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The Layoff Lady: Blog

Talking To All The People About Your Layoff

2/7/2023

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By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Managing Curious and Well-Intentioned People

​I think one of the hardest things about being laid off is telling other people about it--specifically fielding their uninvited questions. I'm not talking about work people or your professional network, either. I'm talking about the family friend you run into at the grocery store, that parent you went to a PTA meeting with once, and the neighbor you seldom see. Worse yet, is interacting with a group of well-intentioned people who in-mass express their curiosity, worry, and opinions regarding your well being. 

Here are a few suggested talking points for managing those conversations that seem to pop up at just the wrong time.

Getting Your Patter Down

After you've chatted with your inner circle--those people with whom you share your raw and uncut thoughts, feelings, and worries, it’s time to think about how you talk about this with all the rest of the people. It is those people who make random comments, who don't really know how layoffs go, and who might be trying to be helpful or supportive or to give you advice on a situation that is foreign to them. For you, especially if you're feeling vulnerable, these conversations may be rough. Your goal may be to get through the awkwardness and move on to other topics.  

To prepare, it is helpful to have an idea how to respond. Here are a few suggestions for talking points to get you through.

Talking About Your Current State and Near Term Plans

  • You were not fired, discarded, cut loose, or shitcanned. These words all implied that you did something terrible enough to get fired over or that you’re mad because something awful was done to you. 
  • You were laid off, your job ended, your position was eliminated, or you were part of a company-wide reduction in force. It is just a thing that happened, and now you don’t work at the place where you worked before.

  • You are not unemployed, in between jobs, an ex-employee of Big Important Tech Company, or a big giant loser.
  • You are in transition, in career transition, searching for your next great role, or looking for the job that is a right next step for you.​

Talking About The Job You No Longer Have

The question: I heard you’re unemployed. What happened there!
Your core message: My job ended. It is a thing that happened.

  • I was part of a company-wide reduction in force at ABC Lending. My job ended on Tuesday.
  • I was part of a layoff. About 500 of us were part of the reduction in force when the company restructured. That happened earlier this week.
  • I was one of the 1000 people who had their position eliminated at XYZ company. It happened earlier this month.
  • I got laid off. It happened a bit ago.
  • My job ended recently along with about a hundred other people at the company. 

Talking About What Is Next For You

The question: What are you going to do now? I would be freaking out. 
Or
​I’d be scared to death if I was you. Are you sure you’ll be okay?
Or 
​A person I sort of know lost their house/was unemployed for years/had to take a pay cut/never worked again.
​

Your core message: I’m going to keep on living and also look for a new job.
​
  • I’m making a plan for what to do next.
  • ​I’ve had some time to think about it, and I know my next steps.
  • I’ve made friends with the change, and I’m working towards my next role.
  • I am worried, but I know I’ll be okay. I have a plan.
  • It can be stressful, but I’m going to do the right things and it will work out.

Acknowledging People's Assurances

The question/comment: Don’t worry. It’ll be fine. Hang in there! You’re so talented!

​Your response:
Thanks. 

Addressing People's Well Intentioned (and Sometimes Awful) Advice

The comments:
  • You should just get a job as a bus driver/multi-marketing scheme salesperson/sign spinner!
  • You should hold out for a better job than you’ve ever had where you get all the vacation/all the money/are the ruler of the free world!
  • You should go back to school/start your own consulting company/have a baby/adopt many cats/quit working altogether.
  • You should downsize your house/sell your car/auction your jewelry/maybe get a yurt/live in a box outside your mom’s house.
Your core message: I appreciate you. I will make the right decision for me.
  • Thank you for your suggestions. I’m figuring out what is right for me.
  • I definitely have options. I'm figuring out my next steps.
  • Thank you for your insights. I have a plan for what to do.

Learn More

  • How to Tell Your Friends and Family That You've Been Laid Off
  • Explaining A Layoff in an Interview
  • The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What? 
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An Unlikely Day of Reflection

1/31/2023

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Looking Back

There are several days each year where people typically look back and assess their lives. This could be the anniversary of a death, a holiday full or memories, or your birthday. For me, the day I reflect is Groundhog Day.

February 2, 2006

Early in 2006, my life was at a crossroads. My then-husband and I were in the process of getting divorced, and I was figuring out how to transition from a house to two houses and what co-parenting my 2-year old daughter would be like. The one stable thing I had was my job. I was happy to have one thing that I could count on not changing.

…and then February 2 happened.

That morning, I went to work. I took a few minutes between meeting to create a spreadsheet to figure out if I could afford to buy a condo I’d looked at the night before on my own. As I saved my file, I got a tap on the shoulder that I had an impromptu meeting. I grabbed a pen and a legal pad and walked into a conference room full of executives who informed me that position was eliminated due to restructuring because of the company being acquired.

Welcome to layoff #2.

​I was in shock. I returned to my desk, deleted my spreadsheet (which had just become irrelevant), told my coworker Brad “I’m gone,” and found myself sitting in my car with a box containing all of my formerly workly possessions.


From the parking lot of my ex-workplace, I called my soon to be ex-husband to tell him about my now ex-job.  His only response was “huh.”

