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By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady What You WantIn a previous article, we discussed the value of knowing what you want, what you don’t want, and what would be okay. As your job search continues, you may adjust what you want as your job search progresses. Main Factors To ConsiderWhen you put together your target job, it is just that: your target. As you compare your target to the job market, you will need to revisit your job priorities. Know that one factor that may influence the type of job you take will be your time in the job market. Your Acceptable Job May Change Over TimeHere is how your job wants and needs may change over time:
You Can Also Stay the CourseConversely, you may be committed to find a job that very closely aligns with your target job. The good news is that you get to decide what role is right for you, and what will make you happy longer term. The bad news is that it may take you longer if you have very specific requirements and less flexibility. In this case, make sure that you think through options for interim income so you are able to support yourself as you find a role that meets your requirements. Learn More
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By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady The Value of Information GatheringIf a job opportunity comes to you, it is to your advantage to be ready to pursue that job. Doing a little extra information gathering ahead of time will help you fill out a detailed job application, include a particularly relevant class, or remind on eof your references pf when you worked together at a company. Since time may be of the essence when applying, this will help you meet that tight deadline with fewer headaches. Gathering this information, which is really your career backstory, will help you to tell the story of your professional life consistently. Your Work HistoryWhen filling out job applications, having a thorough list of where you worked and basic information about each job can come in handy. Depending on the application, you may be able to submit a resume alone and be done with it. Other companies may ask you for specific start and end dates for each role. They may even ask for contact information for your immediate manager and the organization itself. To make filling out more thorough job applications a little easier, I suggest you create a spreadsheet including information for your previous workplaces for the past 10-15 years. Depending on what stage you are at in your career, decide how many years of work experience it makes sense for you to gather. Make sure to compile this information for each role:
While you’re busy gathering information, you may want to note these items as well:
Your Education and Professional Development History Employers like to have assurances that a given candidate really has the knowledge, skills, and abilities they claim to have. This is why it’s helpful to list the classes you’ve taken, groups you’ve joined, certification tests you’ve passed, and degrees you’ve completed. Having this type of external validation for your skill set adds to your credibility. To customize your resume and make filling out a detailed job application easier, I suggest you create a spreadsheet to list the formalized ways you continue learning and growing. I list my college degrees, Association of Talent Development (ATD) membership, a business analysis class I took, a vendor-specific train-the-trainer course I attended, and a few technical certifications. Here are the core details to gather on each line item:
Keep in mind that this list is intended to accommodate everything from a 1-hour seminar you took once upon a time on sales prospecting all the way to an advanced degree. You may want to make separate lists for different activity types. Use the format that works best for you. Learn MoreBy Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady About ReferencesWhen you’re getting ready to apply for jobs, at some point, those companies will ask for professional references. Some organizations will ask for references during the initial application. Other employers will ask as they approach the final stages of their interview process. Let's look at how you can select and communicate well with these people who you want to vouch for you and your skills. About Professional ReferencesYour professional references will speak well of you and help potential employers see your value. While personal references are generally people who can vouch for your character, professional references can share their experience with you in a work-related capacity. Typically, you'll need the names and contact information for three people who can share their experiences with you. Selecting Your ReferencesWhen selecting your professional references, here are a few ideas on who you may want to use:
Overall, it's helpful to find people who have worked for you doing relevant work (paid or volunteer) and who can attest to your skills. Here are a few of the people I have used a reference in the past:
Which References To UseWhen I apply for jobs, I have two references I use consistently.
