne Pagani is known for connecting people with people,
resources, and opportunities. He is an award winning, master certified
resume, interview, and career strategist. As senior consultant for
Graham Management Group, Wayne assists executives, managers, and
six-figure professionals. You can contact Wayne and find further
information and articles directly at www.GrahamManagement.com.
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