Many individuals who have experienced job loss can agree that it is not an easy process for anyone to go through. For most of us, our jobs provide us with much more than a source of income, they provide us\u00a0with structure, a professional identity and impact the way we see ourselves. During this time, it is normal to feel many ups and downs as well as a wide array of emotions. It is important to remind yourself that job loss is the unfortunate reality of a tough economy.<\/p>\n
There are many things you can do to can get through this period and you may find that this opportunity\u00a0allows you the time to review your career goals and focus on what is most important to you. The following are a few steps to ensure that you remain marketable during this period:<\/p>\n
1. It\u2019s Not You, It\u2019s the Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n For those of you that may experience job loss, it is important to\u00a0differentiate yourself from the business decision. When an organization decides to either centralize its operations, eliminate a position or reduce its workforce, it is usually based on the company\u2019s performance. It is critical not to take this personally and realize that being let go is not based on your individual performance. This is very tough to absorb as it is natural to blame ourselves for decisions like this. However, you must not take things personally as it will impact your ability to find a new job.<\/p>\n Feelings of resentment and remorse can easily be detected in an interview through your selection\u00a0of words, tone or attitude towards your former employer. It is essential that you take time to\u00a0process the loss, let it sit with you for and then move on when you are ready. The time period for\u00a0each person will be different, but I suggest not to hold onto it as you must forward with your adapted skillset. In today\u2019s job market, job loss has become is a reason many job seekers are in\u00a0the market and potential employers know this but will not hold it against you as long as you stay\u00a0positive about the change.<\/p>\n 2. Update your Resume<\/strong><\/p>\n Take the time to reflect on the experiences that you have gathered with your most recent employer. Remember, that although your last employment ended in job loss, there are often significant achievements that you should be proud of. Thinking through these major tasks, projects and accomplishments can aid in updating your resume.<\/p>\n 3. Add to your LinkedIn Profile<\/strong><\/p>\n Ensure that your LinkedIn<\/a> profile captures your most recent position and it is highly recommend for you to obtain endorsements for your experience. These go a long way towards adding credibility to your profile and should not just be limited to your most recent experience but your overall profile.<\/p>\n 4. Be Patient <\/strong><\/p>\n Getting back in the job market can be challenging, do not set unreasonable time frames for your expectations to find a new job. Once you have updated your information, I suggest that you target positions and companies of interest. Think through to see whether your values align with the organization. (www.amissionofmercy.org<\/a>) Ask yourself, is this an opportunity that provides you with lateral or vertical movement? Is it aligned with your career?<\/p>\n 5. Rehearse Your Interviewing<\/strong><\/p>\n Freshen up your interviewing skills through researching commonly asked interview questions and practice them with a close friend or loved one. There are numerous examples on various websites. In addition, prepare different situational examples that you have built in your portfolio through your most recent role as well as from other experience. Be sure to include your previous role as you may have had significant accomplishments during your prior employment. Review my October 13, 2015 article on \u201c4 Methods of Effective Interview Preparation<\/a>\u201d for more tips and techniques on how to stand out in the interview process.<\/p>\n