You Lost Your Job, Now What?

I was reading and commenting on a post in one of my LinkedIn groups. It was about the emotional rollercoaster women go through when they lose their jobs. It is a very spirited discussion. I like that about Linkedin - all the different opinions. Anyway, one of the things I commented on is that many women (and men) just don't realize the free or low cost offerings that are out there in the real and cyber worlds.

I love giving job search training sessions but often as I am about to start training a new group, an uncomfortable thought passes through my mind. "What if they know this already and they made the trip here for nothing and won't learn anything valuable?" I am always surprised that regardless of organizational level or occupation, most people don't know where to start when writing a resume. Most people don't know what types of jobs they might be interested in and they don't know how to network or interview. Most surprising though is the fact most people are unaware of the resources available to them on the internet.

When I was displaced from my organization I was offered (and took advantage of) the use of the company sponsored career outplacement center. Here I was offered training in resume writing and interviewing and I could use the center as my “office” to find a new job. I also worked with an experienced career counselor to assess my career interests and craft my resume. Some displaced employees took advantage of this valuable offering but many did not. Why? I think that anger, shock, embarrassment, depression and other heart –wrenching emotions play a role in that. I also think that while some people do take advantage of outplacement offerings, many are not emotionally ready to actively participate.

My former organization offered this invaluable service but many do not and the displaced employees are left to figure it out on their own. Once a person is ready to move on, where do they begin? I have compiled a list of sources that I have found helpful.

1. Your state or county unemployment office. Make use of the training and make an appointment to talk to a career counselor. Many of the counselors have suggestions and brochures of some excellent state run or nationally-mandated programs. The government is offering all sorts of programs from returning to school to green jobs but you have to know where to look for them. Also, participate in the office’s support groups and volunteer on one of the many committee positions. Look at the Professional Service Groups that most unemployment offices have and attend the meetings. You will be able to network, attend free presentations on job search skills and perhaps add another skill to your resume.

2. Your public library. Many have been given grants to offer job search and computer skills training and most if not all, are free. Call up the Adult Services Librarian and ask what they have. They also offer a number of other interesting programs and this is another great place to network.

3. Your local community college. Again, free or low cost job search training or business advice. Also the government is offering Pell grants for some people to retrain or return to school and the college is up-to-date on the details.

4. Volunteer. Find an interest and get out there. While you are doing something that you enjoy, you can also network.

5. Professional Groups. Almost every profession has a group. Look for one in your area and join it. Usually the local chapters are much cheaper than the national chapters.

6. Social Networking. Create a complete LinkedIn profile and join some career interest groups. Get involved in conversations. Ask and answer questions.

7. About.com, Monster.com and other sites. Look up career advice and look at the templates designed for career- specific resumes and cover letters. There are also plenty of sites for the older job seeker.

8. On-line newspapers and magazines. Almost every day there is an article about job search. Some are full of depressing statistics but others offer great advice and even more resources.

9. Career Assessments. Type in “free career assessment” and you will find some helpful tools to help you identify career interests and motivational profiles. AARP has a couple of good ones.

10. Other colleges. Most colleges have links to their career service offices and there’s a lot of good advice about resume templates, fonts, spacing and the like. Also interviewing tips. Each college has different advice so look around.

Once you take a step to actively start your job search your outlook will improve. You are doing something for yourself, you are getting out and you are learning something new. It really does help.