Just because there aren't any jobs doesn't mean there are no jobs for you
This is a pretty timely topic given the fact that the economy is in turmoil. So are there jobs out there? Sure there are! You just need to be diligent and focused to identify and pursue them. Take for example my friend (I’ll call him Sam) for the purposes of this discussion.
The Setup
Sam was recently downsized or rightsized or something like that after having been with the same company for going on six years. He hadn’t really updated his résumé because he was comfortable in his position, was promoted pretty consistently due to strong performance, and frankly wasn’t really interested in going anywhere. His interests notwithstanding, Sam was the subject of a recent layoff and found himself wondering how he was going to get back on the horse for a new ride.
After speaking with Sam (at length) we came up with a game plan. To make a long story short, we recreated his résumé highlighting measurable results and significant accomplishments, gave the document an aesthetic facelift, drafted a strong cover letter and developed a strategy for his search, which included using social networking sites like FaceBook and LinkedIn to network with people and establish some viable connections.
The Action
Sam is very diligent, so he treated his search as if it were a full-time job. From the get go, everyday he did the same routine – he went to work. In this case, work was spending his time identifying resources and applying a bit of creativity to uncover opportunities. In addition to his online networking efforts, Sam contacted headhunters, friends, relatives, and even acquaintances to present his credentials. Sam used the job boards – but really in a peripheral way. He did get some interest there, but for opportunities that he wasn’t that interested in pursuing. So, he focused his time on speaking with people in his immediate and extended network.
The Payoff
Sam got a few calls from the HR departments of a few companies and scheduled some preliminary phone interviews. A few led to in-person interviews, and presently, Sam is the front-runner for a new role. Hopefully he will find out the outcome of his efforts in the next week or so and again find himself among the employed.
The Moral
The moral of the story? Just because you find yourself without work doesn’t mean that there are no jobs for you. It simply means that you need to use critical and creative thinking with more than a dash of perseverance to obtain a suitable position. Keep a positive attitude; and above all, treat your search like a job. It will help keep you focused and prepared to leave a positive impact when the opportunities (and they will) present themselves.
Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of ResumesDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
Debra can be reached at -
DWheatman@ResumesDoneWrite.com
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