Depending on the role for which I am applying, I will choose which other reference might be the most helpful:
Overall, make sure that your references can speak to your skills as they might pertain to the specific job. Information To IncludeMake sure to collect the following details on your potential references so you are ready to share it with possible employers:
Asking People To Be Your ReferenceBefore you start giving out people's contact information, be sure to confirm they are okay with being your reference. I suggest doing this before a specific job asks for references. I usually send them a message via email, LinkedIn, or text that reads something like this: --------------- Hi, [first name]. I'm launching my job search, and I'm wondering if you'd be willing to be one of my professional references. If so, please share the following contact information details with me:
Thank you so much for your assistance! -------------- The Heads Up MessageAfter you have their initial permission to give out their name as a reference, be sure to also inform them if they should expect someone to reach out to them. In addition to letting them know who may contact them and the type of position, it's also good to share a reminder of your previous work relationship so they aren't scrambling. Here is an example of that type of message. --------------- Hi, [first name]. Thanks for being willing to be my reference! I recently applied for a [job title] position with [company name]. I am in the final stages of their interview process, and they may contact you via phone or email. As a reminder, you and I worked together at [company] from [date range] when I was a [my job title] and you were the [their job title]. Thanks again for your help! --------------- Learn MoreBy Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady Rejection and Negative EmotionsBeing jobless post-layoff and searching for a new role is a rough process riddled with rejection. It starts with your former employer kicking you out of the whole company and, in essence, saying, “You are no longer one of us.” At every step of the way, you’ll experience people telling you no in a variety of ways. Here is how that rejection may look. Applying for a job and:
Having what felt like a great interview for a job and:
Receiving a job offer and:
Accepting a job offer and:
The Necessity of Experiencing Your Emotions Because of all of the uncertainty and rejection, this whole process can be a lot to bear. It’s hard to keep going when there are obstacles at every turn. Sometimes, even well-intentioned people trying to be supportive ask just the wrong question and make you feel even worse. Often, I find that when people are exceedingly negative, they usually have not taken the time to address their emotions. Consequently, those hard feelings fester, come out sideways, and interfere with the business part of job searching. Their complaining comes from a place of fear, pain, sadness, and anger. Unfortunately, as with much of life, it’s nearly impossible to complain your way out of your current situation and into a better one. Instead, it’s paramount that you experience your emotions, then manage your mindset so you don’t let your feelings make the already complicated process of finding a new job even harder. Coping StrategiesHere are a few ideas for strategies to help you work through the unpleasant emotions that will pop up during your career transition. Acknowledge Each EmotionBefriend your feelings. Don’t pretend that you don’t feel how you do. Name them, acknowledge them, and then move on. Pretending those unpleasant feelings don’t exist will not make them disappear. Instead, it may silence them for a bit, but they will pop up later, usually at the worst possible time. Acknowledging each one will help them run their course–and also help you to increase your ability to manage those feelings. Wallow a Little It’s impossible to will yourself into feeling better. Sometimes, you need to just sit with an uncomfortable feeling for a while and let it run its course. Cry a little. Rewatch your favorite movie for the bijillionth time. Have a little ice cream. Do a puzzle. Take a walk. Take the afternoon off from your to-do list. Some will run their course a bit more quickly than others. Research The ProblemIf you’re worried about something, researching answers and managing your expectations often helps. How many job applications does it typically take to get an interview? How long does it take most people to find a new role post-layoff? Which companies are hiring? You'll probably feel a little better by researching options, clarifying goals, and taking useful action. Even if you don’t find a complete solution, you at least know more. Having added knowledge will help you worry less or at least direct your worry toward taking productive action that will help you solve a problem. Take a Social Media BreakSocial media, specifically LinkedIn, can be a great job search tool. Unfortunately, it can also give you the illusion that everyone else is doing great and you are downright hopeless. Posts like “It only took me a week to find my dream job,” or “I’m still employed but I feel SO BAD for my former coworkers who are jobless,” or “Every company ever is doing more layoffs” will only make you feel worse. Remind yourself that social media isn’t real life and disengage. Leverage Basic Self CareWhen everything feels hard, taking care of yourself needs to be one of your top priorities. Here are a few quick and easy ideas to make you feel almost instantly better:
Learn MoreBy Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady Energy Management Trumps Time ManagementWhen we think of productivity, many people think of checking off all the things on your to-do list. If only it was that simple! When going through a trying time, you're managing a lot more than just job searching. You're also juggling a whole lot of uncertainty, many significant life changes, and a steady stream of rejection. Managing your energy levels, not just your ever-growing task list is the key to making progress. Reflect on Factors Influenging Your Energy LevelsAs you think about how to spend your time, learn about yourself and when you will be the most productive and happiest with each activity. I interact with LinkedIn posts during my first cup of coffee, enjoy afternoon walks, and do yoga at night before bed. There are no absolute right or wrong times for many things, just ones that are a better fit for you. Your Most and Least Productive Times of DayTake time to reflect on your most and least productive times. Use these questions as a starting point:
Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, just what is true for you. Factors Influencing Your Energy LevelsIn addition, reflect on the following factors and their impact on your energy levels:
Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, just what is true for you. Patterns for Energy Builders and Energy DepletersBased on your responses to those questions, you may have identified factors that energize you and those that deplete you.
