Any Job Search Tips?

[jcme]

Yesterday, I was told the client is eliminating my role due to budget cuts. Most of my roles have been client facing and client funded so this isn't the first time I've heard this, but I'll admit is the most scared I've been hearing those words because of the current economic conditions.

Clients have scaled back on work we are doing for them and my company is slashing head count for their own economic reasons so finding another assignment is going to be difficult. Because I have a couple months to find another assignment, right now my plan is to concentrate on looking internally and perpare for an external job search.

During the 20+ years I've worked at my current company, I've tried to keep up with what jobs are out there in the market, submitted a few resumes over and even interviewed on a few occassions. However I find the whole job search thing overwhelming because I haven't had to do it in such a long time.

Do you have any suggestions or tips on how to conduct an effective job search?

Take care

[YellowRoseTex]

(((JC)))
I'm sorry to hear your role is being eliminated. :( The company I work for is making some eliminations next week. As far as I know I'm not one of them, but will be watching this thread as my job is far from safe. I've never been good at the search thing, like you, I have always found the process overwhelming.

Good luck! I hope that you find something soon.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[jules2707]

Hi JC

So sorry to hear your news! I know what you are going through, as I was made redundant last summer (July 2008 before the credit crunch was upon us!!!)

Because I had had a very rough year, for reasons I can't go into right now (otherwise I would be typing for weeks! Even months!!!) I had no idea it was going to happen until it did and it was the best thing that could have happened to me! I had my posts made redundant twice before (with the same employer) and I thought "third time lucky, take the money and run!!!" Which I did and I haven't looked back.

August I treated as holiday - as I needed a rest from all the stress i had gone through and I thought I would have September off hoping that our narrow boat would arrive. It didn't, but I wasn't too worried.

Six months down the line, I still don't have a full time job yet, but after taking some other courses (with one more to complete) I am adding the Balance Procedure to my list of skills and now want to work for myself!! So I am now setting up a business to carry out all my Holistic Therapies and also my handmade cards and scrapbooking. I teach these subjects part time at three local colleges in my area, spend time walking our 3yr old Labrador, see more of my partner, as he works from home in his study (I have the summerhouse in the garden as my craft room) and am going to rent rooms in gyms and fitness centres for my therapies.

My advice to you is look at your skills, update them with college evening courses as required, look at what the Market
is offering and choose what YOU want to do. You may even want to run your own business. You may even find extra help in grants to set yourself up.

My partner may decide to retire in the next coue of years
and is thinking of a dig walking business. With everyone out at work, the dogs need exercising everyday and he loves walking our dog too.

Be yourself, be confident and KNOW your are the best and great. You will have to sell yourself, so you may need to re-
write your resume focusing on your skills, strengths and what you could bring to the role you want to apply for. Also research each company that offers you an interview and remember to ask them questions as well. They are not just checking you out, you are checking them out as well.

Use the balance procedure to see if you are heading in the right direction and to remove any negative energy that may be surrounding you. Radiate positivity at all times and ask yourself what YOU WANT. Write your list. It should include everything you want from a job, e.g. salary, workplace, travelling distance and most important your work/life balance. We should not live to work, but work to live!! Make sure there is always time for you and your family.

If you need more help and guidance on the Balance Procedure and how it can help you let me know or email me from my profile page.

I look forward to hearing from you soon and you are in my thoughts.
Love
Jules
xxx

[jcme]

(((JC)))
I'm sorry to hear your role is being eliminated. :( The company I work for is making some eliminations next week. As far as I know I'm not one of them, but will be watching this thread as my job is far from safe. I've never been good at the search thing, like you, I have always found the process overwhelming.

Good luck! I hope that you find something soon.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

Thanks Kim

Right now I am concentrating on trying to find another position within my current company. If I don't find another assignment, then I will be unemployed :-(

Although I'm hoping for the best, I am preparing for the worst. The job market here is terrible and every time you turn around more people are being cut.

Take care

[jcme]

...I had my posts made redundant twice before (with the same employer) and I thought "third time lucky, take the money and run!!!" Which I did and I haven't looked back. ...

