Unemployment Tips
On April 14, 2001 Holly and I got married. Three weeks later we were both unemployed. It was a humbling, but growing time for us both. I know there are a seemingly endless number of books, websites, and people offering advice about job-hunting out there, but the following are some practically things that helped us both. They’re no guarantee or quick fix, just some wisdom I picked up along the way. Hope they help.
Top Ten Things We Learned During Unemployment:
- Make Yourself Known - You have to sell yourself, and you need to do it to whoever will listen. Put your resume up on every job board or website you can find. Companies are hiring for a lot of positions they aren’t advertising for. Don’t just rely on job boards or the newspaper, submit your resume to companies directly, too. Also, email all your friends, business contacts, and family members you can think of and see how they can help you. Don’t let your pride get in then way, you have a job to do and you need all the help you can get.
- Build a Routine - When you work you have a set schedule. Creating a routine will help you stay focused on the goal: getting a new job. Get up at a reasonable time… work out… job hunt for “x” number hours a day… all these things will help bring order to your life that seems chaotic.
- Be Thankful - It’s not the end of the world. Do your best to focus on the good, not the bad. You still have your health, your family, and a lot to contribute to the right company. If you are having problems trying to realize what to be thankful for, just go volunteer at the local homeless shelter. It will remind you how much you really have.
- Network - Get out there and talk to people doing what you want to do. Go to meetings of your local industry group. Don’t be afraid of inconveniencing people to find out how they got where they are, what’s the best way to get into their company, or where they see your industry going. You’d be amazed what perfect strangers will do if you just ask.
- Target Specific Job Types - Evaluate what you are qualified to do and want to do. Then choose a few specific job types and industries to focus on. Tailor your resume to target those types of jobs specifically.
For instance, if you have a marketing degree and think you could do sales or advertising, and telecommunications and healthcare are interesting to you, then go after those areas. You could make four different resumes and distribute them appropriately.
I know it seems like a lot of work, but employers will be much more impressed by a resume that emphasizes your passion and experience in telecommunications advertising, than by a more general one. You know what they say about jack-of-all trades — he’s a master of none. Instead, present yourself as a master of a few. - There is no number 6, I just wanted to make ten to have an even number. : )
- Reach out for help when you need it - You have friends and family that care about you and want to help however they can. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them when you feel like you’ve hit bottom.
- Target Companies - Find out what companies are doing well and go after them. You can narrow it down by industry, location, or some other criteria. Learn all about the company and find out what it takes to get in there. Ask around, and a friend probably knows someone who works there. Start talking with them and find out things like what departments and managers are hiring. Also, small companies employ more people than large ones, so don’t limit your search to just the high-profile ones in your area.
- Stay Sharp - Don’t let time away from work dull your skills. Take the time to study up in your field. Take a class, get a certification, or just read books. Did you know Barnes & Noble will let you sit there all day, just reading and sippin’ coffee?
- Be Productive - Even if you didn’t find a new job today, at least you accomplished something. It is amazing the confidence builder completing a long put off task can be. Don’t have a project? Ask a friend if they need help with anything, or just go volunteer.
