This webinar focuses on practical strategies to help you highlight your strengths in a manner that clearly separates you from your “competitors” who are interviewing for the same job. In today’s world there is almost always a battle for the best jobs, and you can use these strategies to ensure victory.
Just click on this link: Job Interview Differentiation – Webinar Recording
Job interviews are almost always stressful, but the pressure can become almost unbearable when you are asked a truly tough question, or you clearly flub the answer to an easy question. This 1-hour recorded webinar focuses on tips to help you shine even through the toughest interview questions.
Just click on this link to play the webinar recording: How to Handle the Toughest Interview Questions
“I’m sorry, but we’re going to have to let you go.”
“We are eliminating your position.”
“I don’t think you’re a good fit for this role any longer.”
“It just isn’t working out.”
“The security guard will help you pack your things and escort you out of the building.”
Buh-bye.
So you’ve suddenly been let go, down-sized, fired, canned, Most of us have been there. Some of us have been there many times. It isn’t fun or pretty. And no matter what your family and friends say, this ISN’T always “the best thing for you, a chance for a fresh start.” Sometimes it just plain sucks.
There is no shortage of advice for people who suddenly find themselves out of a job, so I see no need to share my perspective on networking, resumes, job search sites, etc.
Instead I would like to share three non-obvious ideas I’ve learned from others. These insights have helped me maintain a steady upward career trajectory for more than 20 years, even as I experienced two layoffs, one downsizing, one “strategy adjustment,” and an employer’s abrupt business closing. And I was outright fired once. So I know of which I speak.
Take the Hit
It is natural to ask yourself questions like “why me?” and “why now?” but be careful about how you explain the situation to yourself. It will be easy and quite tempting to assign blame elsewhere. Those damn politicians ruined the economy… senior leadership of the company was clueless… your boss was just covering his own ass… they lied to you… they didn’t set you up for success… now, some or all of those things might be true. But you do not serve yourself well when you focus on what “they” did to you.
Peel away every layer of blame until you get to the core truth: you created the circumstances of your life through your action, decisions, thoughts – or lack thereof. If life is a chess game, you don’t suddenly arrive in the middle of the game and complain about the bad positioning of your chess pieces. Your actions (and reactions) created your chess board as it is today.
Taking the “hit” of total responsibility for your tough circumstances is counter-intuitive and often emotionally painful. I’m not saying that it’s all your fault. I’m saying that it doesn’t help you to focus on why it is THEIR fault, whoever “they” are. If you fully embrace and “own” your life circumstances, the bad and the good, you will be much more clear sighted as you move forward.
But this is very hard for most of us. It doesn’t seem fair (it isn’t) and we really WANT to point our finger outward, not inward. But fairness isn’t going to land you a new job. The mindset you create when you “take the hit” WILL help you.
Find the Funny
The pressure and confusion and embarrassment of unemployment can kill your sense of humor. And when your humor dies, you also lose mental, emotional and physical energy, creating a downward spiral.
Force yourself to find humor in your situation. And not just the cynical “they suck so bad” type of humor, but mostly light-hearted, good-natured humor. And the very BEST humor, in terms of energy boost, is being able to poke at yourself. Don’t take yourself or your life circumstances too seriously.
Sure the financial pressure may mean that you cannot afford groceries, but your kids could stand to lose a few pounds, am I right?
Author’s note – I wrote that and then had second thoughts. Did I cross a line there? Not sure, so I’ll keep it in. But I know my wife is going to read this and cringe, so there will be a price to pay. (Hi Paula)
OK I’m having a little fun, but I’m also serious about this. During this period of unemployment it is more important than ever that you:
Humor provides us with a survival mechanism that I don’t claim to fully understand, but I KNOW it is critical. Because Paula says so.
Let the World Know
Your instinct will be to hide out, avoid friends, family and ex-colleagues from work. But now is the time to let EVERYONE know, including all of your LinkedIn and other social media connections. You can do it with humor if you like:
UPDATE: JUST GOT CANNED
Or you can be normal:
UPDATE: SEEKING NEW OPPORTUNITY
However you do it, put the word out. And let people know specifically what type of new work you are looking for. Provide them with a link to your resume. You will be amazed at how many are willing to forward it on the the HR team within their own company.
Attend every possible networking event you can. And shout your unemployment status from the rooftops. Uh, not literally of course. But let everyone know.
I used to “hide” from my friends when I was unemployed, scrambling to get a new job before they learned I was out of work. So I get the instinct. But I also know that when I changed this one fundamental mindset, it had a HUGE payoff for me personally. And I’m betting the same will happen for you.
Searching for jobs online can be convenient and efficient if done correctly or frustrating and time-consuming if done incorrectly. While you may see thousands of job listings right at your fingertips, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and waste opportunities if you’re applying carelessly or using standard website settings. Adjusting to this new job-search process may seem confusing, but it isn’t impossible.
The job search has changed from printed résumés and pounding the pavement to online job boards and one-click applications. Here are some do’s and don’ts for job-searching online. Read more →
If you’re being honest, you can probably name a bad habit or two that impacts your personal life. But what about those not-so-great behaviors related to your job search?
We’ve identified four habits you might need to kick to put yourself at the front of the hiring line, and provide tips for overcoming these potential stumbling blocks. Read on to see if any of these following bad habits ring true: Read more →
Job interviews used to be about showing up, answering questions and being polite and professional. Now, with how competitive it is to get a job, successful candidates need to also focus on proving their usefulness to the company and their uniqueness as professionals.
How?
Portfolios — visual representation of previous work — have been go-to job search tools for copywriters, graphic designers and artists for years. But the benefits of a portfolio can be reaped by any serious job applicant, regardless of the industry. While they shouldn’t replace résumés, portfolios can help bring your experience to life. Read more →
The job interview is a brief, but crucial, component of the employment process. If you are thinking of re-entering the working world after a hiatus or starting to look for a new opportunity after a long tenure with your current firm, it’s wise to brush up on what to expect during an interview.
Especially if the position you’re interviewing for involves managing a large office and juggling numerous administrative responsibilities, the ability to present yourself well and inspire confidence is critical. By taking note of these key interview strategies, you can make the best possible impression and land the position you seek. Read more →