Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

For nearly two decades, Deb Mowatt has provided job search training and coaching to adults in community and adult education settings. She resides in Cambridge, Ontario, with her husband, Bill, their two youngest sons and assorted pets. Their four older children have provided six grandchildren to keep life full and exciting.

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JOB SEARCH SUCKS!

IUNIVERSE, INC.

Contents

Acknowledgments........................................................ixPreface................................................................xiIntroduction...........................................................xiiiFacing the World When You're Out of Work...............................1Can't Get Them Out of My Head..........................................7Head 'Em Off at the Pass...............................................11What's Happening to Me?................................................16How to Enlist the Help of People You Know..............................26What's Holding You Back?...............................................32Only You Know the Truth................................................35The Secret to a Winning Job Search.....................................37Applying to Job Postings...............................................43Dress to Impress.......................................................45But I Really Just Need a Job...........................................49Beware of "Job Ad" Scams...............................................52Finding a Job That Feels Custom-Made for You...........................57Explaining You to Them through Your "Me Blurb".........................62Fact-Finding Meetings..................................................67Going Back to School...................................................71Job Search Tips........................................................74References.............................................................80The Simple Rsum......................................................93Cover Letters..........................................................118Interviews.............................................................124Thank You Means So Much................................................158Things to Consider Before Accepting Any Job Offer......................165Congratulations! You Have Found Work!..................................168Twenty Ways to Prove "There Are No Jobs Out There".....................173Where to Get Help......................................................177Recommended Reading....................................................179About the Author.......................................................181

Chapter One

Our jobs are so much a part of us that work or lack of it has a tremendous impact on our lives. Let's face it, most of us spend a huge chunk of our existence on the job working for the money that gets us the things we need and want, gives us status, provides us with comfort, and (drum roll, please) makes us attractive to the opposite sex. We are often identified by the work we do or by our job titles.

Many of us label ourselves according to our jobs. We often introduce ourselves by our job titles. For example, "I'm a waste-disposal technician," or "Hi, I'm Dana, hostess at the new Steeley's restaurant."

Even when asked how we are doing by people who know us well, we often reply with a statement that includes at least some information about our work.

"Hey, Joe, how's it going?"

"Great, Stan. Just got a new contract at work. Things are looking up."

That kind of thing just rolls off the tongue, because we are so focused on our work.

Other people we know often identify us by our jobs or job titles as well.

"My son, the mechanic, says ..."

"My friend who works in food service ..."

What happens when we aren't that person anymore? When we no longer have the work identity to cling to?

Many unemployed people very quickly begin to back away from others because they find it hard to discuss the unpleasant topic of their job loss. It's too painful, too darn awkward, embarrassing even.

How are you introducing yourself now that you are no longer employed? Think about it.

Are you still confidently introducing yourself, adding that you are unemployed and looking for work at the moment? Or are you simply avoiding people so you don't have to go there?

If you see yourself in the second category, then please, for your own sake, take a few minutes right now to create a couple of positive statements you can use in various social or business situations.

Need some help? The rest of this chapter discusses three ways for you to handle your interactions with others in a constructive way.

1. Avoid talking about yourself and steer the conversation toward the other person.

Marcie was let go after a disagreement with her boss. At the grocery store, she ran into Mrs. Cohen, a regular at the hair salon from which she had just been fired. Marcie had not seen Mrs. Cohen in some time and really didn't want to have to discuss her situation with a former client. She tried to flee down another aisle to avoid her, but Mrs. Cohen, excited to see her, tracked her down.

"Marcie, it's so good to see you. I've missed my hair appointments since I have been away in Europe. How are you?"

"Mrs. Cohen, it's good to see you. Europe, you say? Which countries did you visit?"

Marcie asked several questions about Mrs. Cohen's trip. Then, when the adventurous tale seemed to be winding down, she wrapped the conversation up immediately.

"I am so happy you had a nice time. I'd best be going before my husband thinks I'm not coming home with dinner. Hope to see you again soon."

Marcie was able to keep her dignity and maintain her relationship with a client because she refused to get into a discussion about her former place of employment that might have turned out to be very uncomfortable for her and her former coworkers if Mrs. Cohen repeated it on her next visit to the shop.

Marcie realized how harmful an innocent discussion could become when recounted later to the person or people talked about. In a situation where what we say about ourselves might involve talking about our former boss, it is best not to say anything. People usually like to talk about themselves, especially clients or customers who know us only as the person who has serviced their needs in the past in one way or another. If you happen to find yourself in such an uncomfortable situation, encourage the former customer to do the talking and then say a pleasant but firm goodbye before the person turns the tables and gets you talking about things you don't want to discuss. Nothing said means there is nothing to report.

At all times, refrain from discussing uncomfortable details about your job loss with people connected in any way to your former employer. It is better to say nothing than to say something you might regret later, especially when your feelings are still stinging from the wound of being let go.

2. Be straightforward about your situation.

Let's say a sports team member greets you.

"Hey, Justin, we all missed you at bowling last week. Tied up with overtime again? Guess that's what happens when you get paid the big bucks."

"Not anymore. Unfortunately, I lost my job recently, and I've been spending my time learning all I can about rsums and job-search tactics so that I can find a new one as soon as possible."

"Gee, Justin, that's too bad. But, heck, you shouldn't give up the things you enjoy, like our bowling night. I read somewhere that it's best to keep up social engagements...