Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society.

Updating your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other social media

In today’s job market, keeping your professional presence up-to-date is essential. If you’re currently available for employment, updating your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other social media is crucial to increasing your chances of being noticed by potential employers.

First, start with your resume. Review your work history, skills, and achievements to ensure they accurately reflect your current experience and expertise. Make sure your contact information is correct and up-to-date. Tailor your resume to the jobs you’re interested in to make yourself a more attractive candidate.

Next, update your LinkedIn profile. Ensure your headline and summary accurately reflect your current professional status and goals. Add a professional head-shot to your profile to increase your visibility and appeal. Add any new skills or certifications you have acquired, and make sure your work history is complete and up-to-date.

Finally, review your other social media profiles, such as Twitter or Instagram, to ensure they reflect your professional persona. Remove any potentially controversial or unprofessional content. Consider sharing industry-related articles or content to showcase your knowledge and expertise.

By updating your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other social media, you can increase your visibility and appeal to potential employers, ultimately increasing your chances of finding your next professional opportunity.

File for Unemployment Benefits Immediately

Timeliness is of the utmost importance when it comes to receiving unemployment benefits. Losing a job can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, filing for unemployment benefits immediately after being laid off is crucial.

Filing unemployment benefits promptly can help ensure you receive your benefits on time. Many states have a waiting period before benefits can be paid out, so the sooner you file, the sooner you can receive financial assistance. In addition, delaying your application could result in a more extended waiting period, causing you to miss out on valuable funds that could help cover your expenses.

File for unemployment benefits promptly helps to avoid potential issues or delays. Filing early gives you time to correct errors or address problems arising during the application process. It also allows you to proactively seek necessary information or documentation to complete the process.

Filing for unemployment benefits immediately after being laid off is crucial. Doing so can help ensure you receive your benefits promptly, avoid potential issues or delays, and provide the financial assistance you need during this challenging time.

Taking time to process and deal with your emotions when you leave a job.

Losing a job can be a challenging and emotional experience. It may leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed, and uncertain about your future. However, taking time to process and deal with your emotions before taking significant steps is essential.

Acknowledging your emotions and allowing yourself to feel them entirely is essential. Whether it’s anger, sadness, or fear, suppressing your feelings can only prolong healing. It’s okay to take a break and let yourself feel what you need to feel.

Next, reflect on what happened and what you can learn from the experience. This can help you identify any patterns or behaviors that may have contributed to the situation and help you grow and improve in the long run.

You also want to stay connected with your support system, whether friends, family, or a therapist. Talking about your feelings with someone you trust can help you gain perspective and feel less alone during this difficult time.

Try to stay positive and focus on the future. Losing a job can be an opportunity to explore new career paths or pursue a passion you may have put on hold. Remember that this is just a setback, and with time and effort, you will bounce back more vital than ever.

Searching Industries and Companies for Work

When looking for a new job or considering a career change, conducting industry and company research is crucial in making an informed decision. By understanding the industry’s current state, future projections, and the company’s culture, values, and goals, you can determine if it aligns with your career aspirations and personal matters.

To start your research, utilize online resources such as industry reports, news articles, and company websites. Look for information on the industry’s growth potential, significant players, and emerging trends. This will give you insight into the current and future job market, potential career paths, and areas for professional development.

Next, research the companies that interest you. Look for information on their mission, vision, and values, as well as their products or services, target audience, and competitors. This will help you understand the company’s culture, reputation, and overall business strategy.

You can also utilize professional networking sites, like LinkedIn, to find current and former employees and gain insider knowledge on the company’s work environment, management style, and career advancement opportunities.

You can make a well-informed decision when pursuing a new job or career change by conducting specific industry and company research. This will increase your chances of finding a fulfilling and successful career and ensure that you are making a valuable contribution to a company that is in sync with your personal and professional goals.

Career Coaching And Mentorship

Career coaching and mentorship can be invaluable when navigating the job market and/or finding a fulfilling new career. The support and guidance of a coach or mentor can:

  • Help you gain clarity on your goals
  •  Identify your strengths and weaknesses
  •  Develop a strategy for success.

One of the main benefits of working with a coach or mentor is gaining a fresh perspective on your career path. Having a second opinion can help you identify where you may be stuck or struggling and guide you forward. This can be especially helpful if you feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start your job search.

Another critical benefit of coaching and mentorship is the possibility to develop new skills and knowledge. This can include everything from resume writing and interview skills to networking and job search strategies. Working with a coach or mentor can gain valuable insights and knowledge to help you stand out in a crowded job market.