Then, It Got A Little Worse

That weekend, I was on a road trip to visit some of my high school friends for a fun weekend of reminiscing and going to the Snowflake Ski Jump. On my way there, a local cop pulled me over for speeding. As I sat there, I glanced at the notification I’d just received from unemployment sitting in my passenger seat—the one that said I’d receive less money than the previous time I’d been laid off—meaning I wouldn’t be bringing enough money in to cover my half of the mortgage. As the officer came to my window, I could feel the tears well up. I could not get a ticket, too. I would cry (as I often heard people threaten to do), but this was no empty threat that would come to bear only through theatrics. I was legit going to fall apart if this happened.
​
This moment—sitting in the car with indications of my life failures greatest hits smacking me in the face, was a low point in my life—rivaled only by my dad’s unexpected death when I was still in high school.​

Then, It Got a Little Better

Fortunately, I think because of my street cred, which included being a native of a town nearby, I drove away ticket free. One thing had gone okay. Then I got to see friends, connect with new people, and spend more time with my daughter. I also had the time and space to figure out what to do with myself now.

The Transition Begins

It was an ugly, ugly few months.

I applied for countless jobs. I put our house up for sale. My daughter’s dad (new language from the book Mom’s House, Dad’s House) and I decided to move in tandem to Minneapolis, Minnesota from Madison, Wisconsin. I looked for jobs, made business connections, and stayed with friends on the way to and from my regular trips to Minneapolis. I didn’t sleep well for months. A tree fell down in my front yard the day of my open house, so I figured out how to have a giant tree removed while driving on I-90 back home from a job interview. 

That May, I found a job, a pre-school for my daughter, a new place to live, and reconnected with one of my best friends from high school. Later, my daughter's dad found a job and moved to Minneapolis, along with his new girlfriend (who was a lovely person and was good to my daughter).

Then, to mix it up, I totaled my car, dated and broke up with a couple of people, and got Shingles three times in a row. Some days, after work, I would lie on my floor and look at the ceiling in my apartment, my low-cost therapy as I acclimated to all of the life changes. I adjusted to my new normal after going through every major life change (save a death in the family and someone I love going to prison) I could think of to endure. 

Then, It Kept Getting Better

In October, on the same day, I was approved for a car loan and found out that my house in Madison had new owners. Over time, I made two great friends from my job, and I got comfortable in a new city. I started dating someone who was great, then bought a house with and married that guy--who is an awesome step-dad and cat dad.

I got laid off again and got another good job, then got laid off again and got an even better job. Through layoffs, and trials and reemployments and trials and tribulations, things have gone pretty well overall. Through it all, my husband is awesome, my now-adult daughter is amazing, and the cats mostly tolerate my presence. 

A Frame of Reference for Gratitude

Sometimes, I see people who don’t seem happy with what they have. The strange upside of having gone through rough times is that it gives you a frame of reference. It reminds me to be grateful for the roof over our heads, my husband sitting playing video games with our two cats in his lap, my healthy, happy daughter, and an ongoing stream of new challenges and adventures. 

I’m grateful for being active, able-bodied, and having a strong sense of well-being. I am grateful for heat in the winter, air conditioning in the summer, and all the machines that do my housework. I treasure mother/daughter movie night, trips to the skating rink, and building relationships with new friends and colleagues. I value my roller derby skates, my outside roller skates, and my inline skates. I appreciate my cats, Zippy and Meathook, and the combination of disdain and affection they have for me.  I am genuinely grateful for it all. Groundhog Day is my annual reminder to remember all these things.

Learn More

  • Mom’s House, Dad’s House: Making Two Homes for Your Child
  • The Ten Most Stressful Life Events: The Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale
  • 29 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude You Don't Want To Miss 
  • The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What? ​
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Interview Follow Up: Thank You Notes

1/24/2023

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by Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Adding Value Through Communication

It’s amazing how much of the job search process involves waiting to hear back and trying to communicate with the hiring team in a way that adds value. One easy way to further strengthen your relationship with the hiring team is by sending a thank you note.  While you could send an actual paper thank you note, in an environment with predominantly virtual interactions, I usually opt for a thank you email message. 

But Why?

During the interview process, your main goal is to position yourself as someone who would be a good direct report for the hiring manager and an awesome team member for your future coworkers. One easy way to be more likeable is to be grateful and appreciative of people and their time. Sending a thank you email is a great way to do just that.

Thank You Message Basics

Sending a thank you message is another chance for your interviewers to see your name and have a positive experience with you. Who doesn’t like to be thanked for doing a thing? 

Here are key details to include in your post-interview thank you message:
  • Their first name
  • Names of other people in your interview
  • That you are still interested in the role
  • The position for which you applied and when you interviewed
  • Your contact information

Here’s the core content to include in a thank you message:

Hi, Peter.

Thanks so much for meeting with me earlier this week to discuss the Super Cool Support Manager position with Best Company Ever. It was great getting a chance to talk with you, Paul, and Mary about the support team and this opportunity. I am definitely interested in learning even more about role.

If you have additional questions for me, feel free to reach out to me via email at myemail@gmail.com or via text/phone at 555-555-5555.

Thanks again!

--Brenda

Next Level Thank You Message Magic

In addition to the basic message, without writing a full-on manifesto, take the time to add a little more relevant information. This is a great opportunity to add  additional details and even more value to the interaction. This will also help make you more memorable. Here are a few suggested points to cover:

  • Include something you talked about during the conversation or a detail they mentioned about themselves or the role.
  • Send a separate thank you email to each of your interviewers. Add a details specific for each person.
  • Include a list of skills you bring to the table.
  • Include work samples or follow up on any questions they had during your interview.
  • Share a resource to follow up on a topic you discussed.

Here's what the message to the hiring manager might look like:

Hi, Peter.

Thanks so much for meeting with me earlier this week to discuss the Super Cool Support Manager position with Best Company Ever. It was great getting a chance to talk with you, Paul, and Mary about the support team and this opportunity. It was great learning about your new knowledge base and help desk ticket prioritization model. I’m excited to join an organization with a commitment to documentation and continuous process improvement.

