Laid off? Remember this: The Cream Always Rises to the Top
In today's economy, it sometimes doesn't matter if you're a superstar. If the company can't afford to keep you, there's little you can do about it. You're left with a pink slip and a whole host of not-so-good feelings - shock, fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, bitterness, and helplessness to name just a few. Through no fault of your own, your life suddenly is thrown into a tail spin and that out-of-control feeling is not a comfortable place for most high-achieving women to be.
The key is to gain control of that tail spin and right the plane. Of course, that's not always easy, but it can definitely be done. In fact, it's what you've done all your life. When things get out of control, you're the one who always steps in and takes control, makes something happen, turns it around. That's not to say that you shouldn't give yourself some time to mourn the loss and regroup, but it's important not to wallow in pity or engage in other self-destructive behaviors (such as drowning yourself in alcohol to numb the emotions).
So here are a few ideas for rising back to the top. First, you need to accept what you cannot control - you cannot control the job market or the economy. So you need to focus on what you can control. And what is that? Well, actually, quite a lot.
* Control your confidence level - Your resume is still as strong as it ever was. Lay offs don't take away from your job skills or abilities so go into interviews with confidence.
* Control your focus - Focus on the future and new opportunities, not on the past. The past is over and can't be changed.
* Maximize your chances for success - Focus on a target. Send out targeted resumes to targeted companies that will give you the best chances of securing a job interview.
* Do your homework - Once you've secured a job interview, learn as much as possible about that company. The more you know about the business, the more impressive you will be to a prospective employer.
* Use your network - Many more jobs are found through networking as opposed to more passive job searches, such as searching on-line or in the newspaper.
* Control your attitude - Attitude has so much to do with success. It's the old glass half-empty or glass half-full thing. Also, don't go into interviews feeling angry and bitter over what happened. It will show and reflect negatively upon you. View the lay off as a new opportunity that you're going to take full advantage of.
* Control your energy level - Turn those negative emotions, such as anger and bitterness, into positive energy. Tackle the job search as if it is a new job because it many respects it is. You need to be organized, efficient, strategic, and set goals for yourself as you would in a new job.
Most importantly, keep your head up. Remember that you are the cream and the cream always rises to the top. In this economy, the rise may be a little slower than you're used to, but you will get there.
The key is to gain control of that tail spin and right the plane. Of course, that's not always easy, but it can definitely be done. In fact, it's what you've done all your life. When things get out of control, you're the one who always steps in and takes control, makes something happen, turns it around. That's not to say that you shouldn't give yourself some time to mourn the loss and regroup, but it's important not to wallow in pity or engage in other self-destructive behaviors (such as drowning yourself in alcohol to numb the emotions).
So here are a few ideas for rising back to the top. First, you need to accept what you cannot control - you cannot control the job market or the economy. So you need to focus on what you can control. And what is that? Well, actually, quite a lot.
* Control your confidence level - Your resume is still as strong as it ever was. Lay offs don't take away from your job skills or abilities so go into interviews with confidence.
* Control your focus - Focus on the future and new opportunities, not on the past. The past is over and can't be changed.
* Maximize your chances for success - Focus on a target. Send out targeted resumes to targeted companies that will give you the best chances of securing a job interview.
* Do your homework - Once you've secured a job interview, learn as much as possible about that company. The more you know about the business, the more impressive you will be to a prospective employer.
* Use your network - Many more jobs are found through networking as opposed to more passive job searches, such as searching on-line or in the newspaper.
* Control your attitude - Attitude has so much to do with success. It's the old glass half-empty or glass half-full thing. Also, don't go into interviews feeling angry and bitter over what happened. It will show and reflect negatively upon you. View the lay off as a new opportunity that you're going to take full advantage of.
* Control your energy level - Turn those negative emotions, such as anger and bitterness, into positive energy. Tackle the job search as if it is a new job because it many respects it is. You need to be organized, efficient, strategic, and set goals for yourself as you would in a new job.
Most importantly, keep your head up. Remember that you are the cream and the cream always rises to the top. In this economy, the rise may be a little slower than you're used to, but you will get there.
A very positive and well thought out approach!
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