As this recession drags on and the months and (gulp) years go by the phrase "job loss" is becoming more of a plural reference than a one-time occurrence for many. It's getting to the point where more than a few people have had time to get laid off, spend a few months on unemployment hunting for a job, find something new and think they've survived, only to lose that new job as well and start the whole process again. And every time the cycle repeats it gets harder because of the risk that an employer might think it was you, not necessarily the economy, that was the problem.So how to fight back?
- Provide a solid, thorough explanation. Like with many potentially damaging pieces of information on a resume being honest and clear about what happened can be your best defense. Don't let them assume the worst about you.
- Be positive, not bitter or defeatist. It's hard to lose a job, let alone two or three of them, but if you want a new employer to hire you you're going to have to get over it. They'll pick up on your negativity and hopelessness and why would they want that on their payroll?
- Consider getting a career coach who specializes in your field. They can help give you an edge to counteract your multiple-job-loss disadvantage.
- Utilize LinkedIn and Twitter. The online world is becoming a popular tool for recruiting, networking, and sharing expertise. Consider putting your LinkedIn and Twitter links below the email address on your resume (consider carefully, though, it might not be appropriate in all situations).
- Remember that all luck changes. Things will get better, perserverance is key!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mel Otero says: (8:37PM on Nov 7th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I can definitely relate to your post. I was unemployed during the 1982-1983 recession, not once but twice. I survived, but it was definitely a challenge. And even though many others were unemployed ahead of me, you always feel somehow responsible. It is really important to keep things in perspective, get your mind focused and after you have processed the grief, begin to rebuild. I have developed a couple of web sites and several Squidoo lenses to share the things I've learned from these challenges. Your post should be of help to those facing job loss. Keep up the good work!
Mel Otero
I invite anyone interested to visit: http://www.recoverfromlosscom
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