A friend recently sent me a link to a New York Times article, “Forced from Executive Pay to Hourly Wage.” The friend is a recently laid-off photojournalist who is talented, bright and good at what he does. He has consistently impressed me with his attitude and his unselfish, appreciative and gracious nature.
Thinking about him as I read the article, I was struck by this excerpt: “You’re fighting despair, discouragement, depression every day. Many are doing their best to hold out as long as possible on unemployment benefits and savings while still looking for work in their fields.”
It kills me to see such wonderful people, such stellar employees, folks passionate about what they do, out of work. Below, I’ve offered some tips for those who have been laid off and are in a period of transition.
1. Know where to direct your efforts: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can help show you which industries are hiring.
2. Take the initiative to brush up on skills that would make you more marketable to an employer. Read Joe Grimm’s live (and now archived) chat, “What Digital Skills Do Journalists Really Need?” for more information about this.
3. Take a class or two if needed. This may be especially necessary if you are changing careers. Check out New Horizons, an independent training company, and local universities and community college professional development programs.
4. Consider part-time temp work. I addressed this recently with Grimm in a Poynter Online live chat, “Is It Time to Get out of Journalism?”
5. Remember seasonal jobs. Tax preparer, inventory services and hospitality jobs are all options.
6. Take every job seriously; every job is a connection to a network that can get you to the goal you ultimately seek.
7. Show initiative. I consistently coach job seekers to be persistent, to apply each week to multiple jobs, to be positive and flexible and to follow up. Handwritten thank you notes are always a strong statement to an employer.
8. Emphasize your strengths. Build a resume that states your top strengths, and back up that statement with the results those strengths demonstrated.
9. Prepare answers to difficult questions such as “Why are you not working right now?” Be sincere and avoid bitterness or resentment.
10. I know you’re tired of hearing it, but be sure to network like crazy. Keep records of all the people you’ve contacted and follow up consistently.
The most important tip: Don’t become isolated.