Knowing these things about myself helps me know how to structure my time to maximize my energy. Letting family and friends know what I need also helps them to understand and support me as I work towards my goals. Self Care Builds EnergyAfter you identify your energy depleters, here are a few steps you can take to build your energy:
Leverage Your Energy To Achieve MoreWhen I identify my energy patterns and take steps to recover when needed, I have more capacity. I can accomplish more in less time when my energy is in a good place. Then, I can leverage my to-do lists and make real progress towards my goals Learn MoreBy Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady Time Management Challenges Post-LayoffWhen life is run-of-the-mill, it’s still hard to accomplish essential tasks on your to-do list. Losing your job upends your life and gives you a whole new set of challenges. These include uncertainty about the future, new complexities in your financial life, and general worry about how long it might take for things to get back to “normal.” You are now entering a challenging phase in your life where you will experience more rejection in a shorter period of time than ever before. All these factors will inhibit your ability to progress on your goals. Some Days Are More Difficult Than OthersSome days will be amazing. Within a half hour of waking up, you receive an invitation to do a phone screen, notice another hiring manager accepted your LinkedIn connection request, and receive a message from a recruiter for a role that looks promising. Hearing good news fills you with hope and boosts your energy. Soon, you’re updating your budget, making that overdue phone call, and cleaning your whole kitchen. You use that extra burst of energy to start preparing for tomorrow’s phone screen. On that very good day, you may even check a few extra things off your to-do list. Then there will be other days. Before you’ve had your first cup of coffee, you’ll check your email and find a “we’re moving forward with other candidates” message after a “the position has been filled” followed by a “this position has been put on hold indefinitely” message. After a triple dose of rejection, the rest of the day’s planned activities may fall by the wayside. A To-Do List Is Not EnoughYou have probably been relying on the overly simplistic getting-things-done strategies people often bluster about. If your only plan for success involves hammering away, powering through, or pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, you will have problems. It’s an excellent time to remind yourself that bucking/soldiering/cowboying up is not a long-term sustainable strategy. It is a short-term fix you can use occasionally when you have no other options. Making that once-in-a-while solution your go-to move will leave you irritable, burned out, and feeling like the failure you most certainly are not. To find the right new job for you, even the best to-do list won’t ensure success all by itself. You won’t be able to push yourself beyond your limits consistently for very long. Given that many job searches last between a few weeks and several months, you will need to find a way to sustain the effort you’ll need to achieve your job search goals. All Hours Are Not Equally ProductiveWhen I’m in career transition, I spend a lot of time writing, applying for jobs, and interacting on LinkedIn. I also tend to rewatch tv shows and movies. Conventional time management would say that I’m wasting a good chunk of my life watching fictional people live theirs and that I should spend that wasted time on the higher-value items on my to-do lists. In reality, it is not feasible to produce at a high level all the time. Achieving at a high level requires preparation and adequate recovery time. That means if I have two video interviews in one day, I will appear to be doing a lot of nothing for those hours right afterward. The only way I can knock those interviews out of the park is by managing my energy well. Overall, it’s not just about tallying up those hours and having a respectable number. Instead, work with your energy levels, balance planning and doing, and align your activities with your peak productivity times. Managing Your EnergyOverall, it’s not just about tallying up those hours and having a respectable number. Instead, work with your energy levels, balance planning and doing, and align your activities with your peak productivity times. Prioritizing self care, so you have enough energy to perservere, is a great first step. Learn MoreBy Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady Interview Progression IssuesAfter you apply for a job, your goal is to be selected for an interview. That process usually includes an initial phone screen, one or more face-to-face interviews, then a job offer. As you progress in your job search, it's important to take time on a regular basis to evaluate what you are doing and see if you need to modify your approach. Let's look at possible ways to proceed if you are not receiving callbacks from employers for initial phone screens. No Initial Interview InvitationsI’ve seen variations on the following LinkedIn post way too many times: “I’ve applied for 300 jobs over the last six months, and I have only gotten a couple of interviews.” Realize you won’t get a phone screen for every job application you submit, but you should be getting some. If you apply for even 20 jobs and don’t hear anything back from any of them, it’s time to reassess and figure out what you need to change to have more success. The first huge step in job searching is getting out of the virtual pile of job applications and into the much more selective “we gotta talk to this one” pile. Taking these steps can help. Step 1: Identify Your Target JobOften, people who struggle with getting job interviews need to revisit what they want in a job and target their job search toward that goal. Unfortunately, while applying for as many jobs as possible seems logical, it often backfires. Instead, job seekers who identify what they really want, then apply for those roles more closely matching their interests and qualifications get hired sooner. Step 2: Revisit Alignment Between Goals and Job Search MessagingAnother problem shared by people who struggle with