EPISODE #029
I remember when I lost one of my first jobs out of college, I cried. I’m not ashamed to admit it. At the time, it felt like my world was crashing down. But… and it’s a big but… that’s just how it felt. It wasn’t the reality of the situation. I didn’t realize it at the time, but losing my job was one experience unfolding in front of me and, of course, there were many moments in my professional journey that would happen after it.
In fact, the next job I got after that paid double what I had been making, came with my first private office, and had an assistant. And the experience of being fired came full circle a few years later when I was at a statewide awards banquet being given the “Rising Star of the Year” Award and the person who was presenting the award (coincidently) was the same exact person who had fired me just a few years before.
There’s no doubt about it that getting fired or laid off feels really bad (if you’re in that position right now, I feel for you), but if you subscribe to the belief that every moment in life is happening for you and not to you, then it is another opportunity for growth to embrace. Don’t resist it, learn from it. Sure, throw yourself a little pity party, eat a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, and then buckle up for what comes next.
In this episode, Hallie and I discuss how to move forward after losing your job. Since Hallie oversees our hiring process, she also shares insights from a hiring perspective about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to landing your next position.
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Show Notes:
[2:25] Adam remembers a time where he recently graduated from college and was ready to work his first job.
[4:05] Adam was efficient at his job… which raised some eyebrows.
[5:00] Adam finds out his mom got laid off due to “money issues” and he decided to give the owner a call because he had just done the underwriting for the company and they were sitting on seven figures. Later that day, Adam also got fired.
[10:00] The silver lining is that Adam reached out to his college professors, leveraged his network, and within two weeks later he got a new job with double the salary.
[13:35] Three years later, Adam got the Rising Star of The Year award from the Chamber of Commerce for the state of Vermont. The person who fired Adam was the one giving him the award.
[16:30] It is your duty when you have a business relationship with someone to pour into them and be a resource/benefit to them.
[17:45] Are you currently unemployed? Hallie and Adam offer advice on what you should be focusing on right now.
[20:45] It’s critical to keep a schedule. We are creatures of habit and we need a routine.
[21:50] When Hallie became unemployed, she made it her full-time job to find a new job.
[23:40] Look at volunteer work or being on a board, freelance work, consulting, anything extra to keep your skills up.
[24:55] Follow the instructions in the job description – if you don’t, it’s a dead giveaway that you’re not really interested in that company.
[26:55] Employers notice the attention to details you put in your job search. They don’t want someone looking for a paycheck, they want someone committed.
[27:55] Research the company you’re applying for. Do the extra work.
[31:30] Be proactive in improving your interview skills.
[33:30] Constantly be building your relationships and connections, even if you might not need your network right now.
[34:55] In a year from now, where do you want to be sitting? Use your mind to your advantage.