Jules,

Thanks for your words of wisdom. I am glad things worked out for you after you were made redundant.

First thing I thought of is "three strikes and your out". Although there were other times I needed to find another job assignment, the last three times were unexpected cut backs by the client...and when the corporate policy is if you aren't on a billable position, you are out the door. The other times I've needed to find another assignment, I felt more positive things would work out...this time, I'm not so sure.

I'm taking the appraoch of hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

Take care

[jules2707]

Hi JC

One most important tips i have for you (and I will always give to anyone who asks or needs it and please don't think I am being rude or anything like that), is for you to be POSITIVE! You MUST prepare for the best - don't just hope for it because it may not happen! If you prepare for the worst it WILL happen.

Think carefully of what YOU want to do with your career. Do you want to do that same old thing or are you ready for a change of direction??

As I said in my last post, USE the Balance Procedure to help you decide what you WANT. Make a list of all the things you want in a job, then make a list of your quifications, skills and experience. Then look at the market and see if they match with anything on your lists.

The do the. Reathing exercise I wrote about before. Eyes closed, standing still and relaxed, breathe in for a count of 7 and ask yourself if this (particular job) is what you want. If you seem to and actually fall backwards, then no, you are resisting it and it is not right for you. If you seem to and actually fall forwards, then the opportnity is more in line to what you ultimately want.

Try this JC, it will help you to find the right job, but you must stay POSITIVE. Any negative energy you have I side and around you will take over unless you deal with your negative thoughts. Use the Balance Procedure to clear any ocksges and get your Reading down to zero. Then and only then will you be able to move on to what you really want (new job, near home, not too much traveling, the hours you want, the salary you want). These are only suggestions as I don't know what's on your list.

If you need any more support or help with this, please, please email me (from my profile page) and I'll be there and bell you all I can.

Chin up my girlie!! There is something great out there just waiting for you..... you've just got to find it!

Keep the faith and let me know how you are doing. I'm here for you. Lean on me and I will be your interim strength until you find your own again.

Lots of love and hugs
Jules
xxx

[RavenHeart]

I have heard this story more and more lately; hard working people with years of experience being laid-off. Unfortunately the economy is our enemy right now. BUT it is important to look at the positive side of things. Write a list of all your strengths and skills and then do a career-finder search like the ones they do in High School and College to figure out what career suits you.

I am unemployed right now having given up my Day Care business in preparation of having a TAH which got postponed til March 3rd. I am using this time to update my resume, search the job market and checking out college courses locally.

Good luck,
Raven :) :queen:

[juleebugg]

Its really sad. My prayers go out to you all. Its scary, not having job security or if you do, wondering if the rug will be pulled out from under you for one reason or another. Our company has been doing a lot of out sourcing to other countries and a lot of us wonder just how soon its going to be before it happens to our department too. Some people have had luck going through a temp service to make ends meet, until something better comes along.

[jcme]

Have you ever used something like LinkedIn?

I don't feel comfortable putting all my information out ther for the world to see, but I have a friend who keeps telling me I need to do that. She said the last job she had, they checked her profile out.

Take care

[jules2707]

Hi JC
We have a system online in the UK where you can upload a copy of your CV/Resume to an online job search site. The best part is you do not put your personal details on your CV/Resume. The information you put into your profile is what employers see as well as your qualifications and skills etc. You register with the website, who will then pass you the information of employers who wish to contact you. Works better that way and keeps your details safe.

Not sure what type if online job search facilities are available in the US but might be worth investigating whilst you have time before your job finishes.

Hope this helps you somehow in your search fir a new job and don't forget.......stay positive!!

Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing.
Love
Jules
xxx

[jcme]

Thankfully the first interview is over and done with. I usually feel like a blubbering idiot because I'm nervous.

It was for an internal position and heard back a few hours later that the ended up filling the position from within their own group. They did tell my manager they would keep me in mind if something else comes up and told him I did well in the interview.

