Going Up: The Elevator Speech

Over the years, I've probably heard more “elevators” than Mr. Otis. Here are my thoughts on elevator speeches from the perspective of a career recruiter and coach. Of course, you are free to agree or disagree and do as you see fit.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the term, an “elevator speech” is a short, rehearsed, personal “commercial” a job seeker develops for use during a brief encounter with a prospective contact. The term comes from the hypothetical scenario of having 45-60 seconds with someone in an elevator. In such a situation, what would you say to best present what you can do to bring value to an organization?

Going Up
Here are three considerations when developing or revising your elevator speech:

• Don’t be vague: Some outplacement firms suggest your elevator speech be fairly general and subjective highlighting general skills rather than honing in on functional expertise. This leaves something to be desired. For example, I strike up a conversation with a person in an elevator who learns I am a recruiter. He is looking for a job. I ask him what he is looking for and what he does. He says something to the effect: "I am a project manager who is a strategic business partner with several years of experience in leadership roles who brings organization, creativity and innovative ideas to teams I lead to complete major projects on time, within budget…." As a recruiter I immediately have 3-4 questions, but not enough time to ask them before the elevator door opens: What is your field of expertise (and perhaps industry affiliations)? Marketing, Engineering, R&D, Finance, etc; Pharma, Manufacturing, Financial Services? It all sounds good, but says who? Have you received this feedback, or is mostly your own perception? And what are you looking for? Without some hint of an answer to these questions incorporated into your elevator speech, the opportunity may be wasted if you do not have the luxury of more time with the contact. If you are looking for a position in a specific functional area or industry, include it in your elevator speech.

• Prepare a follow-up: In the event you are afforded more time than an elevator ride provides, try to anticipate follow-up questions the person may have for you after you deliver your elevator speech. Then, develop concise answers to those questions, write them down, rehearse on a tape recorder, and fine-tune them. There is nothing worse than someone who delivers a polished elevator speech and then, when asked follow up questions, flounders to form responses not nearly as crisp as the speech.

• Display confidence: Be certain you can deliver your elevator speech with confidence and conviction. You may have been coached on what to say, but only you know if you can pull it off. Most of us do not like to “toot our own horn,” but to a certain extent the job search process requires it. Just be certain you feel good about it, and then stretch a little out of your comfort zone. You don’t want to come across as one wearing a great suit with a bad fit.

Finally, there is a lot of great advice and resources available and I encourage you to seek the best counsel possible. In the end, you will have to decide what works best for you. Set a stretch goal for yourself in the event some of what you deem a “good fit” is limited by your comfort zone. Now, get prepared to take that elevator ride up to the executive suite! It can be a bumpy ride but will be exhilarating once you get there…

Let us know what you think. And, Keep Careering Today and Everyday.

Mark

P.S. If you do not have a business card, you should. You can have them printed for free at www.vistaprint.com. I suggest you use the front of the card for your contact information and on the back add three bullets capturing the highlights of your elevator speech. Distribute them liberally and collect them from others.

Ageism in the Workplace

Does your age impact your ability to land a job? I’ve read several articles on the topic. Journalists report that “ageism” is a major influence in getting a job. As a career recruiter who has run my own recruiting firm and national staffing functions for corporations, I implore you not to get too hung up on age. There are advantages and disadvantages for both early, mid and late career. But don’t let age deter you from applying for a job.

Contemporary wisdom says that younger workers are favored by employers because they are more technology literate, technology adaptable, energetic and computer savvy than their older counterparts. Or that older workers are favored by employers because they have more work experience, a stronger work ethic, a better network of contacts and more references. Should you be aware of these potential preconceptions? Yes and no. Should you be dissuaded from pursuing an opening due to potential prejudices? NO and absolutely NO!

You can’t let any of this hold you back from going after what you want. Even if you ultimately aren’t selected for the job, don’t assume it has anything to do with age. Most of the time, it does not. Don’t use age as an excuse to shy away from applying for a job or in seeking insight as to why you were not selected. Yes, there are some industries that are more youth-focused than others, but not as many as you may think. Most of the time, job offers and rejections are not due to age.

