Lost your job?
I can’t speak for everyone, but if you’re a young, educated, hardworking, go-getter that genuinely engages with the outside world then get over it!
Well, don’t get completely over it, you still need a job, but you’re fine!
Not to be optimistic in this incredibly pessimistic age but I saw a sign today that said, “Good news! Employment is at 90%.” It made me happy. And guess what? If you’re college educated that number is even higher – 96 percent. What this means is that if you consider yourself a better candidate than the bottom four percent of the US population that has a college degree, you’re in!
Yes, my attitude here has oversimplified the matter. Losing your job is hard and finding a new, equally or more satisfying job can be difficult – and there are a number of other factors that I’ve completely ignored - but, if you don’t think you’re it then you’re not and nobody is going to hire you. So, repeat after me:
“I, (fill in your name), am an intelligent self starter that can……,” ok just kidding – I’m not Zig Ziglar (‘Who’s that?’ you ask. Look it up).
Positive self talk is great and all, but this is neither the time nor the place. What you need is a plan and some focus. Go!
1. You still have a job. Your job is to find a job. When, as a productive, employed member of society did you wake up in the morning? Keep doing it! Did you play video games and watch TV at 1:27 p.m. when you were employed? Then stop! Wake up, go to your favorite coffee shop/desk/library/junta and do work, son!
2. Knowing what you want to do and in what city you want to be doing it is incredibly important, so figure it out. Without this info in mind your search is going to be less effective and you’re likely to end up with opportunities you don’t really want. Do the research and don’t worry about the fact that you’re not yet looking at specific jobs. Take a broader sweep and figure out which companies to target, which sectors and which cities. The best way to put this information together is with a list – create it then try not to stray too far from it.
Tip: Wikipedia has lists of major corporations headquartered in certain cities.
3. Uh oh, another list. What’s this list about? Networking. I guarantee you don’t even know who you know until you take the time to brainstorm another amazing list. Write down anyone and everyone that comes to mind, some will be duds but a few will become great contacts. Don’t forget to ask your friends and family members who they know as well. Once, I found out my uncle was friends with the CEO of a company I wanted to work for!
4. The all important resume and cover letter are, above all other things, going to be what makes or breaks you in your current situation. There’s tons of info on these two pillars of job hunting out in the ether so no need to go into it here, but let me say just one thing: Ask the most intelligent, business minded higher-ups you can get in touch with to critique your resume and don’t stop until somebody rips it apart. I can’t tell you how many contacts have told me my resume looked “great” only to find that it sucked and needed a major revamp to be competitive. Keep asking, keep revising.
A million tips for the laid off are available on the Internet but these are my top four. One more: The best information you’ll get will be from other, real people, not Web sites or books. Talk to people and don’t stop until a new job is yours.
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