flickr: jra7
Unemployment – the “u-word” as I’m seeing it referred to in the headlines of my google reader is touching the lives of several Gen Yers in my social sphere. Last week we had a dinner with all of my graphic design friends and one of the girls at dinner told us not only was she laid off but her whole company was closing down. So the question to ask here is what’s a girl to do?
- Don’t Panic & Don’t take it personal: Step one seems a little obvious, but I tell you it’s important that this be the first step. This is the first time for many Gen Yers to experience being laid off so it’s easy to make it personal, which will do nothing more than keep you from making the next step.
- Keep the ball rolling: I’ve seen a few people say “well I got laid off I’m going to give myself a vacation before I start job hunting.” Here’s my advice – don’t do it! Number 1 job hunting could take weeks (if not longer) you will have some time to catch up on sleep on the days you don’t have an interview scheduled early. Number 2 you must go on the momentum you have built up from working – it’s far too easy to get into the habit of sleeping late and feeling sorry for yourself.
- If it’s to be it’s up to me: Job hunting is not a passive game. You can not sit at home and expect your doorbell to ring. You must treat looking for your next step as your job.
- Be a walking/talking/interactive commercial for yourself. Do whatever it takes to show that you are invaluable to your next job – create a blog in your field to showcase your knowledge, set up an online portfolio if you are in a creative industry, get endorsements on your profile, give away your services for free to a non-profit while you job hunt.
- Create multiple streams of income. Think of things you could do to bring in extra money while you are job searching – do some freelance projects, sell things on , or sell things around your house you no longer need. The smell of desperation is not a very nice perfume to wear to a job interview.
- Network & make friends. Ever heard the saying it’s not what you now it’s who you know? With the connectivity available through technology it’s just a matter of time before you are connected to the right person. I’ve seen numerous postings on twitter about people asking for connections. The internet is a great way to get your resume/blog in the right hands. and several other sites are great resources for finding networking events to meet people.
- Take risks & put yourself out there. Is there a place you’ve always wanted to work but have never even applied? Find out what it takes to get in with that company and at least give your best efforts to get an interview. Many people who are unemployed are too embarrassed to ask for support – this is not the time to be a lone ranger. Send your resume to everyone (yes everyone) you know and ask them if they have any leads for you. My mom has helped my ex (yes you read that correctly) get an interview. People love to help however they can. You won’t know until you ask.
Some additional resources:
About Elysa Rice
Blonde Computer Nerd. Texas Girl (Dallas to be exact). Community Manager for Bizzy. Social Media Club of Dallas Leadership. Lover of all things pink. Mac & Cheese fanatic. Apple Fangirl.
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