Laid Off Means Don't Lay Down
June 02, 2009
by David Krell
david@davidkrell.com
A layoff, firing, cutback, or Insert Euphemism Here presents the massive challenge of repackaging your skill set for another buyer. Refining your resume, interview skills, and job search strategy becomes a daily chore. The work is tough. The rewards, somewhat elusive in this brutal economy.
Productive breaks in the job search refresh the mind, renew the body, and revive the spirit.
Reading.
Exercising.
Meditating.
Writing will also be a productive use of time during a layoff. What better way to show your expertise than starting a blog, writing an Op-Ed piece for your local paper, or authoring an article for a scholarly business or legal journal?
Channeling the writing skills that you use to burnish your resume, cover letter, and follow-up E-Mail communications can be an immensely valuable resource during a job search. Ceteris paribus, a tangible example of your expertise, passion, and knowledge will set you apart from the competition.
Wouldn't you rather show your depth in an article than explain it in a cover letter?
There's a hidden networking value as well. With the credential of researching an article, getting into inner sanctums will be smoother than if you're armed solely with a resume and cover letter.
Wouldn't you rather appear as an insider with sincere interest about the opinions, experiences, and challenges of decision makers than a simply competent professional with similar credentials as the competition's?
david@davidkrell.com
A layoff, firing, cutback, or Insert Euphemism Here presents the massive challenge of repackaging your skill set for another buyer. Refining your resume, interview skills, and job search strategy becomes a daily chore. The work is tough. The rewards, somewhat elusive in this brutal economy.
Productive breaks in the job search refresh the mind, renew the body, and revive the spirit.
Reading.
Exercising.
Meditating.
Writing will also be a productive use of time during a layoff. What better way to show your expertise than starting a blog, writing an Op-Ed piece for your local paper, or authoring an article for a scholarly business or legal journal?
Channeling the writing skills that you use to burnish your resume, cover letter, and follow-up E-Mail communications can be an immensely valuable resource during a job search. Ceteris paribus, a tangible example of your expertise, passion, and knowledge will set you apart from the competition.
Wouldn't you rather show your depth in an article than explain it in a cover letter?
There's a hidden networking value as well. With the credential of researching an article, getting into inner sanctums will be smoother than if you're armed solely with a resume and cover letter.
Wouldn't you rather appear as an insider with sincere interest about the opinions, experiences, and challenges of decision makers than a simply competent professional with similar credentials as the competition's?