Myth Busters
Here’s an example to help debunk the myth: Did you know studies show that younger workers take more sick days than older workers? Why? Younger workers are balancing work with an active social life which often includes “sowing their oats” at night or “playing hookey” to hit the beach on a nice day. Older workers generally take fewer sick days because they have gotten a lot of these activities out of their systems long ago, their lives are generally more focused around their jobs and they may have more present and future financial commitments on their minds with fewer years left in the workforce.

Whatever your age, you need to project an image of vitality, energy, focus and enthusiasm. These characteristics are not age specific. There are 25-year-olds that project these traits, and there are 25-year-olds that don't. And, there are 55-year-olds that carry themselves as youthful and relevant and 55-year-olds that don't. Be honest with yourself about how you come across. Ask for feedback from those closest to you. Reflect on what you can do to enhance qualities attractive to employers. Just one cautionary note: make subtle enhancements that make sense for your age and are not an obvious attempt to do so. If you aren’t your authentic self, people will see through that pretty quickly, too.

The bottom line: Focus on what is within your control, and that is, presenting the best you.

Keep Careering Today and Everyday.

Mark

Toxic Assets

In reading about the twists and turns in the current economy, not a paragraph seems to go by when I don’t read the phrase “toxic assets.” For example, the financial system is spiraling downward due to “toxic assets”; the Fed needs to remove the “toxic assets” from the balance sheets of giant banks and financial institutions and the Treasury needs to establish a “bad bank” to house all of the “toxic assets,” etc. etc.

The term “toxic assets” strikes me as an oxymoron, like “jumbo shrimp,” “old news” or “definite maybe.” How can an “asset” be “toxic” and something “toxic” is an “asset”? It is a puzzling term. Eventually it occurred to me that the term actually has real value. And, in keeping with our subject of Careering Today, let me offer this example of why it works.

Obviously, being engaged in a job search can be an anxious and stress inducing experience. You need to do everything possible to keep up your spirits and remain as positive and upbeat as possible. Successful job searches depend on it. One critical technique in remaining positive is by surrounding yourself with people, places and possessions that are upbeat and enhance your mood.

Stay Non-Toxic
Most of us have friends, family, and activities in our lives that bring us joy and satisfaction. We all know some are more joyous than others. It is important to surround yourself as much as possible with those who lift your spirits and limit interaction with those who drain your energy. You don’t always have the luxury of choice in the matter. Be aware of your reaction to people, places and things and be selective where you can. We need a variety of people and activities in our lives, but at times we need to differentiate between which lift us up and which bring us down. Guess which are the “toxic assets”?

Further, you most likely own a collection music CD’s, an iPod, DVDs, books, a television or other sources of entertainment. Try to read the positive books, not the weepers. Listen to upbeat music, not dirges. Watch comedies, not tragic stories. Having these possessions may be considered a portion of your “assets,” but surrounding yourself with any “downers” right now is — you got it — a toxic asset.

As you go through this — or any — stressful period in your life, surround yourself with mood inducers which serve as a “tonic,” not a “toxic.” Those are your true assets.

Hope this gives you some things to consider. Let’s hear from you. What do you do to stay positive and keep lift your spirits? We’d like to know.

Keep Careering Today and Everyday!
Mark

Networking Today: Connecting Six Degrees

The most critical technique in finding a job is to reach out to your network of family, friends and contacts. And networking has never been so easy what with all the advancements in technology such as cell phones, texting, e-mail, instant messaging and the advent of social media and social networking. However, nothing can replace the effectiveness of personal, one-on-one “live” networking as a means to get –- and stay -– on people’s radar screens. If not “live” in person, then certainly “live” by phone. (Voice mail does not count as “live”).

Now, I am not suggesting job seekers suspend all other activities in favor of live networking. However, I do recommend devoting a significant amount of time each day to reaching out to speak with people and make new, valuable connections. As you develop your daily or weekly schedule, balance the time you spend searching on the computer with reaching out to talk to people directly.

