In today's economy, we all fear the call to the boss's office that results in those words no one wants to hear: "I'm sorry, but due to cost cuts, you have been included in a round of redundancies." The boss doesn't like delivering those words any more than you like hearing them. But if you are let go, what do you do next? How do you re-group and move on quickly, and find a new position that's right for you?
There's no doubt that if you've lost a job, the future can feel uncertain, especially in today's economic climate. Here are some tips to put you back on track and increase your chances of finding a new position quickly.
Take time to reflect. Being made redundant is an emotional loss and you need to treat it accordingly. Consider taking some time off, if even a few days, to give yourself time to separate from what happened and mentally prepare for your job search. Remember that, at every point in their career, most people have had to handle being let go. Try to think of it as an opportunity to make you more resilient.
What do you want to do next? Hopefully you have the luxury of a little time to consider your next career move. Were you happy doing what you were doing? Do you want to stay in the same type of position you had before? Or is now the time to consider a lateral move or perhaps learn some new skills to make yourself more marketable?
Maybe you were a qualified accountant before but have heard about growing opportunities in areas like internal auditing or cost controls. Is this a good time to research different sectors of the field? What type of training would you need to make a move to a different area? What transferrable skills would help you most quickly to make such a move? Ask fellow professionals what they recommend for someone with related experience seeking a transition.
Don't forget the basics. Take the time to update your CV and modify it to reflect your new goals. Are there areas of experience which you could re-emphasise to reflect new career goals? Are you involved in a professional association or community group that could give you additional experience for your CV? Think of your CV as an evolving reflection of you, rather than a static document. Many savvy job seekers create multiple different versions of their CV to reflect different types of positions they seek. This indicates that you have a dedicated interest in seeking the right position, as opposed to just blindly casting your net and hoping for a new job.
Rely on your network. This is the time to utilise the contacts you've built over your professional career. Let the members of your network know that you are seeking a new position and be specific about the type of job you want. It's very hard to help someone who has vague goals such as: "I want any job in finance, as quickly as possible."
Be specific about the skills you have to offer and continue to expand your connections. Attend industry events and conferences and explore online networking sites like LinkedIn. Don't think of networking as a discrete event that happens at a set place and time. Savvy job seekers are always on the lookout for fellow professionals to connect with: at the bank, in grocery stores, when they're out to dinner, in the community. Your next job opportunity could come from anywhere, so don't limit your networking to industry-specific events or programmes.
Seek expert assistance. If you're sending scores of targeted CVs and cover letters and still aren't being called for interviews, contact a staffing or recruitment firm and ask for suggestions on how to improve your application materials. Staffing professionals can provide you with invaluable tips and feedback. It's their job to stay current on market conditions and hiring trends. They also can help you locate temporary positions that will allow you to keep working -- and earn money -- while you continue searching for full-time employment. Such positions also allow you to expand your network and learn new skills on the job.
Ask why. If you interviewed for a job but were turned down, follow up with the company and ask why you didn't land the position. Rather than trying to convince the interviewer that the company made a mistake by not hiring you, solicit constructive criticism that can help you refine your approach. Ask the employer about areas that need improvement.
Example: What skills do you suggest I build in order to be considered for positions like this one? Learning how you are perceived will help you in future interviews and networking situations.
Relax. It's important to keep your job search active, but not at the expense of your own sanity. Take respites to keep your spirits and energy level high. Unchecked stress can feed on itself, so make time for enjoyable pursuits. Go away with your family for a couple of days, treat yourself to a nice meal or simply place all applications aside for one weekend. You'll come back to your search with new perspectives and strategies.
While keeping up your spirits during an extended job search can be difficult, you certainly aren't alone. At some point, most professionals will ride the highs and lows associated with finding a new position. If you're hunting for a job now, use the tips above to keep your search on track -- and your head up.
Robert Half Finance & Accounting is the world's first and largest recruitment consultancy, specialising in the placement of accounting and finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis. With more than 360 locations throughout North and South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, the company provides a complete financial and banking recruitment service at all levels - from clerical and trainee accountants to Finance Director. For more information about Robert Half Finance & Accounting or to search vacancies online, please visit www.roberthalf.ie