Resources for Returning to Corporate Work in a Tough Economy
If your finances dictate a need to go back to work after a time away, the window of time you have before relaunch makes a difference in the quality of your preparation and how you’ll spend that time. In a challenging economy where several others are seeking the same job you need to be better prepared. Here’s a couple of ways to do that with different scenarios:
You don’t know what kind of work you want to do, but have time to figure it out pull out the old classics: What Color Is Your Parachute? (go through it’s wealth of useful info and exercises, esp. the “Flower” exercise in the back of the book and consider getting the accompanying workbook) and
I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was. Even work through Career Match: Connecting Who You Are With What You’ll Love To Do by Zichy and Bidou. These are available at individual sites online as well as Amazon. I usually pick them at my local library and any edition works well, then xerox the exercises I need to fill out.
Also take the assessment from the book, Now Discover Your Strengths, to learn more about your important leading edges and consider the Elevations Online Career Assessment by Helen Scully (which I’ve been trained in to use with clients too). There are many free, low-cost and useful online career assessments. “Know thyself first.”
If you don’t know what kind of work you want to do and have little time Hire a career coach to help you quickly clarify your direction and streamline your search. You may still have to do some of the work above, but she/he can help you sort through it and only work on the information that’s needed to move quickly ahead. See 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller, president of the Business Source. This book helps you make successful job and career decisions. If you go on the About.com website, you can compare pricing on this and other books from many store and online locations.
If you know what you want to do and are just trying to find the work Get either of Alison Doyle’s books. She’s a job search expert who specializes in online searches. Also, The Job Search Solution: The Ultimate System for Finding a Great Job Now! by Tony Beshara, a top recruiter who has been on the Dr. Phil Show, has a step-by-step system to finding a job.
Make a list of all your contacts, even if they’re in different fields than you want to be, and sit down to call them methodically and discuss who they know in your field of interest, or who they know may know someone. Follow up afterwards with them to thank them if their referrals led you to work. Direct contacts are always the best. Don’t be shy to call and talk to those you know, people enjoy being a helpful resource to others.
If you are returning to the same work you had before you left hopefully you’ve kept in good touch with your employer and have an appointment scheduled to meet with your direct supervisor to review recent projects and what you’ll be handling on your return. Take time to meet anyone new you’ll be working with and be sure you have the lay of the land or the culture’s temperature before you return. It’ll be awkward if you’re not up on this, so take a trusted work friend to lunch or at least give them a call to talk about things, especially in your department.
If you are returning to the same career, but want a different job Martin Yate has helpul hints for writing a resume, going on a job interview and negotiating salary. Check out Knock ‘em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide.
This is a small sampling of what’s available to help you, but don’t be hesitant to ask support. Everyone who you know who is working fell into their jobs or did some homework to make it happen. Talk to others you respect who have recently looked for work and what approaches they took that was a more direct route to landing their job.
If you do your inner and outer preparation (positive attitude/readiness, brushed up skills) before job seeking or even returning to the work you were doing, you up your success quotient. You know you’re prepared and convey a professionalism that others will respect and want to tap! You will no doubt outshine competition for a new job or gain the respect of your coworkers and boss.
Tags: new job resources, returning to work, same job improved, tough economy
