02/01/2015

Avoid the Shell-Shock of Job Loss

By Louise Kursmark

In my work with executives in career transition, I find two distinct groups.  The first group includes those who never saw the change in employment coming.  They were blindsided and bewildered by losing their jobs. The second group includes those who expected and even predicted the end of their tenure. The difference becomes quite dramatic as they move forward in their career transition.

 

The first group – typically – can be described as shell-shocked. They are hurt, angry, disappointed. Their confidence in themselves and their abilities is shaken. Often they blame individuals or circumstances for their job loss and tend to feel a bit victimized.

 

The second group, in decided contrast, tends to be quite philosophical. Although not thrilled to be “on the street,” they don’t take it personally and are able to move past the emotional roadblocks that stymie so many job seekers.

 

These observations are, of course, generalizations, and every individual responds to job loss and career transition in a different way. But for individuals inside your organization – or for yourself – the shell-shock can be minimized through activities like these:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although jobs are less stable and secure, in many ways our work world is much more exciting than it was decades ago. Embrace the instability and position yourself for success wherever you go – and perhaps you’ll even learn to view each transition as an opportunity rather than a loss.

 


 

Louise KursmarkLouise Kursmark, MRW, CPRW, JCTC, CEIP, CCM, is one of the leading resume experts in the United States, Louise is the author of 20 books on resume writing and career management and is a Founder and Director of the Resume Writing Academy, the nation’s most comprehensive training program for resume professionals. She was the first person worldwide to earn the prestigious “Master Resume Writer” credential and is a 6-time “Best Resume” award winner. In her private practice, Best Impression Career Services, she works exclusively with senior-level executives to create powerful career marketing documents.
Louise is also Executive Director of the Career Thought Leaders Consortium and Director of BlueSteps Executive Career Services. A frequent presenter to corporate, recruiter, job seeker, and career practitioner audiences, she enjoys speaking about cutting-edge resume concepts, interview techniques, career marketing practices, and entrepreneurial success strategies to help advance the careers of her colleagues and clients.

President, Best Impression Career Services, Inc. (http://www.yourbestimpression.com)

Director, Resume Writing Academy (http://www.resumewritingacademy.com)

Presenter, 2011 and 2012 NCDA Global Career Development Conferences

 

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1 Comment

Sunitha Narayanan   on Wednesday 06/06/2012 at 08:09 AM

Louise - Thanks--practical tips. I particularly like "staying current," and "seeing the big picture." These two tips are practical ways to be a creator and proactively seek out opportunities to build credibility and visibility.

Looking forward to the Resume class on Friday!
Best, Sunitha

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