Many people spend too much time surfing for jobs on the computer. And, some of the spent trolling for jobs via the Internet is often due to avoiding more difficult tasks such as “live” networking. People can fool themselves into thinking they are utilizing their time most effectively by being on-line, but thousands or in some case millions are looking at the same postings and sites you are. However, no one else has your network.

Reaching Out
I know generally we do not like asking for favors, help, or communicate what we are afraid to be perceived to be a position of weakness, desperation or shame. We all want to feel we are in a position to help others, not need help from others. Most of us have an independent streak and sense of self-reliance. Please believe when I tell you: Those perceptions are ill-founded. The people you speak with have been in your shoes, will be in your shoes or worry they will soon be in your shoes soon!

One positive consequence of this difficult job market (if there is one) is that it has significantly diminished the stigma people may still feel is attached to being out of work. With unemployment inching it’s way towards 10%, millions more who have either stopped looking or are underemployed, and those still employed waiting for the “other shoe to drop,” people are generally more empathetic and helpful and less judgmental than ever. Don’t give up on the power of networking.

So, I want you to log off, power down the computer, pick up the phone and make the calls you have been meaning to make. Meet people for coffee if they are within reach. If they are busy when you call, set up a phone meeting. If even it they can’t help you, you’ll feel a lot better. And, when you place those networking seeds, you never know when or where they may grow.

Let us know what you think. Share your tips and experiences. We know you’re out there!

Keep Careering Today!

Mark

The Seven Ways Job Hunters Get Interviews

The are times when conducting research for a post or an article when I say to myself, “this guy says it as well as anyone, even better than me!” This is indeed one of those times.

I wanted to write a short, thumbnail version of the most important ways in which job searchers get interviews. There are books, courses, coaches and articles out there, and it can become a little overwhelming, so I wanted to boil it all down to a few key approaches.

Well, here are pearls of wisdom from Orville Pierson, a globally recognized leader in the field of outplacement services and author of The Unwritten Rules of the Highly Effective Job Search. In addition to his writing and speaking, Orville works for one of the most recognized career services firms, Lee Hecht Harrision. He summarizes the topic of landing an interview very well. Read on:


“When job hunters get interviews, it’s pretty much always because they engaged in one of seven job search activities. Unfortunately, these activities are not always well-understood. Even some of the popular job hunting books define them incorrectly and confuse them with each other.

It doesn’t matter which ones you use. It only matters that you’re getting interviews. To use any of them well, you need to understand how they work and how to best use them.

Here are the seven, in approximate order of effectiveness. The first three are the ones that prove successful for the vast majority of job hunters.

1. Networking. This is certainly the most misunderstood job hunting technique. It’s also the one that is most likely to work for most job hunters. That’s not something I made up. There have been scientific studies on it.

At Lee Hecht Harrison, where I work, we provide job search assistance services for as many as 100,000 unemployed people a year. Most start out by saying that they don’t have a large enough network. Or that’s networking is too difficult, or somehow problematic. Or that they don’t know anyone important.

Then they learn how to do it and find jobs.

2. Headhunters and Staffing Firms. Executive search firms (retained search) are how many job hunters with salaries over $100,000 find employment. For those at lower salaries, it’s more likely to be staffing firms (contingency search).

3. Internet Postings and Newspaper Ads. Many job hunters find jobs this way. The surest way to find out if you’re one of them is to try it. If you’re not getting interviews - or if there aren’t enough listings in your field – you’ll need to try another of the seven techniques.

Personally I don’t think you should wait the 30 to 60 days it might take to know for sure if this method is working -- especially if you’re unemployed. Why not get started with other activities right away? The same is true of headhunters.

4. Cold Calling. The definition of cold calling is telephoning total strangers without being introduced to them. These are people who never heard of you and who have not posted any job openings. Some job hunting books confuse this with networking, but in networking you are talking only to people you know or to those you’ve been introduced to by people you know.

