In this Issue:
What if it happens to you?
Believe it or not, 9 times out of 10, your position has been eliminated or you have been terminated and there’s not much you could have done to change the outcome. Even when it’s not your fault, you have to deal with the reality of finding new employment.
Here are some do’s and don’ts to help your transition.
DON’T
- Don’t bother trying to negotiate to stay. By the time you’re told about the decision, it’s irreversible.
- Don’t keep your job loss a secret from family and friends. You’ll need their emotional support and networking opportunities to move on. Take a small amount of time to adjust your ego and prepare to move forward. So many people have been in your shoes, that they will be receptive to helping you.
- Don’t fudge your resume to seem younger. Leaving things off your resume creates trust problems. People will wonder what else you are trying to hide. Inevitably people will discover your age and likely feel duped. Include all positions and education on your resume. If an employer doesn’t want to hire you for any reason including your age, why would you want to work there? Move on to someone who appreciates your experience and what you can do for them.
- Don’t rely on the internet to find your next position. Networking is the most effective strategy. Use the vast array of contacts accumulated over your career.
DO
- Do the best you can to negotiate severance which should include salary continuation, extended benefits and outplacement services at a minimum. Beware of last minute non-compete clauses. Consult with a labor attorney if necessary.
- Have a plan to stretch your financial resources for 6 to 18 months. Consult a financial advisor. Consider a home equity loan or line of credit to bridge gaps.
- Job hunt in your area of expertise, both functional and industry specific. Remember, most employers want to minimize risk and hire “a been there, done that” candidate. It is difficult to take your skills to a new industry and nigh impossible to find work in a new functional role.
- Consider doing consulting or becoming an “interim executive”. These temporary assignments keep you sharp and keep you in the game.
- Focus on smaller companies which are often eager to hire a well trained and experienced executive.
- Use outplacement services if provided. Since you are the customer to the outplacement counselors, manage their resources for your benefit and advantage.
Like any life transition or challenge, accept it and move on. You can’t change what happened, but you can determine what happens next. Be prepared to work hard and you will find the next “perfect” job for you.
I encourage you to visit our website, http://www.bobharringtonassociates.com, to view previous newsletters addressing a myriad of job search issues and strategies.
Bob Harrington Associates 