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I had just finished a two month solo project and was happy
to be done with it. Content, I went to lunch.
When I returned from lunch, my manager called me into her office and told
me to close the door.
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SIDEBAR: Conversations that start this way never
end well.
That's when she lowered the boom.
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Like many who are unexpectedly laid off, I was
stunned. But I knew that I was young, smart and talented - it probably
wouldn't be long until I found another job - so I began looking for work
that same day.
Bad move on my part. I should have taken some time before looking.
A better way to approach things, I now tell my clients, is to develop a
three week plan. That's not to say you'll get a job in three weeks, but you
will approach things far more strategically.
WEEK ONE
This is an unpaid waiting week for most. Unemployment Insurance won't pay
you for this week.
This is an opportune time to mourn the loss of your job. Most of us
identify ourselves with our job, and losing your job is akin to a death of
a loved one. So take time to mourn and get it out of your system. To
paraphrase Hank Williams, have a tear in your beer. Sip warm tea, listen to
sad music, wrap yourself in a blankie and look at
the rain outside the window. Do what you have to do to mourn.
WEEK TWO
Your second week should be a foundation week. The bulk of your time will be
spent contacting head hunters, contract houses and temp agencies. You
should aim to sign up with at least three such places each day this week.
The rationale, here, is to get coverage. Head hunters, contract houses and
temp agencies will look for work for you. The more people looking for you,
the better.
A few words to the wise: Be sure to specify the kind of work and pay you're
looking for; if you want a permanent job, mention that. Also, call to
follow up with each place only once per week after signing up with them
(any more than that and they will stop taking your calls).
WEEK THREE
Begin your networking with a vengeance. Make a list of everyone you know,
no matter how long it's been since you last spoke, how little you know
him/her or even if you only met once.
Then call them and tell them you're looking for work. Some will help. Get
contact names and info from them.
Be sure to also follow the procedure outlined in this post.
At the end of three weeks, you'll have a lot of help in your work
search...and you'll feel much better.
IN THE CARAVAN:
Take time to mourn your job loss before recruiting an army of people to
help you look for work.
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bSafari.c
The Lion’s Pride: Q & A
