Self promotions has taken on a completely different meaning for me lately. As a specialty ad consultant, SP meant advertising my services and creative ideas to business owners so that they can reach out to their client base and targeted demographic. I've since given it a lot of thought because, like you, I've been reading the incredible number of lay offs in the news every day and the numbers are staggering. In my lifetime, I've never seen it this dim, dismal and dire.
For me, personally, we have survived the threat of layoffs for those in my family who by the grace of the Almighty, have maintained their employment. A couple were right on the bubble and barely missed the chopping block.
I've also been following one Jeremiah Owyang, a web strategist in the Bay Area and believe he has some incredible tips for job seekers, who must now market their skills in an arena with an unbalanced law of supply and demand. But people are finding work, if they are actively seeking a position.
From doing research on current trends, here is a quick run down of things you may need to consider if you are facing a situation that may require you to reach out and find a new job. In no particular order of importance, please.
- Allow yourself to go through the grieving process. Get it out of your system. Get mad! Ask Why? And then, wake up. Don't blame yourself. (Yes, allow yourself to shop but just for one day and within a reasonable budget);
- Clean up your act. Facebook is one place a future employer will check. Keep it clean if you've got pictures on there. You can also maintain your search privacy on Facebook (for Contacts Only) - or you can read this article I came across on How To Friend Mom, Dad and The Boss, Safely ;
- Google thyself. A potential employer will. Make sure your online reputation is sound and accurate;
- LinkedIn is a good online marketing tool. Update yours and have your colleagues post recommendations, if possible;
- Make use of all the professional help your previous employer will offer;
- Twitter if you can and connect to helpful people, My Twitter account has led me to articles of interest;
- Check out Monster and Craigslist. You might consider posting your professional resume here.
- Create your professional BLOG page. If you can't manage a full fledged blog, then consider a micro blog like Tumblr This can be a one pager or you can get more personal and real so an employer can get to know you. Refer to your blog in all your correspondence.
- Package your resume professionally. You may need the help of a wordsmith to take full advantage of all the keywords that will need to standout. Whether you submit a hard copy of a resume or send it online, most of these are scanned for important words that an employer will be looking for;
- Build bridges. This is not the time to burn down what you've worked hard to build;
- Your local news will always feature "Who's Hiring". Stay tuned;
- Buy a business outfit for interviews. First impression is key. Shake hands, firmly. (Note: limp and sweaty hands are not a good first impression);
- Keep learning. Build onto your skill set and add new ones;
- Don't despair. Pick yourself up. Stay close to your friends and family;
- Stay confident. Stand out. Get noticed.
Stay tuned to our blog. We will be offering some products that may help you with your resume packaging. We want to help. I believe it is just Paying it Forward. If you need to contact us for advise, please send us a comment or request for ideas at sales(at)webbmar(dot)com.
Above all, please be well.