As we discussed, here are a few relevant skills I bring to the table:
  • Technical writing and setting up knowledge base categories and hierarchies
  • Implementing informal mentoring programs 
  • Leveraging projects as developmental opportunities for call center staff
  • A methodology for keeping KB articles current

In addition, here is the link to that article I mentioned entitled “18 Knowledge Base Examples That Get It Right." ​Chapter 9 in this article covers some of the metrics we were discussing:

https://www.helpscout.com/helpu/knowledge-base-examples/

If you have additional questions for me, feel free to reach out to me via email at myemail@gmail.com or via text/phone at 555-555-5555.

It was great getting a chance to talk with you—and I hope you have a great time on your fly fishing trip this weekend!
​
--Brenda

Here's what a message to one of your future coworkers, Mary, might look like:

Hi, Mary.

It was great meeting you earlier this week to discuss the Super Cool Support Manager position with Best Company Ever. I enjoyed talking with you, Paul, and Peter about the support team and this opportunity. I think my past experience working at Not Quite As Cool Company will help me add value to the team.
 
I also hope you have fun on your upcoming trip to Minneapolis. As a fellow coffee lover, I suggest you stop at Dogwood Coffee Company. It’s honestly the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had and well worth the trip. It sounds like you’ll be staying not too far from their Northeast location. Here’s where that is at:

https://www.dogwoodcoffee.com/pages/locations
 
If you have additional questions for me (professional or coffee related), feel free to reach out to me via email at myemail@gmail.com or via text/phone at 555-555-5555.
 
Thanks again!

--Brenda

Thank You Note Timing

I used to quickly send thank you messages right after I completed an interview. That way, the message would arrive in each person's inbox within a half hour after our conversation.

​Now, I tend to wait at least until the next day, or even two days, in order to send the thank you. This puts time between our initial conversation and when they get this "remember me--I exist and I'm awesome" message. Much like commercials, ads or billboards remind you of the existence of a product or service you might want, I used my thank you messages as a second touchpoint with that person. 

Learn More

  • Thanks or No Thanks?
  • The Layoff Lady: Interview Preparation - The Initial Phone Screen
  • The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What? ​
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Interview Preparation: The Initial Phone Screen

1/17/2023

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by Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Hooray! You Have an Interview!

After goodness knows how many applications, FINALLY, you have heard back from a company who wants to talk with you! There is hope after all! Welcome to what is often step one of the interview process: the phone screen.

Remember, each company may handle their interview process just a little differently. Regardless, some version of a phone screen is the starting point. A phone screen can be anywhere from the basic 30-minute voice only call where they make sure you can speak coherently and understand what you applied for all the way up to a full blown deep dive into your resume. Typically, you'll be speaking with a recruiter, not the hiring manager, at this point in the process.

​In this article, we'll talk about the more basic initial phone screen, how to prepare, and typical questions asked.

...And So It Begins: Email or Voice Mail From a Recruiter

In many cases, a recruiter will reach out to you directly to schedule a phone screen through email. Many companies are using a scheduling program (like Calendly) so you can select a time that works for you. If this is the case, I would suggest taking a slot as soon as you can get in and comfortably complete the interview. For me, that would be the next day if possible. 

In other cases, you may receive a phone call from a recruiter that invites a call back. In these cases, they may be asking to schedule a phone interview with you, or they may just launch right into it in that phone screen while they have you on a call. Personally, I'll usually do my interview preparation before making that initial phone call back to the recruiter just in case they want to do it right then and there. 

Interview Prep: Questions

Don't let the supposed informality of a phone call fool you. This is for reals an interview. You need to be ready to make a good impression and answer key questions. Here are the phone screen interview questions that you for sure need to be prepared to answer. Keep these in mind as you research the role, the company, and your interviewer. (We'll talk more about answering these questions well in a bit.)

​
Here are the most common questions I have experienced in a phone screen:
​
  • Is this still a good time for us to talk?
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why are you looking for a new job?
  • Why are you interested in this role?
  • What do you know about our company?
  • ​What is your desired salary?
  • What questions do you have for me?

Interview Prep: The Role

Given that you may have applied for many, many jobs since the one for which you are interviewing, it's important to refamiliarize yourself with this role. Make sure that when you speak to your interviewer, you are positioning yourself as a strong candidate who is able to do (and wants to do) this specific job.
  • Review the job description. Remind yourself of what you applied for, the title, and what they indicated were the desired qualifications.
  • Get out your Googles: Look up any acronyms you aren't sure of, and make sure you can speak to the skills they say they need. Be ready to speak in the terms they use in the job description and relate your experience to that particular job.
  • Skim your resume. If you customize your resumes for each role, it's good to reacquaint yourself with how you described your skills in this specific resume. This review  will also help you use the points you included in your resume as a basis for the stories you'll tell to illustrate your skills.

Interview Prep: The Company and Your Interviewer

Now that you remember what the role is about, take time to learn more about the company. Remember, you're learning information that will help you present yourself well, answer questions about the company and what they do, and even know about current initiatives and news about the organization. 
​
  • Check out the company on LinkedIn. Note the industry they are in, what their products and services are, their size, headquarters location, and their recent posts. If you haven't done so already, follow their company page.
  • Visit the company’s website. Take a look at their mission, vision, and values. See what press releases are on their site, and any awards they may have received. Look at their marketing materials. Review information on their leaders. Consider signing up for their newsletter. 
  • View your interviewer's LinkedIn profile. Do this the day before or day of your interview. Make note schools they attended, where they currently live, their work history, and any posts they may have made. This is a great way to find out what you and your interviewer might have in common so you can have a more robust conversation. Note any LinkedIn connections you have in common. Consider following your interviewer on LinkedIn. 
  • Reach out to connections. If you know anyone who is a current or recent employee, ask them and ask about their first-hand experience. 