While cold calling is effective for a small percentage of job hunters, most have difficulty with the high rejection rate that goes with this kind of telemarketing activity.

5. Direct Mail. This is sending letters and resumes to total strangers who have not posted any job openings. When you are on the receiving end of this kind of communication, you call it “spam” or “junk mail.” It works for a small percentage of job hunters, but – like cold calling -- it requires very large numbers of contacts.

6. Applications. If you’re thinking of government employment, applications are an essential part of the process. Some lower-paying private sector jobs are filled this way, but at the middle and higher income levels, it’s much more likely that you’ll complete an application after they decide to hire you – if at all.

7. Walking In. Presenting yourself in person at the place of employment is a good technique for some hourly jobs and a few entry-level salaried jobs. But it’s very time-consuming. The higher your earnings, the less likely this is to be appropriate – or effective.

Before you jump into a job search, I hope you'll take the time to understand these seven approaches and ascertain which are most appropriate for your particular search. Then use them in the context of a planned job search and you'll be on your way to success.”

Thanks, Orville. And to you, my colleagues engaged in a job search….The very best of success and remember to Keep Careering Today and Everyday.

Mark

FREE Universal Health Care!

Well, perhaps that headline is a bit of an overstatement, but I wanted to get your attention while making a point.

Being out of work and looking for a job is a big enough challenge, but conducting a search within the current economic environment is a double whammy. As you may have guessed, this post is about maintaining your best self in troubled times – your “health care” shall we say.

Now let’s get to the “free” part. You don’t have to spend much money to help lighten your mood, brighten your day and give you boost. No, I’m not speaking of health club exercise, yoga classes, meditation or designer caffeine from Starbucks. I’m talking about the gift of laughter, the joy of humor to help lighten your load.

"Knock, Knock! Who's there?" *
It has often been said that laughter is the best medicine. “Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry alone.” The late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale just about cured himself of a debilitating disease. After being released from the hospital, he asked his wife for a movie projector and gathered all the comedy movies he could locate. He watched them all, over and over again. And guess what? He recovered! Now I’m not suggesting you forfeit all your job search time in favor of watching Comedy Central. But I am encouraging you try to find ways not let your mood and outlook spiral downwards.

Did you ever realize that many of the classic talking movie comedians became famous during the 1930’s? The Marx Brothers, Three Stooges, Mae West, W. C. Fields, Laurel and Hardy and others. Coincidence? Not really. They came of age during the Great Depression, when there was a 25% unemployment rate and citizens were looking for a way to escape their troubles temporarily through the healing powers of humor.

Actually, we may be witnessing the same situation today. Hollywood producers have been lamenting recently that many of the sure-fire adult action movies, thrillers and love stories have not performed as well at the box office as expected. However, slapstick and silly comedies have performed very well. Did you know that four of the five films nominated for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars had combined gross box office receipts totaling less than that one current flick: “Paul Bart, Mall Cop”? A possible explanation for this? I’d tell the producers to look at the 1930’s for clues.

It is inexpensive and not a huge investment in time to find ways to inject a little comic relief into your lives. Visit your library and borrow some favorite comedy films or CD’s, read the funny pages, borrow books by humor writers such as James Thurber, Mark Twain or Erma Bombeck. Actually, perhaps it is no coincidence that several of books on the current New York Times Best Sellers list are by comics Chelsea Handler, Artie Lange, Steve Harvey, Denis Leary and George Carlin. Perhaps not everyone’s taste, but I wonder how these novice writers all wound up on the current Best Sellers list at the same time. Hmmm… Let me think.

As arguably the greatest comic mind of the last century, Charlie Chaplin wrote, “You’ll find your life is still worthwhile, if you’ll just smile.”

So take the time to enjoy, share and savor the gift of laughter. It truly is the best medicine, and one that money can’t buy.

Hang in there. Keep Careering Today and Everyday!

