Marketing Me: Layoffs

Yep, I have not published diddly in some time. A bunch of reasons why..

First, my job that I started in 2005 was going great. I was doing very well and when things are going well, you tend to forget about HOW you got there in the first place.

Second, that great job ended just a few months ago. For 48 days, I searched for a new job. That took most of my time naturally.

Finally, my new job was found within my network which was good. But it did not change what was going on in my world.

Layoffs are everywhere in every industry.

See here, here, here and here.

That's right. Publishing, airlines, shipping, retail.. the list goes on and on.

Further, I have been speaking with a number of friends and parents whose children attend school with mine. Everyone fits into this category:

a) Suddenly changed job this year after a layoff, threat of layoff or problem with the old companies' revenues.

b) Looking actively for a new job because the old one will probably go away in the next year.

c) Has had to severely cut back because of a downturn at work. Yes, they are hanging on, but big changes in lifestyle are coming over the next 12 months.

Marketing Me has never been more important then ever before. I have much more to share and do with the changing economy and I hope I can help you.

Marketing Me! Recession job search

Looking for a job after a layoff?

A reminder from the past which led to the beginning of Marketing Me.

What NOT to do when you lose your job

1) Use severance pay for training.
Training sounds like a good idea. The government likes it as it gives out of work people something to do. But think about it. Would you hire someone who spent 20 years doing one occupation, but then received "training" to do something new? I didn't think so. Save your severance pay for a haircut or style, a new suit, transportation and other preparation for interviews.

2) Pay for a resume service.
Who knows you better than yourself? An out of work writer? Or you? There are websites on writing your resume. Better yet, there are free services to help you. Consult these options before dropping the coin on a for hire service.

3) Blindly apply for jobs online.
Great idea. Toss your name into the big faceless nobody pool.

4) Be too embarrassed to tell others about your job search.
Here is a secret. Your next job is coming from someone you know. Promise.

5) Refuse to act financially like you are out of work.
We have all heard the story about the laid off worker who immediately scheduled a trip to Thailand to "get his bearings and find himself". Instead, make that trip a reward after you start working again.

6) Applying for jobs you have no business applying for.
Do not shotgun resumes at every position and hope it works out.

7) If part of a company wide layoff, avoid contacting others in the same situation.
Guess what? The person who was laid off with you is looking for work as well. If he finds a position, there may be others. Keep in contact with your network.

8) Avoid coaching, a mentor or anyone who can help you with advice.
Tiger Woods has a coach. Company presidents have a board of directors. Who is on your board?

9) Do not think out of the box.
Why are you not working three things at once? A part time job consulting? A contract gig online?

10) Let pride stand in the way of success.
Yes it stinks to be out of work. But being unemployed is worse than admitting you need help finding a job. Get off the cross!