Interview Prep: Your Answers

Now, back to those questions and strategies for answering each one.

Is this still a good time for us to talk?
         
          Ideally, the answer is yes. This is a courtesy question recruiters often ask. 

Tell me about yourself.

This is your opportunity to tell the recruiter a quick summary of your professional history and the unique knowledge, skills, and attitudes you bring to this role.

  • Bad answer: Not much to tell.
  • Another bad answer: My name is Julie. I'm 42 years old, happily married, have 4-year old twins, love riding horses, and I volunteer weekly at my synagogue.
    (Note: Julie's life is in no way bad. Julie's answer is bad because it's not focusing on professional skills, ability to do the job, and why the employer should hire her. Taking this approach misses a HUGE opportunity to set the tone for the interview and put your best foot forward. Instead, Julie shares a whole bunch of information that is not directly applicable to her ability to do the job--much of which an employer cannot legally ask her about due to laws regarding possible discrimination.)
  • Good answer: I'm Julie, and I have 10 years of experience working in social media specialist roles with small community organizations. I'm excited about this role because I can use my knowledge of content marketing and event promotion with a larger company that does larger conferences and road shows. I'm looking forward to finding out how my skill set could help me make a strong contribution in this senior media specialist role.

Why are you looking for a new job?

Companies are interested in why you want to make a change. They may also be leery if they perceive that you have made many changes within a short period of time. They may be wondering if how they are promoting the position works. They may just want to see if you trash your previous/current employer or if you're respectful. Again, be truthful, stay positive, and keep it short.

  • Bad answer: My last company was a financial nightmare and I got fired.
  • Another bad answer: My current job is stupid and I hate my boss. ​
  • Good answer: I'm looking for a role with additional growth opportunities.
  • Another good answer: My position was eliminated due to a company-wide reduction in force.
  • Yet another good answer: My previous position ended, so I'm looking for a new challenge.

Why are you interested in this role?

Companies often want to make sure you actually want the position they have available, not just any old job. Speaking to why you want to work in this particular role is a way to show you are being intentional about your next career move. This question also gives you a chance to talk about who you are, what you know about the role, and the skills you bring.

  • Bad answer: Which job is this again?
  • Another bad answer: I need a job. You have an opening. Isn't that enough?
  • Yet another bad answer: My current job is stupid and I hate my boss. ​
  • Good answer: My recent work experience is as a marketing coordinator with a large pharmaceutical company. I have extensive experience working with creating and executing marketing campaigns aligned with product launches. I'm interested in this role because it involves those duties, and additional areas where I have expertise. I am excited to grow in this new role. 
  • Another good answer: My work experience is as a technical project manager. Enrique Ortiz is a former coworker of mine, and he suggested I apply because it aligns with the work I enjoy. Enrique also can't say enough good things about your company.  

What do you know about our company?

Each company has its own personality. This question helps show that you, as an job candidate, might be a good fit for the organization, and that you've taken the time to learn a little more. 

  • Bad answer: Which job is this again?
  • Another bad answer: Not a thing.
  • Good answer: I know XYZ Loans is a mortgage company that focuses on VA and FHA loans. I see you recently rolled out a new veteran appreciation program and hired a new VP of Veteran Relations and that you just received an award for your charity work with DAV.
  • Another good answer: I know ABC Manufacturing just acquired CBA Manufacturing. This makes you the second largest company making and selling plastic cups in the Midwest. I also know that my friend and former coworker, Alice Johnson, really enjoys being a part of the Women in Manufacturing group you started three years ago.

What is your desired salary?

While having salary ranges in job descriptions is becoming more common, it is not included in all job descriptions. Often, this is a question that comes up very early in the process. It's important for you to have a sense of what your desired range is as well as what is a typical range for the type of role for which you are interviewing. 

  • Bad answer: I have no idea.
  • Good answer: What is the salary range for this position? (and following that up with a conversation of where your desired range fits in with that range.)
  • Another good answer: My general salary range is [low end of your range] to [high end of your range]. As I learn more about the position, including bonus and benefits, I'd like to revisit this topic. 

What questions do you have for me?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. Given that you have a job description and not much else about this role at this point, take time to think about questions to ask. There are also countless lists online of possible questions to ask. Google them and see which ones seem right for you. Remember, too, that some of these questions might be more appropriate for the hiring manager rather than the recruiter. (If you continue in the hiring process, you'll meet with the hiring manager soon.)

  • Bad answer: Nope.
  • Good answers: 
    • ​Is this a new position? Or a replacement role?
    • What does success look like for this role?
    • What are the first projects this role would tackle?
    • What are the next steps in the hiring process?
    • When can I expect to hear back from you?
    • What is your performance review process like?

Learn More

  • From Indeed.com: Top Phone Interview Questions To Ask Your Interviewer
  • ​25 Smart Questions to Make You Stand Out During The Interview
  • The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What? ​
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Learning About Yourself to Tell Your Story: Strengths

1/10/2023

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by Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Learning About Yourself

The first step of job searching is figuring out what kind of a role you even want. Instead of jumping right into the exact job you did before, it's wise to take a little time for introspection. One good step in this process is finding out more about your strengths. Learning about what you are good at--and how to tell the story of your talents and successes--can help you position yourself well as you apply and interview for a new role. 

