Reader Email: Its Been 10 Months and I'm Still Out of Work!

Reader Email: 

Subject: Its Been 10 Months and I'm Still Out of Work!


I am writing this email to you because I have ran out of options.

My life has taken a downward spiral because of me being laid off about 10 months ago. I have been on numerous interviews but nothing seems to pan out. I have 3 children and I've been divorced for 2 years. It has been difficult to support my children with the money I receive from unemployment. I REALLY need to get back to work fast! 

I'm writing this email because maybe there is something you may know that I don't and frankly I don't have any options and I haven't any shame. 

What do I do now? I've exhausted options. How can I make my life a little better. Between money and getting a new job?

Thanks for your time.

Melanie W. 
Chicago, IL

Job Ladder-Answer:

Hi Melanie,

Thanks for writing!

The economy is a lot better than what it used to be a year ago. That is the truth.

At this point if you own your home I would suggest downsizing if you can. If you cannot downsize by selling your home then rent your home out and move in with family or get an apartment. Don't worry about your kids having their own room. As long as they are with you and you love them that is all that matters. If your husband is still living ask if the kids can stay with him until you can get on your feet. (You didn't mention your relationship with him so this is an assumption).

As far as going on numerous interviews and nothing "panning out" I would like to know more about how you interview and what your resume looks like. Its hard to give advice without these proper materials in analyzing where the problem lies. I can set you up to have your resume reviewed and looked at for free! If you need clothing to help you get that new position we can help you with that as well!

Most companies today look for out-of-the-box thinkers and for those who initiate things. Take a look at LinkedIn [dot] com for companies who are potentially hiring here. Expand your ability to now brand yourself in whatever career path you desire. While looking for new positions. It is important to kind of put yourself out there when it comes to new employment. Today, it is harder to look for good positions but you must look in places you would never think of. If your not as computer savvy go to your local library and ask someone for help.

Since it has been 10 months, employers that you interview with may ask why there is such a large gap. Use the post I wrote about gaps and employment here to help guide your way in answering those types of questions.

Lastly, keep the hunger alive and try not to get discouraged. Send over any more information and I will do my best to help you.

-LJ at Job Ladder
job.ladder@yahoo.com

How to Succeed in your Career

 The keys to success are easier to obtain then you may think. 90% of the time the only thing holding you back from obtaining the success you deserve is yourself. If you don't realize your own self worth or potential, no one else will.

The keys to success begin from within. You must believe in your self worth.

Okay..... enough with the mushy stuff on with the business.

*I'm going to use the STAR method to describe how to reach success. If you don't know what the STAR method is.... look here.

Step 1:
Situation: You want to reach success but don't really know how to maximize your own value.

Step 2:
Task: Begin outlining what it is you would like to succeed at. What is your overall goal? Outline the steps so you can SEE what it is your after.
Sometimes seeing things in black and white send triggers to your brain. (No they don't actually but its a nice thought).

Step 3:
Action: You can now utilize your outline for your goal as a guide. Analyze and ask yourself.... "how can I reach this goal"?
Depending on what your goal is.... patience is a virtue! Understanding the simplicity or complexity of your goal is definitely in order. For example, if your goal is to retire early that means making the right investment choices such as 401K or even Roth IRA, CD's or Interest Savings accounts. If you want to know more about investments please visit my friend at Motley Fool.
Your plan of action is a pivotal step and must be done with confidence. If you don't know something then ask! If you have no one to ask just ask here at Job Ladder! We are here to help people get off their butts and back into the workforce. Our connections here are extensive. Try us out!

Step 4:
Result: Because you worked your butt off in Step 3 the results should impress you. Getting to a results step is NOT overnight. You must be dedicated to achieving your goals. You MUST work for what you want.
Results that come quick may or may not be beneficial to you.

**For more on growth and branding yourself in the job market view the post here.

"Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning". ~Benjamin Franklin

Explaining Gaps in Your Resume

So you have gaps in your Resume....

You finally got an interview from a company that you've been waiting to hear from for months. Now what? The gap in your resume needs to be explained, throughly in order for you to still stand a chance. Regardless of what the gap is for, laid off, fired, in jail, personal matter, WHATEVER the case you need a comfortable landing pad to give your reasoning.

Look at these two cases:
 

1. Gap Reason: Raising a Child with Disabilities

Last job: Information Technology Analyst

Arnold had to leave his job of 11 years to stay home with his wife to care for their son. Arnold worked for a software company that had contracts all across the globe. Arnold was out of work for 4 years. While leaving his job he focused most of his time and energy into his sons' development. As his son got older Arnold felt that his family needed the money and it was time to go back out into the job force. Arnold held 4 certifications in which they all were expired. Arnold took what little money he had and re-took all of the certifications while looking for a new position.

Arnold received a call back and a phone interview 5 months after he started applying. It was the only employer who had called him back to ask "why have you been out of the job force for so long"? Arnold replied, "I was taking care of my son. By taking care of him I learned a great deal of patience and the ability to problem solve quicker than I can blink. Because of this situation I have a new hunger for working and providing for my family and this position would certainly be the right foot in the right direction".

With an answer like that how can you lose? Notice he did not mention what was wrong with his son. When you mention specifics or give too much detail you will shy employers from hiring you. If Arnold told the hiring manager that his son had development problems (which upon assumption) could be ongoing, Arnold may never get a position because the employer would think Arnold would leave work again.

Be discrete!

2. Gap Reason: Laid Off


Last job: Wealth Management Rep

Monica received a phone call from a Hiring Manager at an investment firm she was dying to work for. Monica has been laid off for 1 year and 5 months. Although she was laid off and it was NOT her fault. Monica unfortunately suffered the consequence. She didn't start actively searching for a position until 10 months AFTER she was laid off. She had no idea how to explain why it took so long for her to find a position.

