I'm collecting "Tips from the Trenches" - a report on what people are doing (not what they're advising others to do, or what they know they should do, but actually doing) to thrive and survive in these turbulent economic times. If you'd like to participate, please email me at CGoman@CKG.com.
Below is a response I received from a woman named Cyndy Kaufman. I thought her story so valuable I wanted to share it right away.
"My position was eliminated last July. My company was going through several reorganizations and layoffs. Although I was safe from the first two rounds...you never know. My position was just not needed in the current scheme of things. So my next steps? We work at our jobs 8-10 hours. And that is how much time I devoted to job researching, searching, applying and networking. While I kept an open mind about the type of work, I was also realistic about my skills and what I wanted to or didn't want to include in a position. These efforts paid off. I had about a dozen phone interviews and almost the same in-person interviews.
I help others in their efforts to look for work. That means that two or more of us are looking and making contacts. Boomerang theory really works here! I had held a networking group for the first few months. We would meet for coffee or at the noon hour once every two weeks. We shared tips, resume writing feedback and our frustrations. Everyone has a job today...well, okay, that would be almost for me...keep reading...
From previous job searches, never bring up salary unless they do. Often if they think you are wonderful and the right person, the salary can magically appear. And don't settle for less than your current base salary (the days of bonuses and incentives are fading away). That will only make you bitter and resentful in your new wonderful position. I learned that after my first layoff, years ago. Having been a career counselor and having many jobs myself, if you keep confident (not overconfident) about your job/self worth, you will not fail to bring in the appropriate compensation for your life's work.
I also believe you should have 9-12 months salary in the bank all of the time...regardless of your current status. If I hadn't I would not be in good shape today...eight months later. Having this cushion allowed me to turn down a job I knew would not be in my best interest. Instead, I waited and took a job for the future...with the Federal Government. However, my security clearance will take 8 months or so. Again, I had the savings to endure the months of non-income and make the best decision.
That said, I am looking for freelance, part-time and hourly work to help me until my first paycheck. Although everyone else is doing the same. I carefully pick small networking events that can provide me with contacts or skill building for the future. I have volunteered for professional associations so that my name is out there and I get more contacts. This also allows me to keep current in the industry.
I've cut back on my gym membership. However, exercise is especially important if you are not working or worried about the times. I walk outside and do abs on my bedroom floor to stay in shape. I looked for a sale for hand weights as well. I pay a small fee not to lose my initiation fee and can be in this non-active status for 6 months. I do not go out for dinner or lunch except for a rare networking dinner or lunch. I make my own cookies/muffins. I buy a whole chicken and make several days of it. I make pizza from the dough you can buy in a Trader Joe's. Chili, lasagne, are other possibilities. Meals from scratch are much cheaper than ready-made. So hone up on your cooking skills. This really saves the pennies. I clip coupons and shop the sales. I bunch my errands so I don't have to go out (and use gas...) everyday. I had to cut back on cable TV services and I don't go out to the movies. I will rent the DVD or purchase online when I have the cash flow. I use the local library! for magazines, checking out books, and DVDs. I'm not afraid to say no to my family or friends or tell them I honestly would prefer not to spend the money right now.
Most of all, surround yourself with positive people and keep positive inner thoughts if you are faced with a job layoff. Often this can lead to something greater/better/different.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I hope I can help you make a difference in someone else's life."
Best Regards, Cyndy
Below is a response I received from a woman named Cyndy Kaufman. I thought her story so valuable I wanted to share it right away.
"My position was eliminated last July. My company was going through several reorganizations and layoffs. Although I was safe from the first two rounds...you never know. My position was just not needed in the current scheme of things. So my next steps? We work at our jobs 8-10 hours. And that is how much time I devoted to job researching, searching, applying and networking. While I kept an open mind about the type of work, I was also realistic about my skills and what I wanted to or didn't want to include in a position. These efforts paid off. I had about a dozen phone interviews and almost the same in-person interviews.
I help others in their efforts to look for work. That means that two or more of us are looking and making contacts. Boomerang theory really works here! I had held a networking group for the first few months. We would meet for coffee or at the noon hour once every two weeks. We shared tips, resume writing feedback and our frustrations. Everyone has a job today...well, okay, that would be almost for me...keep reading...
From previous job searches, never bring up salary unless they do. Often if they think you are wonderful and the right person, the salary can magically appear. And don't settle for less than your current base salary (the days of bonuses and incentives are fading away). That will only make you bitter and resentful in your new wonderful position. I learned that after my first layoff, years ago. Having been a career counselor and having many jobs myself, if you keep confident (not overconfident) about your job/self worth, you will not fail to bring in the appropriate compensation for your life's work.
I also believe you should have 9-12 months salary in the bank all of the time...regardless of your current status. If I hadn't I would not be in good shape today...eight months later. Having this cushion allowed me to turn down a job I knew would not be in my best interest. Instead, I waited and took a job for the future...with the Federal Government. However, my security clearance will take 8 months or so. Again, I had the savings to endure the months of non-income and make the best decision.
That said, I am looking for freelance, part-time and hourly work to help me until my first paycheck. Although everyone else is doing the same. I carefully pick small networking events that can provide me with contacts or skill building for the future. I have volunteered for professional associations so that my name is out there and I get more contacts. This also allows me to keep current in the industry.
I've cut back on my gym membership. However, exercise is especially important if you are not working or worried about the times. I walk outside and do abs on my bedroom floor to stay in shape. I looked for a sale for hand weights as well. I pay a small fee not to lose my initiation fee and can be in this non-active status for 6 months. I do not go out for dinner or lunch except for a rare networking dinner or lunch. I make my own cookies/muffins. I buy a whole chicken and make several days of it. I make pizza from the dough you can buy in a Trader Joe's. Chili, lasagne, are other possibilities. Meals from scratch are much cheaper than ready-made. So hone up on your cooking skills. This really saves the pennies. I clip coupons and shop the sales. I bunch my errands so I don't have to go out (and use gas...) everyday. I had to cut back on cable TV services and I don't go out to the movies. I will rent the DVD or purchase online when I have the cash flow. I use the local library! for magazines, checking out books, and DVDs. I'm not afraid to say no to my family or friends or tell them I honestly would prefer not to spend the money right now.
Most of all, surround yourself with positive people and keep positive inner thoughts if you are faced with a job layoff. Often this can lead to something greater/better/different.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I hope I can help you make a difference in someone else's life."
Best Regards, Cyndy
Labels: career advice, economic downturn, organizational change
posted by ckg @ 2:35 PM
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