Facing The Job Loss Challenge

Many questions on the Interviewing message board have shown some of our readers’ problem in getting a search after leaving or losing a job. But according to me it may be useful for us to start a job at the beginning.

If we see the work culture of the new millennium one thing is very clear that nearly all work is now short term, frequently even careers themselves. It is obvious that you have to mould yourself according to the change whether that change suits you or not. If we see the current statistics, which almost all say that the average job is only about three to four years now, a rather dramatic change from 15 years ago when the average was about 10 years.

It will be better if you understand that there will be an emotional roller coaster, most severely during the first few days. This ride will include lots of depression, apathy, denial, anger and then some more anger. One degree or another degree everyone goes through this stage. And I just don’t understand that why people don’t believe in this thing.

It is not good to call everyone you know and start sending out resumes, answering ads, and calling recruiters. Because most of the times you are not prepared for the start a search after a separation. Don’t do a job search “on the rebound”. You’ll probably say things that you will wish you hadn’t. But it is good to share your true feelings about the situation with only a few people- maybe your close friends or your family members. You don’t want everyone to avoid you (“Uh oh, here comes the whiner…”). Now is the time to adopt the marketing stance that your career – no matter how you perceive the reality – has been sunshine, light, and success. And you want everyone to know about those successes.

Calling to everyone you know is NOT networking. Networking is a indirect relationship building, quite a different thing.

Develop a target. Years ago, in my private practice, I was deluged with people announcing, “I want to be in TV.” I never knew what does that meant…. did it mean television repair? Developing a target is the centerpiece of beginning your search. What is the job function- specifically? What is the desired culture? Geographic location? Size of organization? Do you want to start your own business? Consult? Do you have Dot-com-Virus? This may all involve some extensive self-assessment, with or without outside assistance – but it’s necessary.

And then, of course, you need to research your target.

Stick to your marketing plan. It is good to work on the system; there are no shortcuts, except for the occasional bolt of lightning. Discipline and consistency account for a lot in this process.

It is good to be flexible. If you’re really listening while developing those relationships, your target might shift and adjust.

Losing or leaving your job doesn’t mean that you are carrying the stigma it used to, except in your own mind. Its part of the culture now. And everyone has to admit this thing that everyone has to go through this process one day.

If you are loosing a job or leaving a job it doesn’t mean the stigma it used to, except in your own mind. Its part of the culture now which everyone has to face one day.

JobConcierge offers automated job search – real people who search 300 job boards and submit applications to take care of your entire online job search. The site is known for its best jobs for 2010