Tuesday evening

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-22-1999
Tuesday evening
4
Tue, 06-17-2008 - 8:07pm

The job hunt goes on.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
Tue, 06-17-2008 - 9:03pm

LB -


I am involved in a lot of hiring at my job and I have firmly believed for years that a good attitude is 50% of what I want in any candidate.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-22-1999
Wed, 06-18-2008 - 6:59am

Dear Robyn,


I was actually more encouraged about my own situation after today's class....I was in a room with people who can be my competition out there, and they were just not either ready to look, still in shock over their layoff, or possibly just not really my competition.......I had an attitude diferent from most in the room, but that my have been

Avatar for mahopac
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-1997
Wed, 06-18-2008 - 11:22am

Littles, I used to be an outplacement counselor, and I can assure you that they see all kinds of reactions in group workshops and private counseling. Anger is pretty typical, but sometimes people are relieved that a bad situation is resolved at last. If you don't mind, I'll pass along a few pieces of advice about outplacement/job hunting, which you can consider or ignore:

Don't let the outplacement company's psychological tests hold you back from getting started on the tactical work of finding a new job. Your gut has been telling you what you weren't happy with for a long time, so use that as a starting point for your search.

Use the outplacement office as much as possible. Being there will force you to actually do something, especially since you've paid for about a gallon of gas to get there and back. You'll be in a routine around other people who are motivated to get a job and can pass along contacts to you, and it will keep you focused.

Set goals for results, not activity. I had a client who was very proud of the fact that he had made 3,197 contacts over 6 months and been on over 100 interviews - but he didn't have a JOB, which meant the contacts and interviews weren't leading to anything meaninful. The constant activity made him feel he was doing something, but the reality was he was afraid to start a new job (variety of psychological reasons). Make sure that your activity has a purpose and is actually helping you get a job.

Pick a time of day when you typically feel strong and motivated, and go then. Job hunting really is not a full-time job (regardless of what outplacement counselors tell you). If you are focused and busy, you can get a lot done in a relatively short period of time.

Finally, for the sake of your debt and sanity, *leave* without going to the mall. Decide on another life goal you're going to accomplish while looking for a job - exercising every day, reading a new book every week, making contact with every friend you haven't spoken with in the last 10 years, or whatever. It will give you something to think about besides finding a job and avoiding shopping.

I hope some of that is useful.

Kelly

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-22-1999
Thu, 06-19-2008 - 9:33am

Dear Kelly,


THANK YOU for the great advice!!!!!