job searching is not talking about what they want, their work experience, and their most relevant qualifications. Ensure your resume has a strong Professional Summary highlighting the type of role desired and your value to your target role. Step 3: Focus on Fewer ApplicationsHow many applications should you do in a given week? Applying for 300 jobs over six months (26 weeks) is an average of 11.5 applications per week. That is A LOT. When I’m job searching, my weekly goal is three applications per week, and I could submit as many as six per week if I’m driven to apply for a few more roles that look promising. By focusing on fewer job applications, I increase my quality instead of relying too heavily on quantity. Step 4: Customize your Resume for Each ApplicationWhen I decide to apply for a role, I take 15-30 minutes per application to customize my resume. Taking this extra time to update my language helps potential employers understand how my skill set aligns directly with what they are looking for in a candidate. Ensuring the right keywords are present for an Automated Tracking System (ATS) and for the recruiter who initially reviews each resume will give you a better chance of being selected for a phone screen. To make these updates efficiently and effectively, I focus on two sections: Professional Summary and Skills & Competencies. Check out the Learn More section for additional information on strategies for customizing your resume. Learn MoreBy Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady Job Searching: The Good DaysSome days will be amazing. Within a half hour of waking up, you receive an invitation to do a phone screen, notice another hiring manager accepted your LinkedIn connection request, and receive a message from a recruiter for a role that looks promising. Everything is going great for you. Hearing that good news fills you with hope about the future. You feel appreciated, valued, and worthwhile. Soon, you’re updating your budget, making that overdue phone call, and cleaning your whole kitchen. You use that extra burst of energy to start preparing for tomorrow’s phone screen. Today, you are productivity personified. Job Searching: The Not-So-Good DaysThen there are the other days. You check your email and read, “We will not be moving forward with your application,” then move on to “We regret to inform you,” then finish up with, “This position is no longer available.” You’re not even out of bed, and you already heard you weren’t good enough for three jobs you really wanted. Now, all that good news from the previous day seems irrelevant. Your email has become a scary place where everyone is mean. You hop onto LinkedIn to look for new jobs. While looking at job listings, you fixate on the one or two preferred qualifications you don’t have. You start to customize a resume for one job, then stare at your screen, trying to figure out why anyone would bother hiring you. Now, you're not going to have it in you to be a high achiever. Struggling to SucceedAfter a three-rejection morning, you may feel like a failure, and everything is hopeless. Despite how it feels right then, you are not lazy, a loser, or a failure. Instead, you have probably been going too hard for too long and have little to show for it yet. In addition, you have probably been relying on the overly simplistic getting-things-done strategies people often bluster about. If your only plan for success involves hammering away, powering through, or pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, you will have problems. It’s an excellent time to remind yourself that bucking/soldiering/cowboying up is not a long-term sustainable strategy. It is a short-term fix you can use occasionally when you have no other options. Making that once-in-a-while solution your go-to move will leave you irritable, burned out, and feeling like the failure you most certainly are not. Sustainability and Your Career TransitionYes, you are trying to find a job. Yes, you are trying to keep your finances in check. You also need to be able to continue to keep going sustainably so you can persevere as long as your career transition requires. You won’t be able to push yourself beyond your limits consistently for very long. Given that many job searches last between a few weeks and several months, you will need to find a way to sustain the effort you’ll need to achieve your job search goals. Your Basic Self Care Daily Task ListThere is an art to writing a helpful task list. This basic self-care list includes items that are valuable, easy to achieve, and can be checked off definitely. You can also update these lists to reflect what makes the most sense to you in your life. This is not your "I have accomplished miracles" list. Instead, this is your "I did the basic things I need to stay well so I can prioritize to keep going" list. Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Modifying The ListThis is a good starting point for a basic self-care list. If moving for 30 minutes is too much for you right now, make it 10. If making your bed helps you feel better, consider adding that to your morning list. If you do a load of laundry daily and put it away, fit that in where it makes sense. If you take your vitamins before bed, do that. Do what you need to to do make it yours. This basic self-care list will help you feel better on your hardest days. On an easier day, you'll breeze through these items with no problem and move on to conquering the world. Learn MoreBy Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady Changing Your Job Search MindsetIn most cases, job searchers who are in post-layoff career transition think about themselves as individuals looking for a company to hire them. Instead, consider shifting your mindset about your role while searching for a new position. Let’s reframe your job search experience. Your New Job: The CEO of YouInstead of thinking of yourself as an employee looking for a new employer, it’s time for you to think of yourself first and foremost as the Chief Executive Officer of your own company. This makes you the CEO of You. This means that your job is to make the best decisions for you as a whole. As the CEO of You, you are looking for employment that is a good business arrangement for you. Just like the executive