You Lost Your Job!

Blogger (and founder of JibberJobber) Jason Alba invited me to respond to the following challenge. Thanks Jason!

Yikes! You just lost your job! You've been so busy at *work* that you don't feel your network is as strong as you would like it to be! What are you going to do with (and to) your network in the next 6 weeks as you begin an aggressive job search campaign? And, outside of your network, what job search tactics will you employ? Or your best networking tips related to job searches.

First, I would remind myself that my network is broader than it seems. Although I may have neglected my network, there are probably 2-3 times more "cold" networking contacts than I immediately recognize. I would start by making a list of 1) the networking contacts I know are "warm" and legit, and 2) the contacts who are promising, but I recognize that they may need extra work. I would then add a third list. It would be based on this idea: to the extent that I've been busy, and I've neglected my previous contacts, what have I been busy with? What additional contacts might I have accumulated by being busy? Vendors? Employees at the company I just lost my job at? Other people I interacted with? The first two are especially promising. Vendors can be an excellent source of great referrals.

First, they are often on the fringe of your network — these weak ties are especially useful! Second, their extra "degree of separation" lends an air of "objectivity" to what they may have to say about you. As far as colleagues at your previous company, let's be blunt: they may feel bad about what happened to you, and may be willing to work that much harder (or provide that much better of a reference) for you. Your goals here are simple: 1) to organize your network (using a tool like JibberJobber helps). 2) To plan a formal "plan of attack" Towards this latter goal, a couple of thoughts. A) You may want to approach each group differently. I'd write a different email message to my "warm leads" and my "cold leads." In the latter, I'd acknowledge that I had let the relationship lapse, and I'd take pains to bring them up to date on your qualifications and what you are looking for. B) Identify what you want from them. References/testimonials? Leads? Recognize what you need and ask for it!

Having said all this, let me acknowledge that this is complicated! Whether you use JibberJobber or cobble together your own support tool (in Excel, for example), the critical thing is a robust, organized approach that is based on well-defined goals. Someone once said that "nothing focuses one's mind more than the sound of bullets whizzing past." Anyone who has been laid off can tap into this energy, if they try to. The key is doing it methodically.

Outside of networking, I would scan local job boards, plus work with a career coach to hone my resume and interview skills. But since it requires the most work to do effectively, I'd spend most of my time on networking. I would also implement a rigorous schedule for my job search.

Finally, I would immediately implement some ways of helping others in similar situations. When it comes to job hunting, karma is king and reciprocity matters (often in the most indirect & subtle ways). Spend 6 hours a day on your own job search, and 2-3 on figuring out how to help other job seekers. These efforts are anything but gratuitous; in many ways, they may prove to be the most valuable time you spend.

Comments

[bob]

One thing I would do is Cold Calling ... You would be surprised how many doors you can open if you have a targeted list of companies, and you cold call for 4 hours. Make sure you get your pitch straight first ...