While Monica was on her hiatus she did a lot of reading about the economy and always read the newspaper about stocks and other thriving investments. In her interview she decided to engage her reading efforts into the "conversation". "Although the job market is still suffering I managed to keep track of current trends in money market and shared accounts". ----Monica did the RIGHT thing by engaging an appropriate and personal activity into the interview. At this point Monica can go deeper into what she found and thought about the economy and its specifics to keep the gap in her resume closed.

Job Interview Jitters....

Ever feel jittery before an interview?

Its normal. Your anxiousness and nervousness is just a matter of you feeling unsure of doing your best. However, letting your nerves get the best of  you can take a toll and alter your interviewing performance.

Practice the Top 10 Interview Questions to help you get prepared and get moving.

By practicing it will help ease your weariness and will cause you to think more clearly and less on the 'what if'. Many interviewers can sense your nervousness so instead of making it obvious take some time out for your self and practice breathing and what questions will most likely be asked.

**Know after the interview that you did your best. If you don't think you did, go back over what you could have done better and knock it out on another interview!

Remain hopeful and happy and you will definitely get a job!

What tips can you share to help others get over those jitters?

How to Climb the Corporate Ladder

Its easy to say just "try" harder and you will benefit from having a successful career. But honestly most people don't even know the fundamentals of obtaining a successful start that lead to a rewarding career path.

Properly outlining your 'likes' or 'dislikes' is a concrete start. Finding out what your niche is can help steer you into a better direction.

Climbing the corporate ladder begins and ends with you, only. The best way to learn about how to climb effectively comes from people who have already been there. Ask someone who knows the ropes to become a mentor to you so you can reach your goals as well.

**If you have no one to ask then I will tell you.

1. Focus on being positive

Find something unique about the position you have. Do not force yourself to pick something and fall in love with it. Being positive oozes with benefits. From smiling at a manager to speaking up in a meeting about your thoughts will positively impact your career and leadership potential.


2. Your Network is your Net-worth

Keep not only positive individuals in your circle but those who are actually doing something with their lives. If you are around people that are not involved or care about where their life is headed. That is an opportunity for disaster. In order for you to grow and prosper you must evaluate yourself as well as your association with others.

3. Networking

Every day of every minute is an opportunity to network with others. While in line at Starbucks to sitting next to a stranger at a park, there are thousands of people loathing the globe. That means there are more opportunities than ever to network. To network with individuals that have like interests take a look at meetup.com to find groups or individuals who are interested in networking about the same hobbies, careers, etc. And as always Google is your friend.

4. Keep learning

Although you may have or may have not went to college you must always learn something new. Begin attending a seminar, webinar or conference that your interested in for hobbies or are work related. It doesn't matter what job or career goal you have learning more about your craft will parachute you to new heights. Most people remain satisfied with their current status at work. You have the chance to sky rocket by learning new & innovative ways to improve not only yourself but your employer. That is an A+

Start today by creating an outline of your goals and initiatives and soon you will be a corporate leader or boss. Just send some credits my way when you make it! :)

How Can You Save Your Job?

 

The average butt kissing could probably help save your job in this economy. But what about long term? 

When feeling the pressure for competition (co-workers), personal stress and the need to just make more money, saving your job is important. The question is, how far will you go to both save your job and move ahead in your career? 

Keeping your job or even the fear of losing it should not plague your mind. Moving ahead with your career is where your focus should be. Long term goals and job transition to roles with greater promise can have a significant return if applied correctly. Absorb as much as you possibly can from your current position and then quickly move on. Don't stay in a position where you will not receive significant growth, stability or happiness. The problems at work can follow you home and into your personal life.

You can exercise everyday, eat healthy, breathe in and out deeply but the mental anguish of going to a place where you know your not getting what you deserve is only a set-up for disaster.

Some tips on how to save your job:

1) Invest in yourself

Try and enhance your potential by attending courses that closely fit with your career goals. Brush up on your skills on the job by asking question and mingling with other co-workers. Certifications are also good (depending on your position) and save money instead of going for another degree. 

2) Network

Networking and being outgoing are very important in moving up the ladder. Quiet and shy people won't make it far. People will remember you for how sociable you are, especially if you have something intelligent to say and are funny. Gain contact by attending networking events and other career and non-career events. This is also a good way for some personal branding. Everywhere is a networking opportunity, use it!

3) Irreplaceable you

Its hard to find good quality people that can both do quality work and are consistent. Remain that sparkle in the eye and try to exceed expectations regularly. Not only will you be irreplaceable you will be memorable for a raise or other incentives later on.

What is your Vision?

Everyone has a vision or at least something that makes them get out of bed every morning. Often times wondering what is your true purpose or calling can end up being a distraction and can make you more stress than happy.

Outlining your ideas can help maintain your focus. Whether you are 20 years old or 55 years old everyone must have a plan in order to succeed in their goals. Obtaining a degree or even creating a retirement plan with an investor is important. Ultimately NOT having a vision is both critical and detrimental to your future.

Be wise.

Are you FRUSTRATED with the job market??

[Many with or without a job look like this, right now]

Many Americans and even Internationally are feeling the pain and frustration from job searches. Where are the jobs? What will it take to finally get one? How can I maximize my efforts?


Here are a few tips I personally found from my research:


-Begin branding yourself as well as in your proposed field

 -Utilize sources such as Facebook and LinkedIn for job opportunities

-NETWORK (that guy in line in front of you with the two annoying kids could be the VP of General Electric YOU NEVER KNOW!)

-Be outgoing (a closed mouth will not get fed)

-Get more education (whether you get another degree or certificate get your butt out there)

*To gain more insight in maximizing your job search efforts, stop here and go through a number of different methods.