Preface

Here's an excerpt from an article written by an ExecuNet member who recently landed a position after a 13-month job search. Beverly's story is valuable because it deals with a part of job searching that the manuals don't tell you about: The emotions.

The Challenge

Okay, you've just resigned, quit or have been downsized, laid off, outplaced, rightsized, transitioned out, given a package or been just plain old fired.

Are you ready for what lies ahead while you're "in transition"? No problem, you might figure. You're a smart, seasoned professional with a good background. You know how to network, write a resume and interview well. So you're confident you'll find a suitable position soon enough. Unfortunately, most of us aren't prepared for the rigors and emotions of the job search. I've just been through the experience. Maybe what I went through can help you when and if you find yourself in that situation.

5 Tips

1. Acknowledge, Don't Stifle Emotions

Be ready to experience a wide range of emotions: anger, depression, anxiety, relief, sadness and fear. It's important to acknowledge and allow yourself to experience these emotions for a time; you need to work through them before you can move forward in your job search.

2. Be Ready for the Coldness of the Electronic World

As with most other things, job searches are becoming increasingly electronic. The personal conversation and phone call are becoming rarer. Even friends and former colleagues might be hard to reach on the phone or in-person. All of this can be disconcerting and damaging to your self-esteem, especially if you're not prepared for it. So be prepared for it and don't take it personally.

3. Be Patient

When you're looking for a job, everything seems to move at a snail's pace. Days will pass without return calls or e mails. In fact, it might take months for people to respond to a job application. Even if you do get an interview, the process can drag on for weeks. Again, the best thing you can do is be prepared and try not to get too frustrated.

4. Be Prepared for the Highs and the Lows

Looking for a job is an emotional roller coaster. Some days you feel energized and ready to attack your "to do" list with gusto. Other days, you feel defeated and lack the energy to make even one phone call. Realize that this is normal and that we all experience it.

5. Expect to Find the Good in People

Not all of the surprises I experienced during my job search were negative ones. I was surprised and delighted at the generosity and helpfulness so many people exhibited toward me. Total strangers, fellow job seekers, former colleagues, friends and friends of friends were willing to reach out and share their experiences, knowledge, advice and contacts. This did much to lift my spirits and validate my self worth. Don't be surprised if the same thing happens to you.

Conclusion

Although everybody's experience is different, the emotions Beverly describes are pretty typical of what executives, including safety directors, go through when looking for a job.

Until next time, wishing you career success.

Lauryn Franzoni
ExecuNet
www.execunet.com

POINTERS FROM LAURYN

Should You List Short-Term Jobs on Your Resume?

One of our moderators, Jacqui Barrett, is one of only eight people in the world to have earned the elite Certified Master Resume Writer distinction from the Career Masters Institute. Here's her advice:

"I recommend listing years only (as opposed to months and years) on resumes to indicate how long you held a position. If you take this approach, then you have the option to list or not list the short-term position. The bottom line: If the position/experience doesn't shed light on the value you provide to a company, I wouldn't list it."

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