I was recently forced to resign from my job.
While the package is good, I've just begun seriously start my job hunt. Here are some things I've done initially that will help others who are going through the same.
Additionally I've added a "Hire-Me" page to my website with a link to my resume as well as talking about my experience if you want to explore:
https://gjsequeira.me/hire-me/
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Now on to the meat and potatoes
Reached out to my network (in and out of industry)
I am blessed to have friends and family that work in other industries As such, I've been able to get assistance and connections within construction, equipment, and controls positions that I can apply my skills.
Looking back, the reason that I could ask for help from these people is that I was willing to invest my time and effort into the relationships I had with them. I was not expecting to have to leverage that in such a way, but am grateful that the content of my character allowed these people to vouch for me. These connections were friends, family, former teammates, teachers, coaches, etc. It’s amazing how many people I got to reconnect with because I shared and reach out for help.
If you know anyone at a company you're interested in (even as an acquaintance) reach out to them and see if they can refer you. This accomplishes a few things
- gets you priority while applying
- helps the referrer ($ stipend)
- clarifies where you might fit within the company
I did this with a few of my connections, who were able to pass them on to REAL people and not get lost in the HR algorithms. Initial results of this led me to an in person interview a few weeks back, as well as an initial job offer in residential construction that a family member is a part of.
Never underestimate the people you’ve interacted with over the years. If you have provided quality work, friendship, conversation, etc. you have built up a rapport that you can cash in.
Post and connect on LinkedIn
I posted about my situation on LinkedIn, and got some support as well as recruiters reaching out to help me It's very early stages, but the recruiters I've talked to seem genuine and willing to help out.
Due to that I received a few thousand views of my posts, about 15 new connections on LinkedIn, a recruiter reaching out to me about my resume, and a few of my connections sending me job postings with a few positions I might be qualified for.
I also made a thread about my plans for the job hunt on twitter which allows me to 1) put myself out there and 2) receive feedback (and possibly offers) from others
Using social media channels is great, it just takes molding the message to fit the medium
Found something to occupy my time
Part of the job hunt is that YOU ARE GOING TO GET BORED
So what do you do?
My solution - find ways to help out the community or your friends Be willing to work for free or lower pay You'll find helping people is a reward in itself
What this involves currently is a passion of mine - working out, training, and physical fitness - and using my knowledge and adjacent skills (sales, interpersonal communication) to help my local gym owner and my physical therapist with their businesses.
I’m also available to pursue opportunities to consult with one of my friends that is looking into flipping equipment in his industry to those just starting their own business. It’s an interesting endeavor and I’m curious to see what we figure out.
Closing
When you lose your job and are looking for a new one:
- Reach out to your network
- Post on social media (never know what can come out of it)
- Find something to do that keeps you busy while job apps and recruiters work in the background
The rest will fall into place. It takes time, patience, a bit of work, and swallowing your pride to ask for help from people. In the end you’ll have a newfound vigor for the next job, and may have a nice reprieve from the job you just left!