Charge your career!

            Today’s post is for those folks who have found themselves on the short side of the post-2008 job market.  If you have recently lost a job or struggled to find a job utilizing your professional skills, this week’s blog series is for you.  

Let's say it one time-you lost your job.  It is unfair, it is scary, and it sucks!  OK it is out of our system, now let’s get down to the business of discussing some practical things that you can do to turn lemons into lemonade.

            Stop blaming, whining, crying, and any other “ing” that doesn’t make you feel amazing.

            I know that going through a job loss can be terrifying.  I know that often job losses happen in a very inequitable and unsettling manner.  But-staying stuck in the negative emotions is going to lessen your chances of finding a job.  Human beings are attracted to positive energy.  Your first job is to find a way (hire a therapist, write a letter, allow yourself one day to tell everyone, etc.) to see and feel the positive in this situation.  Play mind games with yourself if you have to, somehow someway you need to find a positive place and remain there during the job search process.

            I was just talking to a friend who has found herself on the opposite side of employment and she mentioned that the hardest part is waiting for potential employers to respond to resume drops.  My response-stop waiting and take charge.  This is your opportunity to re-invent your career.  Take the bull by the horns.  Stop waiting to find your dream job advertised and instead write your own dream job description.  Then, start looking for companies that match your description.  If you cannot find a dream company-maybe you need to start one.

 In my younger days I played a lot of softball.  It didn’t take too many shots to the jaw to discover that if I sat back and waited for the ball to come to me-it often took a bad bounce.  If I charged the ball, I could scoop it before it had a chance to move in any unpredictable ways.  The same theory applies to your search.  If you are without a job, you do not have the luxury of waiting for someone to advertise the job of your dreams.  You do not have time to submit a resume and wait for someone to call you.  All of the waiting is going to end with a bad bounce to the jaw.  Charge your career.  Do research, submit unsolicited resumes, call up the hiring partner of the firm of your dreams and tell him/her why that firm is the firm of your dreams.  Really live and ask to buy said hiring partner a cup of coffee to discuss what you can bring to the firm.   Take chances you wouldn’t take while you are employed.  What do you have to lose?

The other advantage of charging your career-all of the positive momentum will leave you FEELING positive as well.   And, as previously discussed, when you are feeling great-people are automatically drawn to you.  So, as you are interviewing for your dream job you will be in a GREAT state of mind attracting your interviewer to you and increasing your chances of being hired!  Ain’t life grand?!?

Get our there

If you are in search of a new opportunity, everyone you know should be aware of said search.  This means, getting out there.  I don’t care how reserved and shy you think you are.  If you have had a professional job, you have a network.  Now is the time to put your network to work for you.  Once you have identified the specifics of your dream job and any companies that offer your dream job-scream it from the rooftops.  Tell your neighbors, your former co-workers, college roommate and anyone else that will listen.  If you know what you are looking for, it becomes exponentially easier to spot it.   Really play the odds and use your network to help spot it.  

I know it can be a little awkward to call up people you have not talked to in awhile to ask for their help.  If you really want a job- DO IT anyway.    Here is a little secret-people like to help other people.  I have received phone calls from friends of friends, old classmates, and my husband’s former co-workers.  Each time, I was flattered that they called me and was more than willing to help.  If you are in a positive state, and I know you will be because you read the first part of this blog and understand how important it is, members of your network will be happy to hear from you.  Your phone call will be a chat with an old friend not a draining therapy session.  So, get out of your own head, stop making excuses, and start making those phone calls.

Don’t overlook social media.  One of the greatest benefits of social media is that you can get information out to the masses quickly.  So, don’t be shy about posting a positive message about what you are looking for on LinkedIn, Facebook, or even Twitter.  Search for your dream company on LinkedIn and follow it.  Search your network for anyone that may have connections to your dream company and reach out to them.  Look for networking events, seminars, and workshops sponsored by your dream company and attend.  Search the Internet for articles or blogs written by employees of the dream company and respond.  Find ways to connect yourself to the opportunities you want.  Your search is limited only by your own creativity and determination.

One of the most detrimental patterns I see from job hunters is allowing themselves to become socially isolated.  For many, work was is the foundation of their social life.  If this is you-you have to find a way to stay connected to real people.  Computers are great tools but online chats do not substitute for human contact.  If you can afford it, join a gym or take a hobby class.  If money is tight-attend free events in your community.  Attend a free Meetup, free lecture, job fairs, and chamber activities.   Get out of bed every day, dress for success, and find people.   This will prevent you from falling into isolation and keep you in that critical positive state that I keep harping on.

In today’s economy, many talented, well-educated, and driven people have found themselves in the midst of unexpected job hunt.  The truth is, it can happen to anyone that is employed by someone else.  So, if it’s you-charge your career.  Seize this opportunity and go find (or create) the job of your dreams!  

Still need a boost?  I will offer one free  60 minute coaching session to anyone that contacts me as a result of today's blog.  Now you are totally out of excuses.  Let's get started!

About Jonelle- Jonelle Vold is a business coach that is passionate about your success.  A mother of twins, former Assistant Dean at a tier-one law school, attorney, and seasoned sales professional, Jonelle understands the challenges of high-level professionals.  Her coaching philosophy is every person has the ability to be a rainmaker by cracking their own personal code and doing business with intention.  You can reach Jonelle at jonelle@jonellevold.com or www.jonellevold.com.   

Women's Short-Term-Massive-Action Group Coaching Classes starting on September 8, 2011.  Ladies if you are ready to jump start your success, regain control of your time and your life, reignite your professional passion, and of course learn to make rain-this is the class for you.  Space is limited contact jonelle@jonellevold.com for details