Getting a job (part 2)

Earlier I wrote about my friend who had lost his job but lost no time in finding several very realistic prospects. I believe one reason he was able to capitalize on those prospects was that he had guarded his good name. Today's post discusses another reason he is going to win.

2) The proactive approach always wins. He began his search the day he lost his previous job. He looked at all job options rather than limiting his search to a narrow industry or job type. He didn't sulk or take a break, but he took care of the important business right away. He got the unemployment insurance claim process started so that if he needed it, it would be ready. He sent out resumes, searched online job postings, and networked with everyone he knew. He and his wife addressed the personal finance side of the situation. What's more, they had already prepared for the eventuality of an emergency occurring. He sought counsel.

I often talk to people who are looking for jobs. They send out resumes in a shotgun blast and wait for callbacks. It's not going to happen for them. They don't get interviews. Don't think I'm minimizing the difficulty of finding a job, especially in a tough economy. But people are being hired every day. It might as well be you.

a) Prepare for emergencies (they will happen). Because he had prepared (had an emergency fund), the stress of losing a job was somewhat diminished and my friend had the emotional and financial capital to take some time to make a good transition.

b) When you're knocked down, get back up. Don't sit and sulk for two weeks before you engage in the process. You were planning to go to work tomorrow before losing your job, so go to work tomorrow looking for a job instead.

c) Keep seeking until you find. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Follow up. Call again. Learn to distinguish yourself. You have only a few moments to make an impression, so be ready. Unending persistence will pay off. Read The Go-Getter by Peter B. Kyne. It's an old book that will teach you how to be one!

d) Do whatever it takes. Lay down your pride and even your dreams for a while. If you still aren't finding what you need, secure temporary work to survive. There are jobs out there. They may not be in your chosen field and they may not be appealing long term, but when you face a crisis (like losing your job) and you aren't prepared, you don't have time to wait for the perfect opportunity.

These two posts are not an exhaustive list of what to do if you lose your job, but represent my initial observations after talking to my friend about his situation.

Getting a job (part 1)

I received a phone call from a friend recently who had lost his job. It was all very sudden and he was asking if I had any advice on how to proceed without getting into a big mess. I asked him a few questions and found that he was doing everything just right. He already had several interviews scheduled and was working several other job leads. He and his wife had reviewed their budget and knew exactly how much income they needed to replace to keep all the bills paid. They had some emergency savings that could carry them for a short time. I really had nothing to add except some encouragement.

I was particularly interested in the fact that he had several interviews while others I have spoken to have had none. How did he do this? And in "this economy?"

1) Guard your good name. Understand that your decisions today affect your tomorrow. Some of the job openings my friend applied for had many other candidates who were disqualified during the background check investigation phase of the process. His good name served him well. This point is easily overlooked, especially while we are young, but consider it carefully when you interact with others, both in your job and outside your employment. You never know when someone you meet might be sitting across a desk from you or have the option of sending you a customer.

a) Treat customers well. My wife and I recently stayed at a bed-and-breakfast that has outstanding service. We made it a point to tell the owners how impressed we were with the evening innkeeper. They said they had hired her from a store in which they often shopped. Their satisfaction as customers led them to think of her when they needed a new employee. And if you ever want some time away in Kansas City within walking distance of the Country Club Plaza, we highly recommend the Southmoreland (http://www.southmoreland.com/) for your stay.

b) Treat vendors well. Again, you never know when you might be knocking on their door to apply for a job. I have found that treating others well, even when you are a customer pays off. I have easily resolved potentially tough situations by remaining calm and extending grace, even when the "customer service" was lousy. I have done this regularly with vendors with whom others rarely reach a resolution (e.g., mobile phone providers). It doesn't always happen, but often. Have you ever taught your kids about the Golden Rule? Why, as adults, do we forget the simple lessons in life?

c) Be careful not to burn bridges when you leave employment. Leaving on bad terms may have future consequence. It may lead to a bad reference or take your freedom to apply for a future position in that company. The Bible says that as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all people. And as an aside, remember that God knows you lost your job. If you truly believe He has a plan for your destiny and you trust Him, you can walk in peace even when you lose your job. To gain some insight on this point, study the life of Joseph (starting in Genesis 37).

Another recent example of how the past interacts unexpectedly with the present is a business that recently got a very beneficial lease contract. The lessee was referred to them by a person who had an association with them many years ago. Many years prior, the business had no idea the relationship would lead to a referral in the future, but when you understand that your decisions today affect your future in unforeseen ways, you will tend to guard your good name by treating people well and parting on good terms.

"Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold." -Proverbs 22:1 (NLT)

I'll stop for today. Next week I'll discuss the next reason I think my friend has been so successful finding great job opportunities.