Senin, 23 Agustus 2010

Moving Forward After a Job Loss

by Marc Hertz, Robert Half International


You've been with your company for a few years and enjoy what you do. Then one day, you get called into your boss's office and are told the organization is making some changes -- you've been let go. What do you do next?

If you've lost a job, the future can feel uncertain, especially in today's economic climate. But with a plan in place and the right attitude, you can increase your chances of finding a new position quickly.

Here are some tips:

Mourn the loss. Take the time you need to recover from the shock, but try not to dwell on the situation. Realize that as difficult as a layoff is, you will get through it. In fact, most people have lost a job at some point in their careers, and some even feel it has led to better opportunities.

Do some soul searching. You may need to find a job immediately and can't afford to be picky about what you do next. But if you have the luxury of time, consider if you want to follow the same career path or veer in another direction. It's possible that you weren't passionate about your former job or that you've thought about other options that you have yet to pursue. Consider your interests and how they align with your skills and experience.

It's easiest to seek something related to what you've been doing so you can take advantage of your transferable skills. For instance, if you've worked as a legal secretary and you're interested in becoming a paralegal, you can utilize your background working in law firms. Keep in mind, though, that you may have to pursue additional training or earn a specialized credential, such as a paralegal certificate.

In addition, if you're in an industry like manufacturing, where downsizing has occurred, you may consider looking into sectors that offer growth prospects, such as health care.

Use your network. This is the time to utilize the network you've built over your professional career. Get in touch with former coworkers and supervisors, business contacts, friends, and family members to let them know that you're looking for new opportunities. Be specific about what skills you can offer a potential employer and what type of position you seek to give people a better chance of helping you. Meanwhile, continue to expand your network. Attend industry conferences and alumni functions, and explore online networking avenues such as LinkedIn or Facebook.

Register with a staffing firm. As the old saying goes, two heads are better than one. When you register with a staffing firm, a representative from the company will look for a suitable full-time or temporary position for you, effectively doubling your job search efforts. You also can build skills and earn money by taking on interim assignments. In addition, a staffing manager can help you revamp your resume, and you may have access to free training so you can fill any skills gaps you might possess.

The ability to maintain a positive attitude has a lot to do with being able to recover from a job loss. Don't overlook the value of getting support from loved ones. Chances are that some of them have gone through similar experiences, and they can offer valuable advice that will help you as you move forward in your professional life.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.


Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

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