You've Lost Your Job, or Afraid You Will Lose It

Maureen Anderson On Losing Your Work, or Dealing with Those Fears

Apr 10, 2009
Paym Bergson

Interview With Maureen Anderson - courtesy of Maureen Anderson

This interview with Maureen Anderson focuses on what to do if you've lost your job or are afraid you will lose your job. Network NOW; give more value; know what you want.

Career Advice interviews Maureen Anderson, author of The Career Clinic: 8 Simples Rules for Finding Work You Love [AMACOM, American Management Association, 200] and host of the radio show The Career Clinic. This article explores what to do if you have lost your job, and what to do if you are afraid you will lose your job.

Which Group Are You - Already Lost Your Job or Afraid You Will Lose Your Job?

CareerAdvice: Many people are in a panic about losing their jobs. Mostly they are in two groups – those who fear they will lose their jobs, and those who have already lost their jobs.

For those in fear of losing – any advice on how to keep working, be it at the present job or not? And for those who have lost their jobs – where could they look, or how to find work in this market? (yes, similar questions – but different tactics when one has a job and looks for another job as compared to one who does not have a job at present).

Try to Use Fear to Your Advantage

MAnderson: "If you're still employed, make it your mission to give your employer more value for what he or she is paying you. Spend less time at work on gossip, and more time trying to find new clients. Volunteer to take on extra work, or learn someone else's job so you can cover for them if they're away from the office. Be more helpful and more pleasant to have around. Be indispensable.

One career coach suggests you keep a daily or weekly log of what you accomplish. Every couple of weeks or at least once a month, send your boss a quick e-mail summary of that. That helps remind you and your employer that you're fulfilling your part of the bargain – and will make it not only easier to hang on to your job, but to get a raise at some point."

Always Do the Best Job You Can, For Yourself and Your Employment

"Do yourself the favor of doing the best job you can – uncertain times or no. That way if you do get laid off you won't have the added stress of wondering if you could've avoided it with better performance.

Always have an idea of what you'll do if you no longer have this job. Career consultants constantly tell me that the time to start looking for the next job is from your very first day on this one. Career management means taking responsibility for yourself versus pinning your hopes on any one employer."

Be an Asset, Not a Liability

"Many coaches suggest you look at yourself as an independent contractor, even if your only 'client' happens to be your current employer. Do everything you can to keep that client happy, sure, but keep an eye on the wider world of work. Networking isn't something you do only when you're out of a job – in fact if you wait until then to start, it's going to seem phony and maybe a little desperate. Make networking a regular part of your routine regardless of the economic climate. Join professional associations, for example, and be active in those. Keep your skills current. Learn new things. Always."

What to Do if You have Lost Your Job

"If you have lost your job, the first thing most career consultants suggest doing – besides telling your immediate family and sending a quick e-mail to associates saying you're no longer with XYZ company and here's how to reach you – is nothing. Let the shock wear off for a few days."

Be Specific and Detailed

"After you've composed yourself and are willing to entertain the possibility you will find a job you like even more than the one you lost, then make a list of the things you love to do and are really good at. Then decide where you'd most love to use those skills. Then tell everyone you know exactly what you're looking for. People think staying open to anything will increase their chances of finding a job, when the opposite is true. The more detailed picture you can paint of your ideal work situation, the more people will be able to help you."

Bottom Line

"Start networking NOW – not when you have already lost a job. Start a detailed analysis of what your skills are, and where you'd like to use them – be specific and detailed. Being open to anything is great, but others cannot help you find something without knowing your specifics. It's always easier to help find work when there are details to follow.

And always do the best job you can, in everything. Even more important, don't be afraid to let others know what you have done or accomplished – keep a record and summarize to your boss in a weekly memo – that lets the boss and company know you understand the needs of the company as well as to remind them how you are an asset to the company."

Read other interviews with Career Advice and Maureen Anderson – How to Stay Positive in Today's Job Market and Self-Marketing Options Include Good Mentoring.