Finding a New Job - Top Tips

In the current economic climate it seems like we don't go a day without hearing on the news about the latest job cuts. In can be very daunting to know where to start after losing a job, but we've provided some tips and advice below courtesy of Eileen Hickey from HP. Eileen gives her thoughts on how to get back onto the career ladder if you do lose your job, and how it doesn't have to be the worst thing - it can even be enjoyable.


Tips for Getting Back on the Career Ladder 

• There is a stigma attached to being laid-off and not getting a job quickly. If requested, you should reference the infamous RIF - 'Reduction in Force' due to these severe economic times in every company (almost, anyway). If you can use a manager from your former employer as a reference it speaks volumes about the satisfaction with your capability. Make sure that theyr are happy to give a reference when contacted, and you can even go as far as sending an email each time you provide the reference to remind them about the projects you were particularly successful in executing.

• One of the most important things to have when looking for a new position is an up to date CV. See more advice about how to get your CV noticed by employers by clicking here.

• Practise your interviewing skills with another IT professional. Avoid using passive verbs (this goes for your CV too) as this will give you a chance to answer questions with more qualitative information and less fluffy statements such as 'feeling good' about a particular role or project.

• Prepare exact examples of whatever functions/skills you have detailed on your CV. Have examples ready about the projects you worked on - especially anecdotes that show how you supported/created/designed/defined/tested the effective solution for a problem encountered.

• Know enough about the company, whether you get an update from your local network or you just read the company's annual report and recent articles. When I interviewed with Xerox a century ago, it was considered job opportunity limiting to mention their computer products which they'd just taken a huge loss on and of which they subsequently divested themselves.

• Knowing about the company also makes writing the cover letter easier! If you are not getting the interview, a cover letter really DOES help. Try and get an inside line on who the hiring manager is and getting your CV directly to that important person through a prior colleague or someone who knows someone there. Don't hesitate to ask everyone in all your networks if they know someone in the company you're applying to.

• In most cases, a good portion of your interview audience will be male. If you are particularly tall wear flats, and if you are particularly small (like myself) wear comfortable 2-3 inch heels - one reduces the intimidation factor (my daughter is rather tall and has noticed this with men in general) and the other makes petite types a little more substantial, helping offset your inclination to be quieter.

• Network! I was unemployed for several months back in 2003 and, despite a lot of effort online on my part, it did take someone who knew me and knew of a position available to help land my next job. So keep your contacts fresh and informed about opportunities that you are pursuing and make sure you keep on good terms with them!

• Do something to build up your self-esteem. Whether it is climbing a mountain (I live in Colorado), increasing your exercise by joining a football team or dance class, getting a makeover, teaching a class in your professional arena, or shopping. Also make sure to dress appropriatley for the interview. More information about interview techniques and tips can be found by clicking here.

• Finally - don't forget to celebrate this time while you are NOT working. That is my only major regret during the months I wasn't working. I was so busy chasing job opportunities I forgot to take a 'day off' (or a week or two) from the search and enjoy not working! I've never had that kind of consecutive time off in my entire career and I felt harried the whole time - which I could have chosen to handle differently.