Here are some things I hope employees at companies think to do before the pink slip arrives.
1) Audit/Update Your Resume.
Review your resume to see if your document reads like a laundry list of job tasks or an accomplishment-focused, metrics-driven self-marketing tool. If your document screams vanilla, consider rewriting your resume or hiring a professional resume writer to help you. Do it now, before you are in “I need a job yesterday” mode. Use the FREE Resume Creater on the Career Portal at www.bfisearchsite.com.
2) Gather Testimonials.
A great strategy for gaining the confidence of the hiring manager is to prove your value-add through supervisor, client, and vendor testimonials. These quotes may be added to your resume or showcased through the endorsements feature on networking and identity management sites such as LinkedIn. But it looks odd to add ten new testimonials right after you loose your job and it smacks of desperation. Build your online credibility consistently over time so you don’t have to scramble or beg for endorsements quickly once you loose your job.
3) Reconnect.
Map out all the relationships you have fostered throughout your life and think of authentic ways to reconnect with those you may have lost touch with over the years. Facebook and Classmates are great tools for reconnecting with people you went to school with and Bright Circles is an online site for reconnecting with former colleagues.
4) Do a Favor for Someone.
Maybe you have a friend that needs assistance with a home improvement project or some help watching their kids for a few hours while they run some important errands. Think of ways to help others. This makes you more top of mind with them should you need their help in the future.
5) Join a Professional Association.
So many people ignore the benefits of being part of a professional organization and only join once they are in a job search. Since relationships in these circles may take time to build, it is much better to join and give back to your professional community before you start asking for information or job leads.
6) Volunteer.
Become visible in communities that are important to you. Perhaps that is the PTA at your child’s school, the co-op board in your apartment building, or the local animal shelter. Help others and they are more likely to reciprocate.
7) Get a Flu Shot.
Better yet, get a full check up and have your teeth cleaned as well. If you find yourself in a job search, you want to remain healthy and you also want to have these expenses covered while you can still take advantage of your company’s health insurance benefits. Are You Toxic? http://bit.ly/bklMRy
Manage Your Finances.
Do you know what you would do with your 401K or other investments if you lost your job tomorrow? Read up on your options or find a financial adviser to help you.
9) Avoid Toxic People.
Stay away from people who are chronic complainers, repeatedly report on how much money they have lost, or continuously quote unemployment statistics. Instead find a buddy who can offer support, advice and friendship and possibly make important introductions that can help you down the line.
10) Spend Time With Your Family.
Your family can provide tremendous comfort during stressful times. Eat meals together, read to your kids, and have some alone time with your spouse. Doing so can help relieve some of the tension you may be feeling if you are concerned about a possible job loss and remind you of all the ways you are blessed.
11) Enroll in the Group Career Coaching Teleconference Series “Don’t Interview Audition” from Briand Fiorella Search.
This will help you Land Your Dream Job faster than imagined by adding velocity to your search. These six sessions are presented by Teleconferences once a week and the duration of the call is 60 minutes, time may vary depending on the number of questions. Currently enrolling for classes starting Thursday February 4th at 5:30pm or Monday February 22, 2010…you decide what series fits in your schedule. The cost per person is $497.00. Credit Card or PayPal accepted for payment. Included is our eBook, Don’t Interview-Audition. To sign up, please contact Nicole Fiorella at 716-626-5520 x12 OR send an e-mail with Career Coaching in the subject line to nicole@bfisearch.com. Class size limited to 15. Reserve your access today!
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