| It seems that there's always been a stigma attached | | | | want to be honest with you. I'm feeling a little down |
| to being unemployed, and even in this economy, when | | | | because of this very tough job market. I'm about to go |
| so many people are without a job for a lengthy | | | | into some important job interviews, so I want to be |
| stretch, it still causes candidates to be uncomfortable | | | | strong about who I am and what I have to offer. I was |
| and nervous about telling people that they're | | | | wondering if you could take a moment to talk to me |
| unemployed. They don't quite know how to handle the | | | | about how you experienced me and how you would |
| situation in the job search or in the interview. | | | | describe me to others. Maybe it would help me |
| It's very important that you keep in mind that | | | | describe myself and remind me of the successes I've |
| unemployment is a temporary state. Just because | | | | had in the past. Anything I can do for you to return this |
| you're unemployed, that does NOT define you. The | | | | favor, I would be happy to do." |
| only difference between being unemployed and | | | | Sometimes, hearing someone who loved you in the |
| employed is ONE offer letter...or one phone call, one | | | | past talk to you again about what you did for them, |
| contact, or one interview. That's all. | | | | about how you secured XYZ contract or how you |
| So tomorrow when you get that job offer, will you be | | | | solved ABC problem or how you communicated with |
| any different than you are today? No. | | | | so-and-so in such a way that it did ______ for the |
| Sometimes we have to remind ourselves who we are. | | | | company-or how they'd love to hire you if they had a |
| So I want you to go back and look through your | | | | spot or how they'd love to recommend you-is enough |
| resume and think about your documented successes. | | | | to give you the strength of character and feeling of |
| If you don't have them documented there, they should | | | | confidence so that when you talk on the phone to a |
| be. (This might also be an excellent time to compile | | | | potential employer, it will project in your voice. And |
| your brag book, if you haven't already.) | | | | when you meet in person, it will project from your |
| I also want you to think about calling people you've | | | | heart. And I want you to have that. |
| worked with in the past. You know who your great | | | | Just because you're unemployed right now, doesn't |
| supporters are-the manager you had in '95, or the | | | | mean it's forever. It's temporary. And it's no indication |
| person who tried to get you to come over to his | | | | about what kind of a tremendous employee you |
| company in 2000, or the gal who wrote your great | | | | are-and will be to the company who takes advantage |
| review in 2003. Call those people and say, "Hey, look-I | | | | of the opportunity and hires you. |