Q: I have been in the workplace for the past 30 years, and I have many leadership skills. I was laid off during a downsizing after 15 years with that organization, and it has been more than three years since I my last paycheck. It is also difficult finding a job equivalent to my last one. How can I get back on track? How do I present myself so others will want to hire me?
A: I am certain you have probably updated your resume and cover letter and are working with an outplacement advisor who is guiding your career planning. In addition to these more obvious strategies, focus on yourself and your state of mind. I detect in your question the frustration, dejection and hopelessness that can follow drastic corporate restructuring. You need to take on at least a couple of activities to generate excitement and a sense of hope for the future.
First, identify a cause about which you are passionate. It might be your local golf club, the YMCA or some faith-based community outreach. Once you identify your cause, select four of five organizations that embrace the kind of mission/recreation you absolutely enjoy, and see if they are accepting volunteers. Although volunteerism comes without a paycheck, the benefits of focusing on something in which you believe are immense. As an added bonus, you get to interact with others and share your experience and leadership ability in a completely neutral setting. Having to get up and prepare for this activity will energize your life and will take the sting out of recent disappointments.
Second, do a skills inventory to identify areas where you can fortify or add new skills. This may come via an online program, a certificate course or a workforce development program. The source is far less significant than the activity. I often suggest to clients that they search various Web and paper resources in their chosen area to figure out what skills are in demand. If those skills are not in your current bank, try to acquire them if possible and if they interest you rather than writing cover letters that gloss over the gap.
Third, consider an interesting exercise for leaders adapted from that suggested in, The Self-Aware Leader (Gallagher and Costal 154):
- Find an online job description that really inspires you;
- Ask a manager or mentor how close you are to meeting the criteria set forth for the role;
- List specific knowledge, skills and abilities you will need to have to succeed in that role;
- Prioritize those reinventions and note whether it will involve reinventing yourself, others or the business so you can be intentional in your focus; and
- Manage this project by setting deadlines and monitoring your progress. Perhaps have regular appointments with your mentor to check in.
This exercise will give you what you need to focus on massive self-improvement in an encouraging and rewarding way. By visualizing and preparing for your next role, you actually set up a platform for other meaningful opportunities to surface.
Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.
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