They can be small or large companies, although the smaller ones are likely to offer more opportunities. How do you find such companies? Construction companies, banks, insurance companies, and real estate agencies are good sources of information. Write managers and executives in such companies and then call to arrange to talk with them, preferably face-to-face rather than on the telephone. When you meet with such individuals, don’t ask for a job. Request information about potential businesses in the area that may need your expertise. Talking to executives in different industries will provide both information and potential contacts.
From our experience, you'll find most executives you con tact both friendly and helpful. And you may even get a job offer or a referral as you conduct your interviews and meet new contacts. This kind of research may also help you find a different kind of job that could prove more challenging than you anticipated.
Don't overlook pockets of the economy that may be in the throes of a recession. In such cases the professional sector of such companies may be in a down cycle but still need employees. In many instances the average job seeker won't consider such companies, even though there may be good openings for the savvy job hunter. You can find such companies by reading newspapers and magazines, and by watching business news and TV broadcasts. Don't overlook word-of-mouth contacts through your network.
Don't discount working for the U.S. government. Uncle Sam hires more than 100,000 professionals a year, and you won't have to worry about discrimination - due to race, religion, color, or age-if you are a minority. The government also uses temporary employment services for its seasonal needs.
Transferring Your Skills. Whether you are returning to the workplace, changing jobs, or switching careers, you'll be using the skills and experience you gained in previous jobs. These skills are transferable to different jobs, companies, and industries. Professionals don't suddenly lose these skills because they were fired or laid off the day before yesterday. Unfortunately, many professionals who are suddenly terminated put themselves down psychologically, forgetting that they are the same persons who were successfully working on the job only a week ago. For example, if you are a financial person, your expertise can be used in virtually any company or industry that requires fiscal know-how-that's common sense. Don't overlook the many skills you can bring to a new job and a new industry.
Self-assessment. This is the key to your job campaign, which consists of two parts: the plan and its execution. Knowing what you want to do is half the battle. The other half is the execution of your plan and finding the job you want.
Now let's look at you and your particular situation. Which one of the following categories best describes your situation?
- You've recently been fired
- You believe you are a victim of discrimination
- You are a victim of a merger or acquisition
- You are forced to take early retirement or made the mistake of retiring too soon
- You are a college-educated homemaker, or widow, or divorcee who raised a family and wants to resume a career
- You need help in getting started.
There are a number of reasons why professionals are terminated in today's turbulent job market. They include corporate downsizing, acquisitions, company mergers, and layoffs due to budget cuts. Today it is not uncommon for entire departments to be wiped out in an eye blink. Perhaps the worst-case scenario is being fired because of personality conflicts.
When a person is fired, it can be a traumatic experience at any age. One's self-esteem often takes a nosedive. Suddenly one's neat and organized little world comes apart. The amenities one takes for granted in his or her working life disappear.
For example, the comfortable office cocoon that confers a measure of dignity, identity, and importance evaporates. The convenient office telephone and fax machine are no longer available. The daily camaraderie of fellow workers is lost. Even the convenience of a nearby bathroom is gone. Suddenly you are a man or woman without a company.
What Do I Do? The first step is to tell your family and friends, and broadcast to the world that you are looking for a new job. The worst thing you can do is not tell your family at a time when you desperately need their support and all the help you can get.
This is also the time to take a close look at your finances, plan a budget, and reduce costs until you find a new job. Put any termination pay into an interest-bearing account so that funds are available when you need them. If you walk out with a large lump-sum payment from a company savings plan that has not been taxed, you have 60 days to roll it over into another nontaxable account. A good tax adviser or financial expert should be consulted about the best way to invest this money. If you go beyond 60 days, Uncle Sam will demand his tax bite from your lump-sum payment.