Perhaps most importantly, coaching and mentorship can provide the practical discussion of ideas, emotional support, and encouragement you need to succeed. Job searching can be a stressful and isolating experience, but having someone in your corner who believes in you and your abilities can make all the difference.

Working with a career coach or mentor can be a precious investment if you seek a new job or career.

This assistance can give you a better:

  • Clarity on your goals
  • Development of new skills and knowledge
  • Emotional support and encouragement

 With this help, you can increase your chances of success and find a career that truly fulfills you.

Finding Your New Job Or Career:

Self-Reflection And Goal Setting

Are you looking for a different job or career? You need to start with self-reflection and setting goals to get things done. It’s crucial to take the time to reflect on your skills, values, passions, and interests to determine what type of job or career would bring you fulfillment and satisfaction.

One way to reflect is to list your strengths and weaknesses and assess how they align with the job or career you are considering. You can also consider what motivates you and what type of work environment you thrive in.

Goals are fundamental to getting your needs accomplished. Once you clearly understand what you want, set the needed goals. Each goal needs to have five characteristics. They must be:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Timely

If you want to develop new software, you may set a goal to complete a coding boot camp within six months.

Breaking your goals into smaller, manageable tasks is vital to completing actions. If you need to improve your public speaking skills, you may set a plan to attend a Toastmasters meeting once a week. Goals and objectives will help you stay motivated and focused on achieving your goals.

Because of continuous improvements, continuing learning and developing new skills is vital to stay up on recent trends. If necessary, you can go to college for a new degree. Take online courses through sites such as Udemy. Or watch YouTube tutorials on your desired job or career. Most positions come with on-the-job training because each company wants things done their way.

Yes, earning a new job or career is work; however, The reward could be just what you seek.

Handling The Climb

If you are following a career track, you have to plan your way. To hit the top ranks within a career rarely affords the ability to stay with one job or company for 40 years. The ability to move up the chain working for different companies affords the person on the career track to see many ways of doing work and learn the good and bad of each. This makes that person worth more to the next company he or she works for.

Overstaying in one location prevents the worker from learning new ideas and limits compensation. As a career professional, you must plan your future moves for your best outcomes. The larger the paycheck you wish to receive, the larger the sacrifices are sometimes asked for. It comes with the territory.

Plan ahead, considering family needs, pay and benefits, and drawbacks. Choose what you believe is best for you and your family.

Making Your Mark

Sometimes getting a job is serendipity. You are at just the right place at just the right time. Other times The job takes a long search and feels like more of a quest. Either way, when you get the job, the real work starts.

With a new job comes new methods to learn. Every company has their way of doing even the smallest of tasks. Remember, there is the right way, the wrong way, and the company way. You will need to watch and follow the training and actions of others.

You cannot show up as though you know it all. Help where and when you can, and be humble enough to learn from those willing to teach. Doing this will help you to grow your esteem.

Do not partake in showing off and bragging. These traits grow old fast. Show you are eager to learn and do well, and more people will be on your side.

Priming the Pump

If you ever spent time in the country and had a hand pump for getting water, you know it takes some priming and pumping to start the water flowing. The same is true for getting a job. Trying job offers and understanding what you are doing and how well it is being received will take time. Do not get discouraged. Job seekers go through this. If you work at it, you should e seeing some offers for interviews within three or four weeks.

Getting work is a job within itself. Keep a good record of the following:

  • Who you apply to
  • When
  • what the manager is looking for
  • Why you want the job

You need to know that most applications do not get immediate action, and I have had managers call me 6 weeks later to talk about a job.

The longer you look for a job, the more comfortable you will be with the ins and outs of getting employment. And yes, the more you apply, the faster the process gets, and the sooner you can land a job.

Be Honest With Yourself and Your Needs

If you are not working and need to eat, sleep, shelter your family, gas the car, pay the bills, etc., you need money coming in from somewhere. You cannot stop the world and live off of a short-term government stipend. You need to find something that will give you the money you need for you and your family to survive. And the good news is you can do it if you apply yourself.

No one can do this for you. You are indeed the master of your own fate. You are not alone. Plenty of us are out there to help point the way, teach you skills, help you find paths to what you want and need, and cheer you on. We cannot walk the road for you. We each can only walk our path.

Start by knowing what path you have the skills to travel. If needed, you can always learn new skills to get a new career, but you must make sure it is your desired career.

You must know your present skills and what skills you must learn. Know who to talk with for guidance. And know how to ignore the negativity of those who think they are doing you a favor through discouragement. If you need help with these, please let me know. I can help.