People Are Good at Different Things

If you ask many people what they are good at, they would have a hard time putting their natural abilities into words. Personally, taking the StrengthsFinder assessment was a great starting point for me to have a better understanding of what I do well.

Oftentimes, individuals are blind to their own unique talents. In the past, I think I have wrongly assumed that EVERYONE does the things I do. Like (of course) everyone takes notes regularly in everyday conversations when they learn something--and (of course) everyone makes a seating chart whenever they are in a group of new people to remember names. 

​Turns out--NOPE! These are things I did that not everyone does. This was a huge breakthrough for me. So how do you figure out what you do that maybe not everyone does? 

Part of the Answer: StrengthsFinder/CliftonStrengths Assessment

The CliftonStrengths Assessment (previously known as Clifton StrengthsFinder) is a wonderful tool for identifying what you are good at, how that manifests, and how your version of each strength shows up. 

The 30-minute online assessment includes 177 questions including paired statements. On a scale you select which of the statements is more like you. From there, you'll receive a report identifying your top five strengths along with a more detailed description of how those strengths are exhibited in how you interact with the world. Reading a report about yourself (one that is freakishly accurate, by the way) is downright life changing.

After taking the assessment, you'll be able to see your unique talents, and have language to explain how what you do sets you apart from others. Having a way to put your abilities into words can translate directly into your resume, and how you talk about who you are and what you bring to the table.

My Strengths and How They Show Up

My identified strengths, in order, are Strategic, Learner, Individualization, Achiever, and Relator. Here are a few things I learned from my report.

  • As someone who is Strategic, I tend to very quickly find the path through the wilderness. I see how the pieces fit together and what course of action might make sense. 

  • As a Learner, I have taken roles in multiple industries, knowing that I'd learn the business along the way. Through different jobs, I now know how travel agents upsell excursions to cruise customer, the value of the windshield to the structural integrity of a vehicle, the strategic value of the clergy housing allowance exclusion, and best practices for mortgage underwriting. 

  • Individualization helps me to be a good people manager. I know that on employee would love to be given an award in front of his coworkers while another would prefer to have his work affirmed in private. It also helps me know that one person needs ongoing feedback and another needs just a broad suggestion of the work to be done, and both will be successful.  

  • As an Achiever, I thrive when making a todo list (that is aligned with my higher level goals) and check off items to know I've accomplished something useful in a given day. I also achieve by meeting deadlines and being able to note each goal met. Winning!

  • Since I'm a Relator, I like deeper friendships instead of shallow relationships. After I make an acquaintances, I work to get to know them and make a more meaningful relationship. 

Additional Strategies for Identifying Strengths and Talents

​Here are a few other strategies for identifying what you're good at, and how you show up in the world:
  • Talk with a trusted colleague or former coworker. As for their feedback on what they think you do well, where they have seen you excel, and times when they have seen you struggle at work. As them what your superpower is. You'll learn lessons about your unique skill set from someone who has had several opportunities to observe you in action.
  • Review job descriptions for your desired job title. See how they describe the skills needed to be successful, and match your previous work experience to those outlined skills. Think about times when you've exhibited those skills and how you have solved problems using your expertise.
  • Think of past work projects. Identify projects and work you enjoyed, and times when time seemed to fly because you were "in the zone" and making progress. 

Learn More

  • StrengthsFinder 2.0 Book (with code for the new CliftonStrengths Online Assessment)
  • CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment on Gallup.com
  • How to Identify Your Strengths in the Workplace
  • The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What? 
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Your Weekly Job Search To Do List

1/3/2023

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by Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

A Harsh Truth About Job Searching

Job searching is hard. One of the things that makes it particularly hard is that you can't actually control when you will get a new job. The whole process takes as long as it takes. To make all of that waiting bearable, it's helpful to focus on the aspects of your job search you are able to control. 

Measuring Success

My "day job" is working in the field of learning and development. One of my goals is to make sure that the performance support initiatives I'm designing (aka a class, a handout, a video) actually helps solve a problem in a way that can be quantified. There are two kinds of indicators to help measure success: leading indicators and lagging indicators. 

Lagging indicators are what we all typically want to focus on. If I'm delivering a training session for salespeople on how they can sell a given product, the lagging indicator after training would be that they sold more of the product than they did before training, and that more people spent more money on that given product--ideally being able to state who did what using dollar amount or percentage of improvement. One trick, though, is that I can't really control how salespeople use the information presented in training or that individuals want or need to purchase the product. They are also lagging indicators because it just takes a bit for those results to show up. However, this is what success is supposed to look like. 

Conversely, leading indicators are where it's more helpful to focus. These are the easily measurable, countable, check-off-able items that are predominantly within your control. For this example, my leading indicators of success would be that we held a training session, having a list of who attended the training session, how they performed on an assessment on the content covered, and that they received a job aid that contained talking points on the content covered. I am able to control all of these things. These leading indicators don't necessarily guarantee I'll achieve my lagging indicators, but they show that I'm going in the right direction and help position those salespeople to achieve the sales numbers we hope to see.

Job Search: Lagging Indicators

Within the context of my job search, here are the tangible markers of success that I want to see:

  • Getting a current employee to refer me for a specific job at their company.
  • Getting someone to put in a good word for me with a potential employer.
  • Getting an initial interview.
  • Getting follow-up or final interviews.
  • Getting a job offer.

All of these are lagging indicators. They are awesome because when they happen, they are definitive and you know you have made legitimate progress towards getting a job. The trick is that a lot of these things happening at all--and what the timing might look like--is out of your control. 