Take care

[YellowRoseTex]

:wave: JC,
Just checking in to see how the search is going. Anything promising? :hug:

[jcme]

:wave: JC,
Just checking in to see how the search is going. Anything promising? :hug:

Thanks for asking Kim.

It looks like I will be transfering to another group within my company. Right now they are struggling with the 'new rules' related to transfers put in place due to our buy out last summer. I'll post again when things are more definite.

Take care

[YellowRoseTex]

That is great JC! I hope it all works out. We are having more layoffs at my company. We are losing another one in the accounting dept next week. We have gone from a staff of 20 when I started 5 years ago to 7. Thus far, I think I am still okay, but really need to get that resume updated.

[jcme]

Kim,

Sorry to hear about more layoffs at your company. Hopefully you will be safe.

They never seem to end. :(

Take care

[jcme]

Thanks for asking Kim.

It looks like I will be transfering to another group within my company. Right now they are struggling with the 'new rules' related to transfers put in place due to our buy out last summer. I'll post again when things are more definite.

Take care

Just wanted to give an update. The group with the transfer had to put the position on hold so they can re-evaluate funding. Ther is still a chance it may come through or a chance they may cancel it, I'm not holding my breath and continuing to look.

Take care

[YellowRoseTex]

:( I'm sorry JC. I hope the funding comes thru or something better comes along.

I survived the last round of layoffs, lost one more in my dept. We had a meeting with our boss, whom stated that he is where he needs to be as far as staff. He said he would fight if they wanted to cut anymore. I think he was being upfront and honest with us. For now, I think I will be okay.

[jcme]

Here's the final scoop...

I had an interview with another group and they made me an offer for a position to work on a project on their team starting next week. It is a 7 month project with possible extensions, so hopefully I'll be set for awhile.

It sounds like this position will utilize my skill set as well as provide opportunities to learn new things (not something easy to find right now due to all the budget cuts going on). I'll also be cutting off about 10 mile each way from my current commute and about 20 miles each way from my company's other work location where most of the other groups I've talked to are located.

Thanks for everyone's support.

Take care

[YellowRoseTex]

:yahooo: That's great news JC! I'm glad you found something and something closer to home! :woohoo:

[jcme]

Thanks Kim.

I've got a bit of the new project jitters. For the past several years I work on a project, then move to another so I should be used to changing work groups, but it still makes me a little nervous because of the unknown. :rolleyes:

Take care

[YellowRoseTex]

JC, I know how you feel. I always getting jittery taking on anything new. My present position is constantly changing. New things are being thrown at me weekly. I know I can do whatever they throw at me, but it doesn't stop me from thinking that maybe I can't. New things take us out of our comfort zone. If you're like me, before long the new things will soon be in your comfort zone. :)

[jules2707]

Hi JC

Really great news on the job front!! Well done and I hope this move will be a good one for you. At least you will be nearer to home and no long journey's every day.

I'm sure you will be fine with your project work, especially as you say you've done it before.

Don't forget to use the Balance Procedure to help with the jitters, nerves etc. It will help to calm you and choose the right direction once you start your new role.

Do let me know how you get on and I send you BIG "CONGRATULATIONS" on your news!!

:celebrate :yahooo:

Love
Jules
xxx

[jcme]

Jules,

Thanks for the well wishes.

So far things are going well. It's a very overwhelming project with a lot to do in a very short time frame. I keep telling myself I'm making up for the project where I didn't have enough to keep me busy. :rolleyes:

Take care

[jcme]

I just realized I hadn't posted since I started this job assignment.

Things are going well. Everyone is very nice and it is a very team oriented group. The project has very agressive deadlines and I am extremely busy, however I don't feel stressed out because I like what I'm doing and the work style of the team fits my workstyle.

Turns out I know several people in the organization, although I'm not working directly with them. Since I'm in an office complex I also see a ton of people I've worked with over the years so that is nice too.

Take care

[YellowRoseTex]

:wave: JC,
I've been wondering how it was going. I am happy to hear that the new job is working out well for you. :hi5: