It has been reported that Canada has more than regained any of the jobs lost during the recession, however, statistics are showing that in Manitoba, an unemployed individual is typically out of work for approximately 16.
6 weeks before landing a new job.
As a leading executive recruitment professional, I can vouch for this statistic, especially when the candidates are senior level professionals.
While it is certainly a challenge to be on the job hunt and it can be particularly disconcerting to think about a 16 week layoff period, yet a "waiting period" such as this can be made to play in your favour.
In fact, the first thing you need to do is to rest and relax.
Yes, rest and relax! When you think about it, most senior level professionals have been working for a good part of their career and working long hours to boot! You need to take a rest and reflect on your career.
Were you really doing what you are best at? Did you enjoy the senior level management demands or are you more of a technical professional? What work environments suit you the best? At the same time, you need to check your attitude because if you are demonstrating any kind of "grief" or resentment, this will only serve to drive a potential employer away.
Take your time and then when you are ready, prepare to market yourself.
The following tips will help to increase your "attraction factor" and get you that next important new job.
Create a skills based resume - recruiters today need to see what skills you have to offer, it doesn't matter so much where you got them.
A skills resume also enables you to showcase what you can do rather than focus on a series of jobs.
Be sure that your computer skills are of high caliber as they are critical for success in today's marketplace.
Increase your networking - if you are one of those senior professionals who neglected to stay connected with your network, then take time to resurrect it quickly.
Ask others to "bridge" you a connection with people that you want to meet.
Use this special holiday season to attend social functions...
even plan to network at family events.
Look up some of your alumni members.
Remember, someone knows someone who knows someone! Do your homework - things have probably changed since you last looked for a job.
Companies change, leaders change and organizational cultures change.
Take time to check out every aspect of a potential employer before you make the leap to another job.
Talk to people; see if you can find someone to speak to within the various companies of interest.
Use the internet - if you haven't done so already, take a moment to join various job and discussion forums.
Look for industry blogs and sites.
Create an account on various social networking sites.
Let people know you are looking for a new opportunity.
Look and act like a winner - candidate attraction also has a lot to do with personal demeanour.
If you are feeling down and out, my advice is to stay home.
Success will only come if you look and act like a winner.
That means personal grooming, personal presentation and most of all, a positive attitude.
Register with an executive search firm - many jobs available on the market are known as "hidden jobs.
" In other words, a company may just be in the "thinking" stage and then when you come along and present your credentials, they will create a job just for you.
Other searches are considered "confidential" searches, which means that an incumbent is still in place.
These candidate searches are frequently undertaken by an executive search firm, so be sure to register with a firm and meet the consultants.
Sixteen weeks seems like a long time, but it isn't.
It is best to conduct your job search when you are well rested, have a positive attitude and can focus on finding work that best meets your skills and interests.