Ways to Achieve the Bigger Goal

While I can't directly make those lagging indicators happen, I can focus on strategies to position myself for more success in those areas, including the following:
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  • Build or strengthen networking connections with people who work in my industry or for a possible employer.
  • Position myself well through my LinkedIn profile and resume.
  • Apply for jobs that are a good fit for me.
  • Improve my skill set so I am a more logical candidate for a job.
  • Present myself well in writing, over the phone, and face-to-face.

Job Search: Leading Indicators. 

Now, to turn those squishier ideas into leading indicators (which are specific, countable, check-off-able things I can put on a todo list), here are items I can actually do in a given week:

  • On LinkedIn, spend 30-minutes each weekday engaging with posts.
  • On LinkedIn, post two to five times to showcase my expertise. 
  • On LinkedIn, send five requests to connect with new people. 
  • Identify at least five jobs that meet my job search criteria.
  • Apply for at least three jobs. 
  • On LinkedIn, follow pages for each company where I submit an application.
  • Take part in at least one professional development activity per week. 

Having this list of tangible actions to take keeps me on track to achieve my goal of starting a new job.

Keep On Doing The Right Things

Some weeks, you do a lot of waiting, which makes you feel like you are terrible at everything and will never work again. Other weeks, people seem to be falling all over themselves to talk with you about yet another amazing job opportunity. Those weeks, you feel like this is all easy and you can do no wrong. 

During those slow weeks, it's helpful to remember to keep on doing those right things. Fine tune as needed, and just know that your best strategy is to keep on keeping on. Put in the work, then trust the process. 

Learn More

  • What’s The Difference Between Leading and Lagging Indicators​
  • 8 Habits of Highly Effective Job Seekers
  • The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What? ​
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The Value of a Success List

12/27/2022

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by Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

So Much To Do

As our lives get busy and we feel like we're not accomplishing as much as we should be. Even if you're someone who makes a todo list, too often I think we quickly forget about all of those things that are done and focus only on what else we should accomplished as well. This is a great way to bring yourself down.

In life in general, and especially during a job search, it's easy to forget all the things we have accomplished. Especially during challenging times, it's important to make note of what is going well. 

Celebrating Accomplishments

Your successes can be anything. They can be fun things you did, achievements, or accomplishments that made you let out an audible huge sigh of relieve that they were finally complete.

​It's really about acknowledging that you did so that you realize that you're not just sitting around NOT ACCOMPLISHING ANYTHING. Instead, it's a reminder of how amazing you are. Chances are, when you review your success list, you'll be reminder of even more things to add--and that's really the point. 

My Success List

  1. Added 500 new connections on LinkedIn.
  2. At long last, saw Footloose and Grease at a drive in theater.
  3. Attended two self-defense classes. 
  4. Celebrated "Friendsgiving" and met new people through Meetup.
  5. Cleaned my kitchen.
  6. Created The Layoff Lady website and social media presence.
  7. Donated many bags of clothing and household items to good will.
  8. Drove through the Rocky Mountains and saw amazing scenery.
  9. Filed my first financial aid form as a parent.
  10. Finally wore the new cowboy boots I bought just before COVID hit.
  11. Found two awesome new lakes with walking paths.
  12. Had 28 job interviews.
  13. Helped my daughter select a college.
  14. Hosted family and friends for my daughter’s high school graduation party.
  15. Incorporated yin yoga and stretching into my daily routine.
  16. Joined two new training and organizational development groups.
  17. Outlined my first book (which covers lessons learned from my seven layoffs.)
  18. Played the board game Furnace and actually won.
  19. Presented virtual sessions for eight meetings of The White Box Club.
  20. Published 20 blog articles on The Layoff Lady website.
  21. Relocated from Minneapolis, MN to Omaha, NE.
  22. Road tripped with my daughter for college visits in three states. 
  23. Saw The Viagra Boys and Charlie Crockett live in concert (sadly, not together).
  24. Sold a house.
  25. Switched banks.
  26. Visited my favorite board game café, Spielbound.
  27. Watched all three Godfather movies in a theater.
  28. Went to the rodeo (and wore the aforementioned cowboy boots).
  29. Worked out the logistics of mother/daughter movie nights via Zoom.
  30. Wrote a daily Facebook post sharing insights from each day of my layoff.

Celebrating Successes Brings More Success

It's amazing, really. Creating a list of accomplishments, whether small, medium or large, helps so much. When I started, I had a hard time thinking of anything to write. Then, as I got going, it was hard to stop. Taking time regularly to acknowledge positive actions and accomplishments makes all the difference. 

What would you include in your success list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. 

Learn More

  • Why Celebrating Successes is Important to our Mental Health
  • How Celebrating Success Can Lead to More of It
  • The White Box Club® on Meetup
  • Furnace Board Game
  • Ariat Fatbaby Western Boots 
  • Spielbound Board Game Cafe in Omaha, NE
  • Quasar Drive-In Theater in Valley, NE
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Learning About Yourself to Tell Your Story: Values

12/20/2022

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by Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Learning About Yourself

The first step of job searching is figuring out what kind of a job you even want. Instead of jumping right into the exact job you did before, it's wise to take a step back and do some introspection. A good starting point is thinking about what you truly value in life, and how you express those values. 

The Question: What is Important to Me?

Identifying what really matters to you is helpful whether you're thinking about how you spend your money, what kinds of activities appeal to you, who you want to spend time with, and (go figure) what kind of work you want to do. I also find that it's awfully hard tom think of the right words to articulate those high level ideas that matter to you. 