team at a company needs to make tough decisions for the organization’s greater good, you need to make decisions that are in the best interests of you and your household. Adopting this mindset will shift your focus and change your life. The Business of YouAs the CEO of You, it’s time to think about what success looks like for your business. What are your assets? What are your marketable skills? Which company or companies should be your business partners? When is it time for you to end a business relationship that is not working? When is it time for you to pursue a new opportunity better aligned with your life? Whereas you as an employee may feel like you do not have any options, you need to make decisions for the good of the business as the CEO of You. One of those is determining how to protect one of your greatest assets–your ability to earn a living by leveraging your knowledge, skills, and expertise. Your Short and Long-Term GoalsAs the CEO of You, think about your long-term goals. Just like the company's CEO does not make decisions based on what other companies think they should do, you need to do the same. Regardless of other people’s opinions, make the right decision for you and your household. Align your next steps with your overall goals. Think in terms of preferences and priorities. Remember, too, that you’re not just the CEO of your career but the CEO of all aspects of you. This means not taking “any old job” unless you decide that is the right move for you overall. This also means that your business decisions may change over time as the environment changes. You can also change your mind about the right job for you based on the length of your job search and other factors in your life. Adjusting Your Business StrategyAt the end of the day, remember your role as the CEO of you and make a decision that aligns with your overall career and life goals. If you are committed to getting a job meeting all of your requirements, know that it may take a little longer to find that job. Know, too, that you get to hold out for that job if that is what you decide to do. Also, know it’s okay to adjust what you want based on your current situation. Do what makes the most sense for you. Learn MoreBy Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady You Can't Do It AllDuring your job search, there are always a ton of things you could be doing. Unfortunately, there is not enough time to do everything you could possibly do. Therefore, it’s crucial to manage your time. This helps make sure you are doing the highest value activities that will get you closer to your goal of landing a new job. Let's look at a few helpful strategies. Saying NoOne of the best time management strategies is the simple act of saying no. When you’re in between paid jobs, people may go out of their way to find ways to occupy “all that free time” you have. Being raised to be a nice, pleasant human being, I have a long history of saying yes to things I shouldn’t have. While saying no can be difficult, in your role as the CEO of You, it’s your job to prioritize your time wisely to help you achieve your goals. You might want to say no to doing extra volunteer work for your child’s school, church, or favorite charitable cause. You might want to skip helping someone landscape their yard, paint their house, or move. You might want to refrain from attending an additional school play, driving an extra carpool shift, or chaperoning one more event. In short, you get to spend your time in whatever activities bring you joy and/or get you closer to finding a new job. Ensure you align your time with your goals and do not take on additional tasks out of a sense of guilt, obligation, or good old-fashion task avoidance. Creating Your ScheduleOne benefit of working for someone else (aside from, you know, the whole getting paid thing) is that it gives your life structure. When you’re in career transition, making yourself some kind of schedule is valuable. It doesn’t have to be rigid or rigorous. Having more structure is helpful when you’re struggling. Systems help because they give you some idea of what to do with yourself if and when your plans change. Even if you don’t follow your schedule to the letter, having structure around your time can help address your need for order and give you a sense of accomplishment. Blocking Off TimeIf I have a blank calendar, I have difficulty accomplishing anything because I have too little structure. Conversely, if I overschedule myself, I will be frustrated because I have too much structure. Blocking off time for dedicated activities is how I balance the two extremes. During these time blocks, which are usually 1-2 hours long (for me), I focus on the task at hand. For example, during this time, I might search for new open positions, customize my resume for a certain role, or write a few thank you messages. Making an appointment with myself helps me get things done. I also block out time for fun activities. Whether when the roller skating rink is open, when my coffee group is meeting, or an hour to walk on a nice day, blocking off time helps me prioritize activities that bring me joy. Batching WorkThere are some things that I need to do multiple times in a day or a week or similar tasks that go well together. Work batching is a way to help increase your efficiency with these types of tasks. Here are a few examples of the kind of work I batch:
Grouping tasks tends to improve efficiency and boost productivity. Setting a TimerMost people’s productivity decreases the longer they work on the same task. One way to use your time more consciously is by using a timer. For example, I set a timer for 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break. This way, I have a set time to focus, but I also know it won’t last forever. In addition, if I’m spinning on a task and not accomplishing anything, taking that 10-minute break usually gets me out of that thought trap. During the 10-minute break, I switch gears. I stand up, stretch, or take a few deep breaths. Sometimes, I’ll even do a quick beta task, like folding towels, before returning to my alpha work. When my timer goes off and my break ends, I begin again. Breaks can work wonders to stop you from spiraling by helping you re-engage with a given task. Learn More |
