Getting back into the workforce can be tricky, confusing, and above all else, frustrating. The last thing a job seeker needs is questionable strategies that won’t work or to fall for some work from home jobs scams. So, here are some effective ways to get back into the workforce after a job loss.
Networking – It’s all about who you know
Most experts agree that networking is a very critical element of a successful job hunt. Dave Opton, CEO and founder of ExecuNet, a career placement firm says “…without fail, networking has emerged as the single largest source of interviews and job leads every single year.”A brand new opportunity may be just a few flicks of the finger away if you get in the habit of collecting business cards from vendors, consultants, colleagues, and friends or family members working in other companies. These could be great people to contact should you become part of a lay-off. While employed, take advantage of networking opportunities. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and neglect the chance to network. Trade shows, consortiums, even the occasional lunch outing with that seemingly annoying sales person may become your career-saving contact. Katherine Spencer Lee, Executive Director of IT staffing firm Robert Half Technology, points out that lots of people presume the first thing they need to do after they’re laid off is to start responding to online job postings as quickly as possible. But, she says, that alone isn’t enough: candidates should research companies that are hiring, scour their network, and make sure their skills are current.It may be tempting to pay a fee to have your resume broadcasted via faxes or emails to thousands of companies; this strategy seldom works. According to ExecuNet’s Opton, “While it’s not unheard of for someone to find a new opportunity by sending unsolicited resumes to companies, it is rare.”
Keep your skills sharp
Maintaining a current skill set is also critical to successfully reentering the workforce. Katherine Spencer Lee says professionals wanting to rejoin the ranks of the employed need to ensure their skill sets are up to speed. “With how quickly industries are moving around, growing, and changing, if your skills and tools are outdated, you will have a hard time even getting interviews.” Therefore, it is extremely important for displaced workers to make sure their resumes reflect recently learned skills, projects they have worked on, or certifications they have earned.
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity
With today’s rapidly improving job marketplace: companies today are hiring again. So, as the job market improves formerly “passive” candidates are now actively seeking employment, and the overall competition for the most attractive opportunities is heating up.If you are tempted to strike quickly while the iron is hot it is important to not jump the gun and enter the market before developing and refining a professional resume, and being prepared with a well researched target list of companies you are interested in, having a polished ‘elevator speech’ that highlights who you are, where you’re going, why, and what you can contribute.”
It takes time
According to the AARP’s research; the average duration of unemployment in 2005 was 24.1 weeks for those over 55 and just 17.8 weeks for those under 55. In spite of these sobering statistics, if you are an older job seeker don’t lose hope. “Overcoming age bias in a job search,” says Opton, “starts with being prepared to counter stereotypes head-on by demonstrating an ability to adapt to change, a comfort with relevant technology, and enthusiasm for tackling the challenges that lie ahead.”
A State of Mind
Sudden job loss is a traumatic and tough experience to deal with. But, it is essential to maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity. Dave Opton recommends that job seekers give themselves time to get past the shock and anger of a job loss and point their energies in a positive direction. And, says Katherine Spencer Lee, “the best tonic for recovering from a layoff is to remain active.”At the end of the day, a job search is a sales job. “You are now the sales manager for a product called ‘you, inc’.” Presenting that product in the most positive light greatly increases the odds of closing the sale and landing that new career opportunity. Summary of article by Sixto Ortiz Jr.
