Abridged: Examiner From The Career News, V 9, #33, Aug 17, 2009
DENVER, CO — In our changing economic landscape, many people find themselves unprepared to deal with locating a new job in a struggling economy. The unemployed will initially react to the loss of the job and the security it provided. It’s normal to experience feelings of grief. Next comes a transitional period where the displaced worker comes to terms with the anxiety caused by finding themselves unprepared to be in the job market and deciding their next move.
This transitional period is one of establishing goals and making career decisions. It’s also a stage in which many people get stuck. The longer you stay unemployed and lick your wounds, the harder it is move to forward. While it might make sense to look for a position similar to the one you just had in the industry you were just in, this isn’t your only option. After all, if your company is laying off, it’s likely that others in that industry are as well.
Maybe it’s time to re-invent yourself. This could be a great opportunity to take a look at why you were doing what you were doing. In most cases, you have changed, and your industry has changed too. Maybe this is an opportunity for you to re-career: to evaluate your abilities, interests and values that you have NOW and find a match within an industry or field that has a brighter economic outlook.
Category: Unemployment
These days, job seekers should spend 60 to 70 percent of their efforts on networking. Let everyone know you’re out of a job and available for work. People like to help, but they can’t help if they don’t know you’re looking. On average, 80 percent of job openings aren’t advertised at all. Therefore, working with a recruiter and networking may be the only way to hear about them.
Recruiters, otherwise known as head hunters or search consultants, are hired by companies to find candidates for them, and often know about unadvertised jobs. It’s important to note, that recruiters do not charge the job seeker. The company pays a fee, typically when a candidate is hired.
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Category: Career · Unemployment
An unnamed headhunter comprised a list of winning strategies/tactics by analyzing the similarities of clients who had landed jobs, even in disparate industries. What he saw in common among those that found jobs were:
- Updated, well-written, spot-on resumes that included results-oriented examples of competencies
- Positive attitudes that kept them going through the tough days
- Consistent and regular meetings with their contacts to keep them in a networking loop
- Clearly communicated their job search goals in terms of the value they brought to the field
- Thorough research of the companies with whom they were interviewing
- Impeccable follow through after meetings with thank you emails
- Being prepared for anything that came along during meetings
- Realistic notions about how long the job search process would take
However, in addition, in each of these cases, the successful job seeker found out about a position before it was ever posted. They had their foot in the door and made an impression that set them apart from other candidates who applied through traditional avenues. Therefore, networking is important! What will be your winning strategies and tactics?
By JoNel Mundt, PhD.
Category: Career · Unemployment
Job search costs are delicate as related to tax deductions, and I suggest consulting your accountant to verify the following information which recently appeared in The Career News, March 9, 2009, V9Issue10. They state “The basic rule - whether you’re laid off or simply want a change - is that job hunting expenses are deductible on your federal return if you itemize deductions. People who take the standard deduction can’t claim these expenses.”
Qualifying expenses in a job search are deductible even if no position is found. They note that deductible items include:
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Category: Career · Unemployment
Sorry about that ‘doom and gloom’ title, but I dislike job-hunting!! On the other hand, the upside is it can be a great time to learn about your Self. In other words, turn this ‘threat’ into an ‘opportunity’ (using Strategic Planning jargon). During the process you will want to do things such as:
