Lessons Learned By The Recently Unemployed, with Marsha Warner

Please note that Marsha Warner has retired. This podcast was recorded prior to her retirement.

All too often people only think about career management when they are actively looking for a job. This is a big mistake!

Ongoing, proactive career management while you are employed can pay huge dividends next time you are looking for work. Don’t wait to lay the foundation for your next job search!

On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Marsha Warner, former owner of Portland-based Career Factors, shares professional regrets she’s heard from her clients. She reads “Lessons Learned By The Recently Unemployed”, her contribution to our book, Land Your Dream Job in Portland (and Beyond).

Avoid future regret! Here are Marsha’s tips for help you prepare for your next job search:

• Keep your own file of reviews and accolades
• Don’t wait until you’re unemployed to start networking
• Keep your LinkedIn profile active
• When your job ends, take time to mourn the loss and acknowledge your emotions, then let it go
• Teaching is a great source of career satisfaction
• Proactive career management means stepping up to a challenge

Transcript

Mac Prichard:

This is Find Your Dream Job, the podcast that helps you get hired, have the career you want and make a difference in life. I’m Mac Prichard, your host and publisher of Mac’s List. On today’s bonus episode we’re sharing exclusive content from our new book. Land Your Dream Job in Portland (and Beyond). Land Your Dream Job in Portland (and Beyond) compiles all of our best job search tips and career management tools into one simple, easy-to-read guide. It’s the definitive tool kit for anyone looking for meaningful work. The book also includes special contributions from an array of job search experts and today you’ll hear from one of them.

Here’s Marsha Warner, owner of Career Factors, reading her contribution Lesson Learned By the Recently Unemployed.

Marsha Warner:

Recently, a client shared what he wished he’d done before he found himself on the job hunt. Here’s a list of best practices for career maintenance that are applicable to everyone.

He said, “I wish I’d kept of copy of my performance reviews.” Lesson: Keep your own file of reviews and accolades. They are helpful to promote accomplishment statement, review for interviews and remind yourself of achievements when doubts creep in.

He said, “I wish I’d continued to network and develop outside contacts.” Lesson: Don’t wait until you’re unemployed to start networking. Stay in touch with colleagues, classmates, ex-bosses, other parents, fellow volunteers, and so on.

He said, “I wish I’d joined LinkedIn earlier on.” Lesson: Keep your LinkedIn profile active. It’s a tool for recruiters, a way to stay connected and a source of information for professional development. Spend at least an hour a week updating your profile, reconnecting, joining interest groups and staying current.

He said, “I wish I had not taken it so personally. I let this lay-off really get to me.” Lesson: When your job ends, take time to mourn the loss and acknowledge your emotions, then let it go. Evaluate the job market, then take up your career toolbox, and go forth. Know that when you’re part of a reduction in force, it’s a business decision not a personal decision. Take charge of your career with a personal marketing plan. Manage what you can control, and let what you cannot go.

He said, “I wish I had reached out and passed on my professional knowledge to younger colleagues before I left.” Lesson: Teaching is a great source of career satisfaction. Some companies have formal programs for knowledge transfer. Seek them out. The effort will be worth the reward you’ll feel in sharing your knowledge with others.

He said, “I wish I had paid more attention to my own development and taken advantage of challenges that would give me more exposure.” Lesson: Proactive career management means stepping up to a challenge. Volunteering for projects and committees or getting trained for new skills are ways to grow. They’ll get you noticed by your boss and bring greater satisfaction to your daily work. Ask yourself at the end of each day, what did I learn today?

He said, “I wish I’d ask for help early on in my job search. Things have changed so much, I feel a bit lost.” Lesson: Feeling isolated and lost is common. A career coach can offer expert information and advice about the job market and how to put your best foot forward. Portland is blessed with great career resources including local colleges, private coaches and job search support groups. Help is available. Be wise, and ask for it.

Mac Prichard:

If you’re looking for more expert advice and insider tips like what you just heard, check out Land Your Dream Job in Portland (and Beyond). You’ll find everything you need to get a great job whether you’re in Portland, Oregon, Portland, Maine, or anywhere in between. The 2016 edition includes new content, and for the first time ever, it’s available in paperback, as well as in an array of e-reading devices including Kindle, Nook and iBooks. For more information on Land Your Dream Job in Portland (and Beyond) visit macslist.org/book.