COVID-19 ARTICLE: Lost your Job or Worried about being downsized?
A ‘GUIDE’ FOR THE ROAD AHEAD.
BY: ANNA IRVING
Introduction:
As we all well know, these are unprecedented times in our economy. Unemployment will soar. Below is the US unemployment graph drove me write this article. This graph displays a similar scenario in New Zealand. Senior economists predict New Zealand’s unemployment to reach 15 percent, with one warning it could even hit 30 percent as Covid-19 brings the economy to a shuddering half.
Unemployment rate: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
So, what can I do to help? What role can I play? I understand recruitment, well. TICK. I all know the best approach to finding a new role. TICK. This is enough. That gives me a warrant to write. To share my knowledge. Best case scenario, I support some to create their new chapter.
Here is what to do if you have lost your job:
- If you lost your job, grant yourself the right to process the situation. Use this time to decompress. And, as your thinking about it please keep in mind, it is not just you. This is happening to millions of other people too. Knowing this will not change matters, but you can take some comfort in knowing that it is not your fault. The circumstances are out of your control. There is no black cloud over your head. People are not trying to sabotage your career or talking bad about you
- As hard as it is, try not get overwhelmed grief, bitterness or resent. These emotions will hinder not help you in the long run. Always hold your integrity high.
- If you are really struggling, do not feel embarrassed to seek a mental health professional if you need it. I saw that Sir John Kerwin has set up a site this may be a place to start. https://www.mentemia.com/covid-19
- Inform others of your situation, there is not shame to it. And, tap into your network NOW. Do not be timid, rather be BRAVE.
- Maintain a regiment of exercise, eating healthily, avoiding drinking and drugs. Be virtually social if you cannot pop your bubble.
- From a practical standpoint, file for unemployment benefits. Set up a budget and carefully watch your expenditures.
- Now, create a game plan to bounce back better than before. Seriously consider how your skills can cross over to other types of jobs. Could you take step back to go forward; stay in your same field or, take the opportunity to learn?
- Start looking as soon as possible and look every day. This is your new job.
- Update your resume (with loads of measured, specific achievement examples) www.canva.com has great templates. I would recommend or there is loads of others in line. Makes sure that you have a responsibilities and achievements section under each of your recent jobs. It goes without saying that you should never lie or make up information. Reference checking and other tools are used by recruiters. I have busted many a person. It is not a pretty scenario for the candidate.
- Update your LinkedIN profile (to a pro status). I just found this guide on a google search it looks a good place to start if you have no idea. https://www.dummies.com/social-media/linkedin/how-to-update-your-linkedin-profile-summary-and-basic-information/
- Talk to your referees and ask if they will write a recommendation on LinkedIN. Let them know that you will be calling on them in the future. Make sure that you speak with them before the recruiter calls them to explain what your new opportunity is.
- Register searches on SEEK and have the relevant job opportunities emailed to you daily. Keep your search broad as it educates you on what else is out there.
- Fill out online applications,include a tailored covering letter and tailored resume. Follow up the application with a phone call!
- Create and cultivate a positive and enthusiastic interviewing technique. Think of all your wonderful assets, experience, and skills that you possess relative to the job you are interviewing for.
- Practice virtual interviews on Zoom, with family, friends or on your own. You need to hear yourself saying it out loud. Use uplifting and assertive action words and remain positive. Remind yourself of not only what you did, but what you are good at.
- Language is important, do not be bitter damming. Use upbeat language. Here is an example, “While I loved my job and enjoyed the respect and admiration from my manager and colleagues, my position—along with many others—was eliminated due to the economy.” Then, pivot by saying, “I view this as a blessing in disguise. I would have remained at the company for a long time if this did not happen. Now, I have the time to actively pursue new and exciting opportunities.”
Worried that you may lose your job:
- If you have a job, hold onto it. Even if the situation looks dire, do not leave without another job already lined up. The market will be brutal. Do everything in your power to be indispensable. Make sure that you keep close relationships with your boss, colleagues, and clients. You want to be survivor.
- While you are managing your job, you should also discreetly keep an eye open for new opportunities. Please do not do anything obvious that will make you a target for being let go. Do extra hours, be a team player, make suggestions, and take on extra commitments where you can. Prove that they need you and your committed to taking the business through this crisis period.
- I acknowledge, this is a compromising emotional state if you are working hard for the business and preparing an exit strategy (just in case!). Follow the same rules outlined above for those that are not in a job and prepare the basics. Network, set up some SEEK job searches, update your resume and LinkedIN.
Summary:
As shit as it is, you must stay steadfast, focused, and motivated. Have high integrity at all times. Continually work on your attitude and interviewing technique. Even if you do not feel like it, be brave and play the part to the best of your abilities. This challenging time WILL pass. It will get easier for you over time. YOU ARE AWESOME, and you will beat this situation and come out STRONGER.