What do I do now?

During my tenure as an HR Leader, I have had to administer many different types of lay-offs, furloughs, and separations – all actions as part of my job responsibilities.  I have also lost my job several times due to position elimination, take-over circumstances and reorganizations.  There is a whole gambit of emotions and reactions that occur during a lay-off, furlough, separation period – whether experiencing it or performing the act as part of a job responsibility. Acknowledgement of these emotions, having a good support system and understanding that losing a job in today’s unprecedented market does not always indicate your job skill, but rather is part of this Job Transition/Loss process.

Getting a job, many times means being in the right place at the right time (luck and good fortune), knowing someone (being well networked) and being skilled in a niche or right/future job skill (knowing the present market job trends and exploring future job skill possibilities-no matter how unprecedented the situation).

Although every experienced job transition/loss is different, there are some common threads that do occur – personally living through such circumstances and being on both sides of the table has given me a perspective on a structured and supported process that can assist in moving forward. I hope these Top Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions regarding Job Transition/Loss will assist you to move from unemployed to the future employable. PLEASE e-mail us at [email protected] if you have additional questions or would like to share your thoughts on what’s working or not.

  1. I’ve been laid-off/furloughed, and want to know what I should say to someone I’ve just met when asked, “what do you do for a living?” 
    Answer: Be honest about what has happened to you, in a positive way. Do not, be embarrassed, elicit pity, or bad mouth your past employer. Although these are understandable emotions, people will run from you rather than assist you, if you present yourself in this manner. Most people are uncomfortable with the topic of job loss so focus on your skills and job responsibilities at your last job rather than the loss of your job (have a prepared mental script of 3 to 4 sentences). Be positive and confident – when people meet you in person or through the internet, they should remember your physical presentation, communication skills and positive attitude. When you put yourself out there and ask the employed for contacts, referrals or a job, you may only have one shot to impress so be someone others enjoy being around and be memorable in a good way.
  2. What should I say when people ask, “how is your job search going?”
    Answer: Seize every meeting whether in person or on the internet, LinkedIn, Zoom, as an opportunity to gain more contacts and network. Say, “Although my search is going well, I would like to send you my resume, so that you have a written account of my skills. Additionally, can we set up a time to chat further? If the person does not want to commit to being sent your resume, meeting or speaking with you again, ask the person for 3 contact names. Leave every networking opportunity with:

    1. contact information;
    2. an additional in-person or telephone conversation;
    3. 3 additional contact names.
  3. How can I be productive and get my next job when I am so angry that some less skilled people still have a job and I don’t have a job? 
    Answer: You must get over it! Understandably it is difficult, but you have to deal with the situation at hand. Being angry is unproductive for your physical well-being and future work.
  4. …once I say to someone, “I’ve been laid-off or furloughed,” how do I engage to focus on my talents and me rather than me losing my job?
    Answer: Architect and take charge of the conversation which includes having a follow-up script after you hear, “I’m sorry to hear about you losing your job”. Here’s an example script:
    Person Employed: “So, tell me what it is that you do for a living?”
    Laid-Off/Furloughed Person: “I’m an HR specialist who just got laid off because of the downsized workforce at my company.” (Note here: HR Specialist is being used as an example-fill in your job title here).
    Person Employed: “I’m sorry to hear that.” (Don’t allow an awkward silence to occur here – jump in with the next lines).
    Laid-Off/Furloughed Person:     “Thank you for that acknowledgement; I’m looking at this time as an opportunity to think about what I want to do next. I’m feeling very positive and confident about all future possibilities.” (Note:  Most people want to acquaint themselves with positive, upbeat people who are confident in their talents and careful about their decisions and next steps).
  5. Who should I speak with about losing my job? 
    Answer: After you have risen above the emotional upheaval, be a “job crusader” for you! Tell everyone you’re unemployed and looking for employment. Network until you’re dizzy! Follow-up every networking conversation with a cover letter and resume and focus on the particular needs of that contact. As your Job Crusader, identify what added value you will bring to each specific job whether the job is available now or will be in the future.
  6. What should I do in preparation to getting out and selling my skills? Answer: Prepare, ME Marketing. Download, Update and Repackage your skills. ME marketing is essential and cost can be contained considerably by researching present and future options or by using contacts who are willing to assist.  Be sure to alter your marketing for each new audience, highlighting top skills that will add value to that particular company. Marketing examples:
    1. Traditional Resume (chronological or biographical) – although there has been much said about the resume, it still has a place in today’s work world. Be sure your resume is current and revamped for each new job search.
    2. Personal website, LinkedIn, blog, Facebook, Twitter, letters, postcards, phone calls, personal visits (if/when allowed), show and tell-creative zooms, blogs, articles and references.
  7. What are the top three selling skills that employers look for and will give me the competitive edge? 
    Answer: In my experience, some combination of and dependent on position:  education/experience, creativity (having the creativity to be multi-faceted and flexible), communication style and technical skills.   Generally, you get through the first phase of any process because of how you present (positive, flexible, multi-faceted) and communicate. Your education and technical skill set may never be realized, if you don’t pass the first process. Consider a total or partial make-over when necessary and showcase your technical skills as described in question #6. Total package marketing will allow you the competitive edge for future job opportunities.
  8. What other avenues can I explore since being laid-off/furloughed, if I don’t think I want to go back into the same business or industry? 
    Answer: Passion related activities (cooking, blogging, teaching or writing, as examples) and volunteer opportunities (food pantry’s, mentoring, working with the aged, teaching an on-line class, as examples). Taking a part-time job or volunteering in such activities will allow you the opportunity to try-out something new, expand your talents and network for present and future opportunities.
  9. What is one immediate weekly exercise I can set for myself in order to enhance my job opportunity prowess? 
    Answer: Take care of you!  Exercise often and get out of the house.  Although difficult, especially in the early stages of job transition/loss, sitting at home will only lessen your opportunities to sell yourself (when the time comes), be creative, and get back into the job market.  If you don’t want to network by yourself, start a weekly support group on-line (when in-person does not work and distance is an opportunity), in order to exchange ideas and highlight what has worked for others in the group (view yourselves as an “on-hold” group of elite professionals waiting for the “right” opportunity). Meet on-line or in a public forum when possible.  Dress in work-attire – get out of your pajamas; follow-up with your resumes and network with everyone on-line and in-person (as a future drill and to get feedback).  Mentally change your status from unemployed to future employable.
  10. How do I stay positive during this time when I’m scared to death that I will never work again? 
    Answer: Know you are not alone – there are others in your situation and even the employed, are scared.  Here is a 4-point plan, I hope will be helpful, to clear out negative thoughts:
    1. Look beyond the day – see the big picture, which includes you in a job or a different, more positive situation.
    2. Find the positive in each day.  Write down the positive words and actions of the day.   
    3. Be thankful for what you do have and for those that have been helpful – acknowledge and thank them.
    4. Assist others (Pay-It-Forward) – assisting others generally adds more than it takes.