Part of the Answer: think2perform Online Values Exercise

I discovered the think2perform Online Values Exercise at a previous job when I was designing a retirement planning seminar for clergy. Since thinking about your money (or your work for that matter) starts with what you care about on a larger scale, this is a great starting point. Personally, I take this assessment on at least an annual basis because the process helps me revisit my values in general and helps me more thoughtfully talk about what I do and why I do it.

The assessment itself includes 51 named value cards and 4 rounds of reviewing the cards. The total time to complete this activity is about 15 minutes, and perhaps more depending on how much contemplation you do during the process. You also have the option to add your own values as needed. In the end, you'll have 5 value cards with descriptions that name and describe key areas that matter to you. 

For me, as of the last time I completed this activity, my top 5 were (in no particular order) autonomy, education, helping others, health, and relationships. 

Applying Your Values to What You Want and How You Show Up

When I think about the type of work, my desired way of working, and my work preferences, using my values as a starting point helps me articulate how I think about these things in a more meaningful way.

  • My value of autonomy reminds me that I like to have choice in the type of work I do and when I do it. I like to have the option to work longer on a project when I hit flow or when a deadline is on the horizon. I also like to have the ability to come in later or leave earlier on other days. 

  • My chosen field of learning and development is all about education. I literally help people learn for a living. I'm also a continuous learner who is always gathering information from industry best practices, to software skills, to a great book to read. This constant information gathering helps me to come up with solutions to problems as they arise. 

  • I was drawn to learning and development, managing projects, and leading teams because of my overarching commitment to helping others. Ever since I was a small child growing up around a lot of adults, I found myself working figuring out details in any situation from context, and then helping others who also looked like they didn't quite know what was going on. I always want to share a personal contact, organization, or website with someone if I think it can help them meet their goals. 

  • Having been around people with health and mobility issues, my health is very important to me. This impacts my life including choices on exercise, diet, sleep, and overall wellness. Managing these factors helps improve my overall health, including my mental well-being. I seek out a job that is challenging, but where I can also leverage my talents to create happiness in myself and within coworker relationships.

  • I value relationships with people. I appreciate what is unique with each person, and genuinely enjoy getting to know individuals personally and professionally. I also believe in building strong working relationships so we can collaborate to solve problems and ensure success as we partner. 

Learn More

  • think2perform Online Values Exercise
  • How to Identify Your Values by Susan David
  • The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What? ​
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Job Searching During the Holidays: Give Yourself a Break

12/13/2022

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by Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

'Tis The Season

I'm currently working my way through layoff #7, which is also my fourth layoff in the late fall. Out of these fall layoffs, three of them went into the holidays.

Being in job transition is rough. Being in job transition during the holidays—especially the week before Christmas through the new year—is
soul sucking.

I’ve read several of articles touting the benefits of job searching during the holidays--and I mean a lot, a lot of them. (No one else will be applying! You’ll get a leg up on other applicants! Tons of people are trying to fill positions before year's end!) 

I'm sure somebody somewhere found the role of a lifetime on the the day after Christmas interviewing with the one brand new HR rep with no vacation yet who was stuck working. I am not that person. I'm also not going to make the mistake of trying to be that person ever again. 

The Challenge of Job Searching Around the Holidays

Even in a fast-moving job market with ridiculously low unemployment, it takes a bit to find a job. Just given the linearity of time, there will be a gap between when you apply, interview, and get an offer you’d like to take. This process can feel like it takes an eternity when people at these potential employers are focused on working. During December, with people taking time off for all things holiday, finding gainful employment moves even more slowly. Take a break and let yourself move more slowly, and deliberately, too.
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My last winter job transition (layoff #5) lasted 5 months. By far, the most frustrating period was a couple of weeks after Thanksgiving until the end of the year. Without a doubt, the last two weeks of December were the absolute worst. 

​In short, nothing came from my job searching at that time. I was either submitting applications to jobs that no one was going to pay much attention to for a couple of weeks, following up with employers who had other priorities, or bothering former colleagues for recommendations when they were in the throws of their kid's holiday programs and family get-togethers. The job search picked up again the second week in January when people had their heads back in the game at work.

Take Time for Self Care

Here is my advice to job seekers at the end of the year. Take a holiday break. Go do things you’d like to do when you’re gainfully employed, but that are harder to find time to do. Go to a noon yoga class. Get together with friends for lunch. Read a novel with no obvious professional development benefit. Go to a matinee. Visit a museum. Take road trip. Walk around the mall on a weekday. Buy fancy coffee in a café and people watch. Take some time for you. Take a break from pounding pavement on your job search and just breathe. I guarantee you'll feel better from giving yourself a reprieve.

Just like we all need vacation time to recuperate from our day jobs and be able to do good work, we also need to take a break from a job search so we can have the mental space to regroup. Take a couple of weeks off—like the week before and the week after Christmas—and reset. You’re future self will thank you for this act of self care.

Learn More

  • 6 Self-Care Tips to Practice While Job Searching
  • The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What? ​
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Creating Your Career Transition Support Team

12/6/2022

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by Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Don't Go It Alone

Life is challenging when nothing in particular is happening. When you're going through a job change (especially one you didn't plan), it's even harder. While I'm a fan of self reliance, I also know the value of not just finding people who want to support you, but letting them support you--and even proactively asking them--when you need it. You're not weak for needing people. Your smart for planning ahead for what you will need.

