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TERMINATED FROM YOUR JOB? HOW DO YOU INFORM YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS?

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Negative news is always hard to relay verbally, let alone when the news touches all facets of the family. Being laid off is very emotional and trying on your mental strength and having to speak about it shortly after can be traumatizing.

Portrait of worried young businessman at workplace. Stress concept

However, don’t be like many I have heard about who have hidden their termination from their spouses and others close to them. They have brushed it aside and pretended to go to work each day for weeks after and hung around in a coffee shop all day. Then, return at night as usual as if nothing occurred.

Be smart. Be honest with yourself and others.

Open honest and constructive dialogue with those around you and all who will be impacted by the termination as soon as possible.

Lean on those around you, they can coach and champion you through this and watch as you grow and win.

Conversations will start with an emotional and perhaps tearful interaction with those closest to you and the persons who will be impacted the most. It’s OK to be upset and even angry when searching for answers. Let your frustrations out, it is part of the healing process.

However, be realistic. Once you have passed the initial shock and you are feeling more peaceful, speak with others close to you. Start the interaction by letting them know you have upsetting news to prepare their reactions.

After delivering the message, ask for their support and guidance. You want a team around you to steer you throughout the ups and downs.

Then reach out to your wider community and circle of friends, relatives and acquaintances. Time will prevail individual conversations, so be bold and open and draft an e-mail or text. Brevity is important; don’t go on and on. Say something like this:

Dear friends: I am anxious to share some unfortunate news with you. I was laid off from my work two weeks ago. Yes, it was unexpected; I am in the processing and emotional stages. During the next few days and weeks when the shock has settled, I will figure out my next career move. However, if you want to meet for coffee or something more, my schedule is open!

Stand by for many replies and calls, offers of help and sympathy. It could be overwhelming, depending on the size of your network. But, conversation, whether in-person or via a telephone call, is healthy as it provides the opportunity to air your anger and frustration. People will circle around you and generally let you vent!

The final piece of the puzzle is to share your situation on social media. This is where your extended network will be briefed about your circumstances and the social media population can provide some help and generate leads.

It’s not a sin to have been terminated. Thousands each week are asked to leave for a variety of reasons.

It’s not embarrassing. Be bold, open and honest.

On your LinkedIn profile, in the heading under your picture, tell the world you are in career transition. Write:  “Actively seeking my next challenge when I can transform the business, achieve operational and fiscal excellence.”

Stay positive, remain calm and collected as you embark on a job search. There are opportunities waiting for you.

For a free, no-obligation, no sales pitch resume critique, send your resume via LinkedIn or via email to martin@aneliteresume.com

How to Establish Rapport on Social Media

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What value do you bring to your social network?

© Viorel Sima – Fotolia.com

I often tell executives, “If you’re not on social media you’re committing career suicide.” Yet how does one build rapport through a screen? It’s possible, but it takes effort.

Who you should be connecting with

It’s important to develop an audience built around your career goals and objectives. You need to start connecting with people who will bring value. Focus on the most obvious and direct links to the specific professions, companies and people related to your ideal job and target employer.

How to begin

Never use the generic one-click default LinkedIn invitation. Instead, click on the person’s profile and send a customized message about how you can help them. If someone sends you an invitation and they meet your criteria, accept and reply, thanking them for the invitation.

Yes, these steps are time consuming, but it’s the polite way to build a professional brand. People base their opinions on how you establish this opening dialogue.

If you don’t know the person or you’re not sure you want to connect, click on your Invitations page (desktop view only), open the drop-down menu next to the invitation and look for the option to “Reply, don’t accept yet.” From there you can open a constructive conversation about the value you will each bring to the relationship.

From the first invitation through all of your communications, aim to be open, honest and engaging. Like any other networking setting, it’s important to give before you take. Even if you’re in an active job search, don’t try to sell yourself the instant you meet. Instead, you could mention that you’re exploring opportunities at their company.

Similarly, don’t ask for endorsements or recommendations as soon as you connect with someone on LinkedIn. Wait until you’ve established more of a relationship and had a chance to provide value to them.

What to share

Whether you’re writing a direct message to one connection or posting an update for all to see, whatever you write on social media reflects your professional brand. Always be eloquent, polite and courteous, proofread carefully for typos, and avoid shorthand or acronyms.

Don’t post any compromising photos or links that don’t contribute to a professional dialogue. Social media gives you the chance to market yourself as an expert, so share industry or functionally-related information from external sources like trade magazines, newspapers, websites and blogs.

When to share

Be consistent; posting and sharing regularly is another way to establish trust and rapport. The opposite extreme would be going dark on social media as soon as you get a new job and then resurfacing three years later when you’re in transition again.

Use a tool like Buffer to sit down once and create a whole slew of messages for the next week or month. You can combine brief tips, quotes and links to valuable articles. Then check in daily for shorter periods to engage in conversation, reply to any comments, and build rapport and relationships with your connections.

When you’re on social media, in the back of your mind should always be the question, “What is the value I can bring?”

7 Ways to Make the Most of Your First Two Minutes With a New Person

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© lculig - Fotolia.com

© lculig – Fotolia.com

Do you ever find yourself in front of a stranger at a networking group, not really sure what to do next?

While networking events may go on for hours, these first few minutes with any one person are the most important. This is your chance to make a positive first impression and create the foundation for a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.

Here are seven things that will get you over your nerves and on to a successful potential partnership.

  1. Start with a good handshake. Firm, without being a bone crusher. You definitely don’t want to be a limpy fish. Look the person in the eye and smile when you shake their hand.
  2. Speak slowly and face the other person. Don’t be looking around the room. They deserve your full attention because you’re trying to build a relationship with them.
  3. Give before you receive. Instead of instantly talking about who you are and what you do, encourage dialogue from the other person. Be inquisitive – nosy even – to ignite a spark that makes them feel comfortable to share more details with you.
  4. Hold back. What you should never do right away is shove your business card or resume into someone’s hands. That is not how to build a relationship.
  5. Be sensitive. Watch for cues from the other person so you don’t take them out of their comfort zone. For example, if someone is more introverted they may prefer to stay in a particular part of the room, or in close proximity to the people they came with. Be aware of personal space.
  6. Inject some humour. This can put yourself and the other person at ease, and can be as simple as a lighthearted comment about the weather. Alternatively, tell a joke if that feels natural to you.
  7. Repeat the person’s name a few times. People love to hear their own name, and it helps you remember it as well. (Hint: If you ever have trouble remembering people’s faces and names, make a few notes on their business card before you move on to meet the next person.)

Practicing these seven tips can improve your confidence and results at networking events. When you make the most of your first two minutes with each new person, those minutes add up and help you grow a stronger network.