You can always learn something new
Today, I went to the first of two outplacement sessions (Career Transitions, as the program is known) that were included as part of my severance package. This is the first time I’ve ever gone to a session like this, but then again, this is the first time I’ve ever been laid off.
I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what I was gaining by going to this program. It hasn’t been that long since I’ve been job hunting and, quite frankly, I’ve spent enough time as a recruiter that job hunting is something I should be good at. And I do consider myself good at it. Can you sense a little pride coming into play here? I can.
But I went to the session today curious about what it would be like and with an open mind. I’m glad I did. Not only was it a good opportunity to network with the other people in the session, I also picked up some great tips for cover letters, interviews, etc. What is the most valuable thing I learned? That I can’t approach my job hunt as a recruiter, where I just think of what I would like to see if I was the recruiter. I need to remember to think as a job hunter and of what would put me in the best position to get the phone call, the interview, and ultimately the job.
Just goes to show you that no matter how much you think you know, or how experienced you think you are, you can always learn something new. You just have to keep yourself open to possibilities and know when to lock up your pride.
February 3rd, 2009 saat: 3:29 pm
Yea, it’s always hard to get back into the job hunt game (or any game) after being out of it for so long. You might try practicing interviewing with some friends to get you into the job hunter and out of the recruiter mindset. Good luck trying to find a new job, you’re not alone.
February 4th, 2009 saat: 7:32 am
Asha – Thanks for the comment and the support!
February 4th, 2009 saat: 12:47 pm
That’s cool. I’ve never done outplacement either, so I hope you’ll blog about some of the things you learn. I am curious, because I’ve known people who thought outplacement was life-changingly fabulous, and others who thought it was just a’ight…but I’ve never known an HR person who did it and could give me the real scoop.
(Holy run-on sentence batman!)
February 5th, 2009 saat: 4:18 pm
Kerry – I’ll do a more detailed post tonight or tomorrow on it. I wouldn’t say life changing but I did find it useful.
February 6th, 2009 saat: 10:56 pm
I like the professionally detached way you are going about things.
I have been fired once so I know its tough.
Wishing you lots of Luck and great success.
February 7th, 2009 saat: 6:10 am
Prakash – Thanks for the warm wishes, I’m trying keep things in perspective. 🙂
February 8th, 2009 saat: 4:08 pm
Yes, you can always learn something new.
We got these tips for a better life from a blogger (Galina)
Makes you stop and think !
http://jobs2ireland.com/jobs2ireland-blog/signs-that-job-market-is-slowing-down/#comment-18
February 9th, 2009 saat: 9:00 am
John – Thanks for the info and comment.