You Need Help Because This is Hard

I have been through a post-layoff job transition 7 times, and it is difficult each and every time. There is the fear that it will just never end and you'll be drifting for eternity trying to find paid work where you can pay your bills--much less an a job you want. You worry that you'll have to settle for something that may be even worse than the worst job you've ever had. Even worse, you worry that you'll run out of money and not be able to pay your bills and lose everything you own and everything you've ever loved. While your rational mind knows this is all pretty unlikely, there will be moments when it all seems hopeless. That's where your support network comes in. 

No matter how resilient and downright badass you are, doing this alone makes it way harder. 

People Want to Help You: Make Sure to Let Them

As an extra added bonus, people want to help you! For reals! 

I'm always inspired by people who come out of the woodwork to check on me, tell me about an open position, thank me for helping them once upon a time, of offering to refer me for a role. Everyone has struggled with something at one time or another, and someone has helped them. Let other people help you. Now, it's time to think about what you might need, and who might be well positioned to help you with those things. 

Building Your Team

It also takes a village to get you through career transition. Relying on one person for everything is all kinds of stressful. Know that people want to help, and it's a matter of figuring out what you need, letting people know, and reaching out to people when you need it. Going through a job search is challenging even in the best of circumstances. If you're starting from a layoff (especially the part where someone else got to make a big, uninvited life decision for you) it can be even more challenging. 

Types of Help You Need

Here's a starter list of the types of help you may need during your job transition. More specifically, here is some of what I needed. Use this as a starting point and add details as it helps you:

  • ​Emotional Support: You'll have all the feelings. Figure out who you can talk to about what. Sometimes you'll laugh, sometimes you'll cry, sometimes you'll vent, and on the most trying days maybe all of the above. 
  • Communication: Just telling people what is up can be draining--because people. Realize, too, that you telling them about your situation may result in them inadvertently trying to allay their fears that they same thing will happen to them. Find a friend who can help you spread whatever news there is to convey. Telephone. Telegraph. Tell a Felicia. Find those people who love to connect with others (and even who share some of the same social circles) and enlist their help.  
  • Sounding Board: In times when you're making big decisions--or doing something you don't do very often, having someone to talk things through will is mission critical. Personally, I don't even always need my sounding board people to say much--just to sit there and listen (or at least just not talk over me) as I talk myself into or out of the idea I'm considering. There is so much value to writing or talking through ideas as you choose your next steps.
  • Logistical Support: Sometimes you'll just need a hand figuring things out. Maybe it's having someone to watch your kids for a bit so you can have a phone interview. Maybe it's help with a ride if you're having car trouble. Whatever it is, it may seem like a small thing to them, but it'll be a solution to a problem for you. 
  • Fun: There will be many, many times when you just need a distraction. Watching a movie. Having coffee. Talking about non-job search related things. Having a conversation where you don't have to be "on" and can just chat with someone. It doesn't have to be elaborate. It just has to be a welcome break from all of those "shoulds" to be something other than a job-searching human.
  • Cheerleader: You also need someone to give you a pep talk. Whether it's someone who'll send you a quick "You've got this!" text or someone to remind you to take a deep breath and tell them your awesome story, remember encouragement is important. They can also help you celebrate successes and remind you of your innate value when you're struggling.
  • Accountability: You'll also need someone to help you keep on track. It may be as easy as them asking if you applied for that job you talked about. Or asking you if you updated your resume like you said you would do. I have people I text saying I'll do a given thing just so I have written it down and I have the peer pressure to help me follow through. 
  • New Ideas: There is a certain amount of trial and error when looking for a new job. Whether it's optimizing LinkedIn, figuring out how to network with new people, finding the best way to position your work experience, or where to find jobs, there's a lot to learn. Whether you tap into someone who works in that industry, or a hiring manager, or a resume writer, figuring out how to be a more effective job searcher is useful. 
  • Connectors: Each of us has people in our personal and professional networks who seem to know all the things and/or all the people. Let them help you connect with helpful people, job leads, or ideas when you need them.

Who Can Help

When it comes to help, I start with my inner circle--close friends and family. I'm also sure to widen my support team beyond them, too.

I also move beyond that immediate group. I interact with my LinkedIn connections. I tap into online groups including job search groups, The White Box Club, and even LinkedIn groups focusing on networking or a content area (like sales enablement).

I interact with in-person membership groups like ATD or the Omaha OD Network. Or I seek out non-work connections through social Meetup groups or activities. Sometimes, I just spend time in coffee shops to indirectly interact with other people. It's a matter of figuring out what you need and seeking that out.

Asking for Help

Know, too, that there will be times when you need to straight up reach out to someone because you need help. Each person will have their areas of interest and expertise, so be sure to keep that in mind when asking for help.

I find that it's helpful to think through who you might reach out to for different needs. Here are a few cases where I reach out to different people to ask for help:
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  • Before a job interview, I will text my daughter telling her I have a job interview. She will then text back words of encouragement.
  • If I need non-job search social interaction, I'll reach out to my former "lunch ladies" coworkers a link to my Calendly and ask if they're up for a catch up conversation (then they can pick a time that works for them for us to chat.)
  • If I'm having a rough day, I'll reach out to my best friend via text or phone to talk a bit. 
  • If I'm not sure if my resume is clear, I'll reach out to a former coworker for his insights on what I might want to change. 
  • If I want to talk shop, but not directly job searching, I'll reach out to a LinkedIn connection who I haven't chatted with in a while and see if they are up for a virtual coffee meeting. I get to have a fulfilling interaction with another person and I glean a few professional insights, too.

Learn More

  • Five Ways to Strengthen Your Support System
  • The White Box Club​ on Meetup
  • The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What? ​
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    7-time layoff survivor Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady, waxes poetic on layoffs, job transitions, & career resilience.

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