Mark

*(editor's note: August 19, 1936, Variety magazine reported that a "Knock Knock" craze was sweeping the nation. A few months later, Englishman Wee George Wood used his radio show to share a litany of knock knock jokes. Hence the beginning of the now tedious pun. The origins may, however, may date back to Shakespeare's Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 3. Share a good, clean knock knock with us...just for fun.)

Location! Location! Location!

In today’s tight job market, job seekers must consider every reasonable option available to them. Some options may be less desirable than others, or even unthinkable during better economic times. Now is the time to weigh every alternative and be as flexible and resilient as possible in order to land a job.

How about relocating to an area with a stronger job market than yours? This may be a particularly good option if you are in an area that is unlikely to experience an economic resurgence anytime soon. For example, if you are a laid-off autoworker living in Lansing or Flint, Michigan, you are going to have a much more difficult time than if you lived in an area with job growth. Even if you were to seek a lower paying job in your current location, chances are there will be lots of competition from others in your predicament.

It is obviously not easy to pick up and move to another place, to leave friends and family. And, being unemployed is when we often rely on the emotional support of family, friends and community. But one way to look at it is that it does not have to be permanent, and if the job situation improves in your original locale, or you develop a skill or trade that is marketable back home, you can move back. Who knows, you may come to like your new area and the fresh start it provides to you.

Where to Go?
There are plenty of resources offering statistics on job growth regions. The March 9th Fortune magazine contained an article highlighting the Manpower, Inc., quarterly report on the current best and worst locations for hiring. In addition, a recent CNN report listed the following areas as experiencing the most robust hiring: The Northwest states such as Washington for high technology related jobs, Southern states such as Florida and the Carolinas due to hiring in health care related jobs and the influx or retiring baby boomers who will require care, and the Washington, DC/Virginia area due to jobs being created in association with the new Administration’s policies and programs. Also, check the government website tracking jobs being created as a result of the new Stimulus Plan. Even if you do not have specific skills in the jobs you associate with high technology, government or health care, robust hiring spurs the local economy and as a result often creates other opportunities.

We are living in extraordinary times which for many of us will require short-term sacrifices for the long-term well-being for ourselves and our loved one. Relocating to a new area may be one of those sacrifices. As the late, great, acerbic comedian and former preacher Sam Kinison used to say: “If you are experiencing famine, move to where the food is.”

Please let us hear from you on this or other employment related issues. We would love to know what you think. All the best to you.

Keep Careering Today and Everyday!

Mark

Waiting to Exhale

In my coaching practice, I have counseled numerous clients on how to be the most productive with the time between jobs. The obvious answer is to approach a job search as your full-time job. However, I have found there are many considerations in deciding how best to use this time.

While you are “holding your breath” waiting for that phone call or e-mail for an interview or job offer, consider the following:

• Use a calendar to schedule your days in blocks of time. You probably maintained a calendar at your last job, so continue the habit. Through it, you will develop a structure and plan for the days or weeks ahead. And that, in turn, can help keep your spirits up and help you stay productive.
• While you should consider your job search as your full-time job, in reality you cannot spend 8-10 hour stretches each day on your search. Schedule blocks of time to include other activities (see below) to refresh yourself and stay active.
• This is a great time to pursue a few activities that you have been meaning to but have not had the time or put off doing. Take time to exercise (even a short walk to start), take a yoga classes, join a local gym or YMCA to work out or swim, start meditating or join a group in your community to have “face time” with other people. These activities are an investment in yourself and re-creating balance that you may have sacrificed in the past.
• Often when we are engaged in a job search, there are many days when we do not feel we have made any progress in the “fruits of our labor.” One way to counter this feeling is to undertake a home project and schedule 1-2 hours each day to work on it. I had one client, a C-level executive involved in a protracted search, who spent a couple of hours each day and weekend time finishing his basement. Each day he could see physical progress and it helped him. Soon he had a new job and family room. If that is more than you wish to tackle, try a smaller project, plant a garden, build a shed, scrapbook family photos or whatever works for you.
  

