After Layoff, Ask Career Questions
Some companies call it a "layoff," others refer to it as "downsizing" or
reengineering". Whatever the label, the result is the same. Employees
involved in corporate staff-cuts must deal with the shock pain that
accompanies losing a job.
It is common for these workers to ask basic questions such as "What did I do
wrong?" "What will I do for a living?" "What am I going to do for that car
payment?" or "What I tell my family and friends?"
For the purposes of a job search, these questions must be put aside. Instead,
a worker should focus on learning about what assistance the company offers
during the first days after a layoff.
Some businesses provide help through outplacement firms or career
management consultants. Others offer resume writing clinics and networking
opportunities. Still others may provide job listings or contact other firms in
the field.
Take full advantage of all help available including information and career
workshops.
If no assistance is offered, the worker should keep the job search process
moving forward by using this time constructively - examining personal career
goals, assessing skills, weighing educational needs or goals, and exploring all
possible career options.
It is a waste of time to wonder what went wrong or mope around the house
asking, "Why me?" These feelings are natural, and should be addressed with
the help of friends and family. The most important thing is to work through
these feelings and look toward the future.
Personal reminders of self-worth also are an important part of the
adjustment after losing a job. Spending time reliving "horror stories" or
focusing anger at a former employer will sabotage self-esteem.
Use this time for productive activities. List the answers to probing questions
such as:
- What is the ideal job?
- What are my personal strengths and how do they relate to the "ideal job?"
- How can I use these strengths as transferable skills -and how can skills be
of value to the next employer?
- Are there any roadblocks to actually finding and wining that ideal job?
Review the list several times. Then, use the answers as a starting point. Do
not panic and take the first job that comes along. Focus attention on the
action required. Use all energies and resources to plan a timeline and
develop a network to implement a job-search plan.
Time spent worrying about the circumstances of a job loss won't help landing
"the perfect job." View the transition time as an opportunity for personal and
professional growth. Think of it as a positive investment that ultimately will
yield professional rewards.
Pat Goodwin, CPC, is senior vice president with Reedie-York & Associates, a career
transition management firm and affiliate of the Texas Association of Personnel
Consultants and the National Association of Personnel Services.
Published in Houston Chronicle
Pat Goodwin, CPC |
