5 Things I Wish I Would Have Done Before I Lost My Job
The scariest part of losing my job was the realization I was not prepared.
Before September, I passively looked at job boards once or twice a month. My resume was last updated three years ago, but it wasn’t opitmized. I logged into LinkedIn once a week, maybe. I had not updated my portfolio in many years.
I was behind before this race even started.
In September, I was excited about the work I was doing every day, especially the digital marketing work in which we were engaged. I was starting to think I may retire from Mid-America Transplant. Spending time to prepare for a job change wasn’t a priority nor did it feel necessary. That said, I know I should have been doing the first four items on this list from the day my career started.
I’ve spent many nights awake since my job was eliminated wishing I had made this list a priority. Here’s what I wish I would have done before I Phel Into This:
Kept My Resume Updated. Set a regular schedule for tracking your accomplishments. A weekly or monthly update allows you to make revisions to your resume and LinkedIn profile while the great successes are fresh in your mind. It also avoids the painful and time-consuming process of going back through your tenure(s) to identify career highlights.
Backed up files, including important contact’s info. This is two-fold. Keep a copy of your best work for your portfolio. This makes it easy to find your professional highlights to add to your website portfolio, LinkedIn profile or share during interviews. Saving contact info for your important contacts allows you to reach out to those colleagues to personally share you are no longer with the organization and tap into their network for new opportunities. Even if you’re connected on LinkedIn, a phone call or email is likely more appropriate. Plus, some people aren’t as active on LinkedIn. That’s a great set-up for Point No. 3.
Networked. Some estimates say 80% of jobs are filled through one’s network. I seriously underestimated how important it was to keep your network fresh, especially on LinkedIn. I built relationships over the last 10 years, but I have since found 60-80 professional contacts I had not connected with on LinkedIn. Such a missed opportunity to further develop those relationships by understanding what is important in their professional life. It takes time to build a network. Start today if you haven’t already.
Worked on my personal brand. I’ve heard varying viewpoints on “personal brand,” and I think there is value in taking time to identify and develop your own brand. What are your unique experiences, beliefs, characteristics, insights, skills, perspectives? What words would you use to describe yourself? What are the most important things for you to highlight about yourself and your career? Take a personality test (search for free options online), make a list of words that describe you, and create your story to share the value you provide.
Known a lapse in work history is OK. I had been employed for 22 years before this unemployed stretch. I’ve never had to explain a gap in employment, and here I was facing that exact situation. Yes, most recruiters will likely understand it was just 2020. However, even if it’s not 2020, a lapse can be explained. From Day 1 of this journey, I committed to pursuing additional education via certificate programs. Others may use the time to refocus on health and wellness, write a book, or take up a new hobby. Whatever it is, time is valuable and this is the time to pursue passions that have been put on the backburner.
If I had understood and committed to these five things before September, this transition would have been a bit smoother. It wouldn’t change how shocked I was, nor the fact that I’m in this situation. However, I would have felt more prepared to begin the job search much sooner.
Editor’s note: This list focuses on the job search itself. Preparing financially is equally important and a topic I may dive into later.
About The Blog & Author
Phel Into This is the blog of Justin Phelps (Hey, that’s me!). First published at 16 years old, I am a writer and digital marketer. Phel Into This was developed to share perspectives on seeking employment during a global pandemic after my job was eliminated by restructuring in 2020. I enjoy soccer, cooking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my terrific family.