While to some these suggestions may seem obvious, it never hurts to reinforce good ideas. More than one psychologist has suggested that the best therapy in conquering the “blues” is to keep busy and stay productive. The by-product of outside activities is when you speak with a networking contact, meet a recruiter or visit an employer, you will most likely be in a better frame of mind to maximize the impression you make.

When you are back in the workforce, and involved the daily grind, you can look back on this time as trying but productive. You may even miss this time between jobs a bit.

Please feel free to add your comments and suggestions. We would love to hear from you.

Keep Careering Today and Everyday.

Mark

You are What You Wear

I was watching the news one night last week and there was a segment about the current jobs crisis which included a live report from a local job fair. The reporter interviewed two middle-aged job seekers both lamenting the fact that they were having difficulty getting recruiters interested their candidacy.

As I watched the report, I immediately noticed one thing: the two job seekers, both articulate and seemingly experienced, competent women, were not dressed or groomed to place themselves in the best light with prospective employers. In fact, the contrast between the applicants and the local female reporter (also an attractive, middle-aged and smartly-dressed woman) was striking. As a career recruiter, I notice these things immediately, in both men and women, and it can be a “deal breaker,” particularly in this difficult job market. It’s not fair, but it is a reality.

Dress for Success
OK, so what is the best approach when considering what to wear to any type of job interview? How does one know what is appropriate and most flattering? Does it vary from company to company? Let’s briefly cover a few key points.

• When in doubt, keep it “conservative.” You can't go wrong wearing a dark suit with accessories to liven up your outfit. By this I mean a non-distracting blouse and jewelry for women; a contrasting but muted tie and crisp shirt for men.
  
• Beware the hair. Women and men should be certain to maintain a hair style that is age- and style-appropriate. For mature women, it means updating your style, not going for the style of your youth nor the style of today’s youth. For men, the same advice. And, for those gents who are “follicly-challenged” a neat, trim look is best. For both genders, consider your hair coloring. If you decide to alter your hair color, just be certain it has a natural look.
  
• The eyes have it. If you wear glasses, consider updating your frames.
  
• War paint. In the battle for a job, go easy on the makeup and scents.
  
• Into leather? Be certain shoes, belts, portfolios, attaché cases and other similar items are made of a good grain of leather.
  

These items may sound superficial, and you may ask what any of this has to do with your qualifications for a job. Well, our tendency as human beings is to form first impressions partially based on appearance. Given the competition for jobs and the current volume of potential candidates, recruiters generally have the luxury and necessity these days of filtering out otherwise qualified candidates for reasons other than basic qualifications. Don’t lose out on an opportunity for the wrong reasons. In these tough times, it is not as much a question of getting to “yes,” as it is avoiding “no.”

Look for future tips on where to get feedback, ideas and information to be certain you are “dressed for success.”

Please let me know what you think and let us know other ideas you have on this topic. Keep Careering Today and Everyday!

Mark

A.B.C.: “Always Be Careering”

In my executive search and career coaching practice, I have noticed something over the years. Most of us tend to give thought and expend energy on our future job and career moves either when we are forced to do so by unforeseen circumstances or due to the utter misery in our current job or organization.

Sadly, many of us have been experienced at least one of these situations; some of us have unfortunately lived through both. When we find ourselves in these difficult positions, the stress or anxiety is often exacerbated because we are not prepared for the new and often unexpected challenge.

Getting Prepared
With increasing employment uncertainty and with today's workers changing jobs jobs or careers with great frequency than in any generation in history, we must begin to look at the subject of job and career transition in a new way.

In essence, we must be mindful of a new set of “A.B.C.’s” that you didn’t learn in grade school or even business school:

“Always Be Careering”

“Always Be Careering” is a mindset that your job and career search must be a constant, 24/7/365, holistic approach to “the hunt.” Just as you need to manage your finances, maintain your homes and automobiles and pay your bills, you need to make time to constantly and consistently pay attention to the care and feeding of your career.

