Job Search

With A Difference

“JOB SEARCH”/TRANSITION WITH A DIFFERENCE

Introduction

Job loss, lay off, closure, transition, fired, ….different words, but they all mean the same thing, resulting in denial, bargaining, anger, depression, and finally acceptance.

So it’s over. The company’s decision is to close, or reduce staff. It’s gone. So is your job. And, it’s not your fault. Sometimes, things just happen, beyond your control. Why take it out on someone else. Do something about it!

During the past 35 years, we’ve helped thousands through job search, job clubs, career transition and re-training. We’ve developed “Steps for a Successful Job Search”, little extras that have proven to be successful. They follow:

Step 1. Pull Away From The Pack.

Don’t go through the motions of just submitting another resume. At the end of the week all copies will be gone, and you’ll be lucky to get one interview.

Dare to be different, to make a favourable first impression. Make you and your resume stand out, set yourself apart from others seeking work. Success is not easy, you have to work at it. If your resume is just thrown onto another pile of “junk mail”, you will not succeed. You have to be distinctive to be noticed - creative, imaginative, and communicative in your presentation of factual information. Know your target. Find out what happened to the last person hired. Develop insider information. Respond to their needs. Use email to follow up. Set yourself apart.

Step 2. Be On The Lookout For Small Breaks.

Opportunities don’t just happen, they are made. And small opportunities add up to success. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you will succeed.

It’s up to you to try to make each place the right place …and it’s not in front of your TV set! Job search is your job now, so spend full days at it. Know who you are calling on, and save their time. If you are calling on a restaurant, don’t go at meal time. If the business starts early, go early and show that you’re up early. Be on the lookout for that special insider who can help you.

Make small breaks.

Step 3. Specialize, Then Diversify.

If you are coming out of the coal mining industry, you still have a specialty. But, there may be more opportunities in trucking or distribution. The challenge is to assess your special skills and transfer them to other opportunities. In keeping with diversification it’s useful to consider retraining and orientation opportunities. Long, loyal, dedicated, and other service skills/retraining are always in demand. And, once you’re in the door, even part time, you can demonstrate your versatility and willingness to work. So, use a diverse approach.

Step 4. Never Fear Failure.

You cannot die from embarrassment. It may feel fatal, but it never is. In job search, your key strengths include dress and grooming (it’s better to be over-dressed than under-dressed); eye contact (demonstrates integrity), and skilled communications (speed and listening). Most employers will hire for attitude (a willingness to work with the team and learn new skills). Positive thinking will bring positive results. Remember, everyone has flaws, but, successful people, like you, LOOK for ways to move beyond them, forward, sideways, new, whatever. Remember, failure proves you tried.

Step 5. Forget About Five Stars.

A successful job search needs teamwork: the encouragement of your family, the help of friends, co-workers, and business contacts. All of these can help you by pointing you in the direction of opportunities, by nudging others to meet with you. When you despair about job loss, it’s time for new ideas, positive action. And, there’s no stars given for proactive self pity. So give yourself credit for your experience and ideas. You are the star.

Step 6. Strive for Balance

Life and family are the most important things in the world. If you have a choice of “networking” with others seeking work, or going to your child’s school play, choose the latter. There’s likely another opportunity to network, but the play is over until next year. Your child needs time with you, even when you’re out of work. And, surprise your partner by using spare time to help around the house. To be successful on the job, you have to be successful at home. What an opportunity to Practice Balance!

PROBLEM ASSOCIATES

· Rude to co-workers, suppliers, customers

· Negative attitude that destroys morale

· Always has an excuse for shortcomings

· Complains when asked for extra effort

· Needs constant supervision

· Specializes in on-the-job retirement

· Short on motivation, initiatives

· Real or perceived personal problems that infringe on work

· Is insubordinate in front of others

· Is frequently late or absent

· Refuses overtime even for deadline crunches

· Frequently gossips about others

The above are just some examples of problems that, if ignored, will get worse.

Using performance enhancements you can increase morale and performance, waste less of your time and perhaps avoid litigation.

Constructive discipline techniques helps to recognize the problem, assess its severity, develop intervention strategies and if all this fails, implement formal termination procedures. And, throughout the process you can learn how to reach stages ¾ of the communications jungle.

NEW NETWORKING

“Self Employment”

· Build from your success

· Point to successful client relationships … referrals are good!

· Develop your customer relationships marketing

· Link to other like firms to foster growth by sharing information and expertise.

· Become a network …and Teamwork can show you how!

(It is a useful way of doing business; of growing small businesses. You may be able to raise private venture capital; become a favoured supplier; a just-in-time supplier; a shared information source).

(But beware of nepotism and in-breeding. Usefulness can change and the system can clog. By joining synergistic successes with start-ups or incubators, cross-marketing/licensing can succeed).

For proof of how this can work, check out the history of Netscape/Excite/Intuit … a win-win of revenue and traffic.

For financial opportunities, check out RoyNat Inc. A quasi merchant bank/equity lender or CFIB, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (about 100,000 members) … and be prepared to change.

Closing

Finally, we can tell you that you’re right. But who said life was fair. You have to work at it, work at it, work at it. And if at first you don’t succeed,

Try, Try Again! Email your questions/suggestions to info@teamworkventures.com for personal, no cost assistance.