Career Talk JDR

Being “downsized” and facing the prospect of unemployment can be both a personal and a professional strain. It is important to stay positive and focused.  Keep 9am-4pm hours on weekdays, working on structured tasks that are aimed toward getting a job.  Then, relax and have fun in the evenings and on weekends!

Do’s and Don’ts to finding a technical job:

Don’t spend time on job sites; it will only lead to frustration.  Today it’s highly unlikely that an employer will hire someone they don’t already know, or someone that is not represented by a reputable recruiting firm with existing relationships and success within their organization.

Don’t send your resume out blindly; it’s easy to spam employers with your resume, but it won’t yield you a job.

Do spend as much time as possible with people one-on-one. Attend technical and career meetings, meet colleagues for lunch, and talk to contacts on the phone. Finding a job is all about relationships and good representation.

Do experiment with new technologies and learn different skills.  You can download developer kits and start experimenting.  The layoff period may not be long enough for you to completely master a new skill, but you should be able to show that you have been enhancing your knowledge.

Do contact search firms that represent companies whose clients use your technology skills and who can offer an environment that will enable you to be represented by them when their clients have openings.

Do look for consulting or contract projects.  It is advisable to stay employed so that you are marketable when companies are ready to hire again. People that have consistent projects and position without gaps will be in a much better position to reap the benefits of an economic turnaround.

Do volunteer your services. Donate your time for tasks that will also enable you to develop your skills and be beneficial to your community.

Don’t stress. Allow yourself time to relax and enjoy life; the work will come.  Pursuing things you love doing, with people you enjoy, will position you better to get a job; other people will notice your commitment, passion, skill, and personality and they’ll want to either hire you or help you get hired.

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