By that I mean:

• Schedule time every day to expand your outside network and catch up with former or long lost colleagues and friends. Be open about what is going on with you.
• Always share a short career or job “elevator speech” with whoever you come in contact with. It does not matter if it is your kid’s coach, a neighbor, the guy at the dry cleaner, people know other people. You just never know who.
• Wherever you go, work or family related, always look and act your best. You just never know how that next first impression can have an impact on your future.
• Expand your world. It is important to join and be active in your work, family, community and leisure activities. Also, carve out some time for local professional organizations, either in your field or local networking meetings.
• Finally, take care of yourself. Eat well, sleep well, exercise even it’s a brisk walk, do some yoga or meditation and have ways to take your mind off of things for a while each day. It is time well spent and will help create a great reserve of energy for the times ahead.
• And, finally, relax! As with all difficult times, we’ll work through it.

Many of us have life, auto, home and medical insurance, but unfortunately there is no insurance to help you replace your job or career. When it comes to this area of our lives, we each need to be self-insured. The best way to be self-insured and self-assured is A.B.C.: “Always Be Careering.”

Please let me know if you found this helpful or have thoughts to add. We’re all in this together! Also, please share suggestions for future topics.

Be well. And, Always Be Careering!

Mark

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

In these difficult times, we see the news filled with announcements of layoffs and dramatic increases in the numbers of the un- and underemployed growing as the stock market continues to nosedive. Scary stuff.

As a result, there is great focus in the media, and deservedly so, on those who are or will soon be unemployed. However, not as much attention is being paid to what is going through the minds of the employees remaining at these shrinking organizations. The employee population and other resources may be dwindling, but the work that needs to be done has not.

If you are one of the “corporate survivors,” you are probably groping for answers to one or more of the following questions, in no particular order:

• Why was I selected to stay?


• Will the “next shoe drop,” and if so, will my position be eliminated?


• Who will absorb the work left behind by the departed employees, and how much of it will be assigned to me?


• How will I be able to do a good job if my workload increases and/or available resources to do my job decreases?


• Should I stay or should I start looking?

Unfortunately, in these challenging times there are no clear cut answers and the challenges and decisions are complex. And, even with all the professional advice in the world at your fingertips, you are in the best position to answer these questions for yourself. However, as if you already did not have enough to think about, permit me to share a few thoughts.

From my daily contacts in my executive search and career transition work, I am gathering that most of you in the “survivor” positions are falling in one of two categories: (1) the more “risk averse” are hunkering down and staying put for now. That is the “devil that you know is better than the devil you don’t know” strategy; (2) the more “risk tolerant” (excuse the Wall Street jargon -- I know it is not in favor!) may wish to see if the “grass is greener on the other side” and want to at least “stick their toe” in the job market to see just what’s out there, if anything. Neither is a bad strategy if done for the right reasons, given your individual situation.

Thrivival Tips
Whatever path you chose, keep in mind the following:

• If you decide to stay, take every opportunity to build your skill set to include new or enhance your skill set. Pay particular attention to skills that will make you even more valuable to your current employer or ones that are sought after in the job marketplace.


• Take advantage of opportunities to volunteer for meaningful projects or join teams at work. It will make you that much more valuable, increase your skills, and be seen as someone who is meeting the challenges of a difficult environment. You don’t want to overload yourself, so do so when it is manageable.


• Project as positive and “glass half full” demeanor as you can muster. It will say a lot about you and who you are.

Regardless of what choice you make, be certain to consult with your mentor if you have one and your loved ones. Your family has a vested interest in your decisions and a concern for you. And, do your best to stay healthy during this stressful time. I’m not your doctor or your mother, but eat well, try to get plenty of sleep and exercise. Try yoga, meditation or just going for long walks. Again, I’m not your mother or doctor, but for your own well-being, “bundle up. It’s cold out there!”

As my coach used to say to me about keeping difficult times in perspective, “This too shall pass.” Be well and Keep Careering Today and Everyday!

Mark