I’m hearing from many clients about concerns related to career transitions during this time. Here is a sample:
In light of the complete decimation of the ________ industry, in which segment I have invested my entire career…
Pretty serious, right? Not to mention disturbing, and, in many cases, paralyzing.
And, yes, of course, the time we are in is dramatic and serious and life-changing – what some people are calling the “new normal.”
Not sure about that new normal thing, but it is important to consider how to cope when you’re trying to change jobs or careers or move internally during a period like this. Just as in the ’82 recession, ’87 crash, ’92 real estate slump, 9/11, and 2008/9/10. Each had a unique set of challenges, and each involved creating new ways of resolving career issues. In my experience with all of those periods, I think 9/11 was the toughest (I know financial service professionals will disagree, because 2008 was their most difficult challenge, easily). 9/11 froze New York City for months. No real activity in career moves, unlike now, where the formats and procedures are what are changing the most. Not sure yet about how a coming recession might affect everything.
A few thoughts…
From everything I’ve heard, from around the country, hiring is continuing. I am, like most people, not aware of the pace. Nearly all of it is virtual. One client in the Midwest has fielded four offers in the past week, in financial services, and has a couple more pending. Almost all of his search, towards the end, has been via teleconferencing.
Don’t give into the panic in the news about unemployment. Not to diminish the dire straits of several industries, but I haven’t heard – yet – about all those new unemployment claims seeping into the professional ranks. A huge proportion comes from service industries (hospitality especially). But there are some creative possibilities even in that industry. I’m not seeing the situation as widespread at this point. I may be proven wrong in a matter of weeks, but the prognostications have been all over the place.
With networking, the key to any transition, there are two qualities that you need to adopt: a sense of humor with the people you’re approaching, and adeptness with Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, doxy.me, Adobe Connect, GoToMeeting, Webex, et al. Reassure anyone you’re approaching that you’re not asking for a person-to-person meeting (vastly preferable in normal times) and would welcome the opportunity to talk by phone or Skype (or whatever). As always, be aware of the other person’s situation. Show your best social intelligence. Also keep in mind that this person is probably also working remotely, too.
Work on your phone skills. I’ve learned from senior sales professionals over the years that it’s good practice to use headsets or headphones, which enable a more comfortable speaking style. Stand and walk while talking; it adds depth to the voice, not to mention energy. Smile. Believe it or not, people HEAR smiling. When I mention energy, I mean that you’re showing excitement about the organization that you’re speaking with. Always.
Create structures. Not only when you’re working virtually at home, but especially now when nearly everyone’s structure has been upended. Build a schedule every day, even if it has nap time or lunch or reading in there (all good ideas, by the way). If you’re on a search, stress the research part. You now have plenty of time. No excuses.
When you feel your industry has little opportunity at this moment, get creative. What auxiliary services can you provide, in either consulting or full-time jobs? Listen to your network! Ask lots of questions about the industry that reflect your knowledge about what you’re talking about, and then take in a suggestion or two. Some will be dumb, and some will be worth exploring. Several years ago, a suggestion from someone I met during a search completely changed my professional life. Be open to these suggestions. Or attempt to get affirmation for some of your creative ideas.
When students, alums, or private clients ask me how long it will take, my standard answer is, “It depends on: discipline, tenacity, carefully researched target markets, and strong marketing materials (pitch, LinkedIn profile, and resume).” These qualities will almost always defeat a difficult market.
It’s time for different strategies, and adjustments to movable targets. Keep proactive; relying on reactive techniques like answering postings isn’t great technique – with low odds for success.
Building and utilizing networks will lead to learning about new opportunities. Haven’t seen it fail yet.
NOTE: Just this moment received an email from my client in the Midwest - “…a friend in brand management just landed a job by interviewing over the phone. No in persons at all!”