A New Perspective for the Unemployed: 5 Tips to Increase Your Value
A New Perspective for the Unemployed: 5 Tips to Increase Your Value
Every day hundreds of Americans join the unemployment line. While the media assures us that unemployment is at an all-time low, we all know that is a statistic based on shaky data. As our economy struggles to once again find a firm foothold on the ladder of success, we have a big crisis to deal with.
We need a new perspective for the unemployed struggling with their own self-image and self-worth.
YES, YOU HAVE VALUE
Identity Crisis
Americans identify with having a job as a prerequisite for success. Many professionals that have found themselves ‘in transition’ suffer from a crisis of feeling unsuccessful, unworthy, or a second-class citizen. Logically we may admit these feelings are unhelpful and unproductive.
Not having a job is a hard blow. Most of us have been taught from childhood that being employed is almost mandatory to be considered a real person. To be Someone, you must earn a paycheck! It’s a matter of pride and the American dream with the mantra: “Work hard and become successful.” The hard truth is: many valuable, smart, hardworking people are laid off all of the time. It’s not just the under-performers!
Top Performers Suffer Too
There are perfectly employable top-performing professionals that have much to add to organizations, but their roles were dissolved thanks to constricted budgets and bottom-line thinking. To most of these individuals: being let go comes as a complete shock and a huge blow to their self-esteem.
Unemployment is not a personal statement.
As a career coach, I help so many bright, savvy professionals find a foothold in organizations that are lucky enough to have them. It never ceases to amaze me how many people’s contributions are overlooked in the mad dash to cut costs. What hurts my heart worse is the sad and unsure tone I hear in these exceptional people’s voices when I speak to them.
A New Perspective for the Unemployed
Here’s something to consider. There is NOT something wrong with you. You ARE valuable and you have much to add to an organization that deserves you. Being unemployed isn’t a brand of shame and successful job hunting is a full-time gig!
Here are 5 tips to increase your value and get through the tough times between jobs:
1. Take Some Time for You. Don’t jump right into the job search immediately – take a week or three off. If you have the savings and can afford it: give yourself a breather. This will help you regain your balance mentally and physically. You will focus better when you have decompressed and cleared your mind.
Top Tip: If you have to take another job immediately: focus on finding a place that fits your personality first – this will allow you the mental space to start making solid plans to the next steps for your future.
2. Understand Your Value. What are your strengths? What positive impacts have you made to the organizations you have worked for? Just because you did something awesome that was a part of your job description – that is an accomplishment too! Everyone has an impact, the key is understanding how to define it and clearly communicate your accomplishments to set you apart in the job market.
Top Tip: Leverage your LinkedIn profile. Most recruiters and HR professionals search LinkedIn for candidates, even if they are accepting online job applications. Make certain that you shine on LinkedIn with a profile that communicates your impact succinctly and effectively.
3. Define Your Focus. If you don’t like where your career is headed, now is a good time to look at options. Do you want to obtain a certification or another skill? If you don’t know what you are good at or have questions about your next steps – consider seeking out a mentor to help you find your way. Having a partner during this process can be invaluable as they might have insights and tools you might not have considered.
Top Tip: Focus on your target job positions. Don’t be tempted to display a broad skillset hoping to appear flexible and more employable. You may be overlooked in preference to someone that is passionate about what they want to do. Understand what your focus and target that audience.
4. Don’t Jump At Anything. Be picky about your future. It is YOUR future and you are the person that must deal with the result of your decisions. Choose the best next step for you. Even if you take a job you despise as a temporary filler; most times we end up staying much longer than intended. Be cautious of leaping at the very next opportunity.
Top Tip: Choose a healthy business culture that fits you. Over 70% of people will stay at a job longer if they like the people they work with. Also, you are more likely to succeed and be promoted if you have strong a strong network at your work.
5. Communicate Your Value. Make certain that you have impact statements in your resume, LinkedIn profile, and impact stories for your interviews! Accomplishments speak the loudest! Most interviews are aced by professionals who are aware of their value and are able to communicate it in a factual, informative and interesting way.
Don’t Sell Yourself Short
Most of all: don’t underrate yourself. Unfortunate things happen to good people all of the time. Being between jobs is not as much of a stigma as YOU think it is. We can be our own worst critic! Be kind to yourself and free up that mental space. Instead of wasting time with useless negative thoughts – spend that time positively and productively. Volunteer your time with a charity, besides you never know whom you’ll meet!
We typically perform to our own expectations. Be cognizant of what expectations you set on yourself. Ensure the brightest future that you deserve by developing a new perspective for the unemployed mindset.
Erin Urban LSSBB, CPDC is a certified professional & leadership development coach and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council with over 8 years in mentoring and coaching successful professional transformations. With an extensive background in leading individual, cultural and organizational change initiatives: her mission is to lift others up to defy their limits and exceed their goals.
