Between Jobs

Are you currently or about to become unemployed, and seeking to re-establish your career?

You may have ‘taken a package’ in a voluntary redundancy program or been involuntarily dismissed in a downsizing or for other reasons. Perhaps you are a recent migrant or a returning expatriate. Or perhaps you’re planning to return to the work force after an extended break for family, health, holiday or other reasons.

Whatever the background to your situation may be, you face a complex and challenging market if you are unemployed and seeking an executive or professional level position.

Regardless of the ups and downs of the economy, the more desirable roles in our society tend to attract a high level of competition. When imbalances occur that favour those individuals with a particular set of educational qualifications, others quickly take action to obtain those qualifications in order to be able to compete.

And the advantages of incumbency make things easier for those who are currently employed and harder for those who are between jobs. The person who is currently employed has the advantage of being perceived as someone who is probably a desirable employee, at least at their current level and perhaps at a higher one. They are more likely to be headhunted, and to be invited to interview when applying for a position. Those who are unemployed are subject to greater scepticism on the part of employers.

Then there’s the issue of self-image. We are all more vulnerable to self-doubt when unemployed. This problem can be compounded by the unfamiliar experience of applying for jobs and being rejected – often by people who lack even the experience to adequately evaluate our qualifications for the role.

Unfortunately, rejection leads many to adopt a ‘scattergun’ approach to the exercise of finding the next role. This only worsens the problem, further damaging morale and wasting weeks and months.

And while this is happening, financial resilience ebbs and employability wanes.

The need for a strategic approach becomes especially acute for those who are unemployed, yet paradoxically many become less strategic. When this occurs, it’s a career tragedy that’s being played out. Because nothing fails more completely, or does more damage to one’s focus, morale or future, than a ‘scattergun’ approach.

If you are currently or soon to be between jobs, it’s vital to develop a marketing strategy, not merely a selling strategy. To get started, review EPR's Special Report "12 Keys to a Successful Job Search for Executives and Professionals". To receive it, simply enter your name and email address at the top right of this page.

And if you’re ready to restore positive momentum to your career, then take action now and arrange a free consultation with an EPR career management expert. Our Consultants can quickly help you to develop and implement the strategic approach you need to apply in order to get your career onto a sustainable path.

Click here to arrange a free, no-obligation career consultation.