The Big Employment Chill

Brrrr … It's cold in here?

Employers are having their way right now. Yep, It’s going around – and it is not all that fun. Budget cuts, down-sizing, and lay-offs are as common as ice cubes, well in Alaska, or better yet, a frozen margarita!

It’s easy to lose perspective during discouraging times, but recognize that this is part of an economic cycle – and to remember that cycles spin. This chill won’t last forever.

So for now, try to focus on the foundational work of understanding the quality and substance of what you have to offer. When we have clarity and alignment about who we are and what we bring, it resonates with others, and good things can begin to happen. 

Here’s how you can productively “wait out” the big freeze:

CAREER SEARCH READINESS:

The Hard Skills

• Know your WHY - Why do you want to work in ABC field for XYZ company? Why are you the best person for the job?

• Mock Interviews - Prepare for your interview. Comb employers' websites so you know the companies/ job sector well. Anticipate & practice answering questions; consider enlisting some objective feedback on your responses.

• LinkedIn - Perfect your LinkedIn profile. It’s still the first place businesses go to check you out.

• Polish your resume - Know the trends. Start with a descriptive headline that describes you & your strengths. Use data to substantiate your experience. Reserve plenty of white space for easy readability.

• Technology skills - Keep learning. Know the basics and then some. If you don’t, enroll in a class or teach yourself. There are lots of online certificate programs out there waiting for you to enroll.

• Use your connections - With hundreds of resumes piled on HR desks, a connection can get you noticed, and move you to the "Round #2" pile.

SEAL THE DEAL:

The Soft Skills

• Confidence & Clarity - Employers will hire those who know themselves well and exhibit clear reasons why they want to work for XYZ company.

• Curiosity - Employers appreciate curious and collaborative co-workers who are coachable and eager to learn. Curiosity brings with it innovation and problem solving abilities.

• Take Your Chances - Someone has to get hired so it might as well be you! Landing a job can be a numbers game — so put yourself out there … often.

• Curiosity - Employers appreciate curious and collaborative co-workers who are coachable and eager to learn. Avoid trying to be the “smartest guy in the room.”

• Stay current - Know the research & trends happening in your field. Follow groups on LinkedIn or subscribe to industry-relevant blogs or news sources.

• Communicate professionally - Whether you are speaking or writing, hone your skills. Speaking effectively asks for business appropriate dress, eye contact, ease, curiosity, and clarity. Writing calls you to express your ideas clearly & succinctly and with accuracy.

• Be conversational - Do you have your back-pocket, open-ended questions at the ready? Growing professionals are able to connect easily with others. It’s integral to the networking game.

  When we are clear on our unique offering we can be intentional about putting it out there, and that is when the universe (and HR hiring teams) begin to take notice.