So many people assume they’re going to be in their job for life. At performance appraisals, they hear, “We’re so happy with you. You’re such a great performer!” Then three weeks later, a business decision is made to scale back in that department, and they’re terminated.
They are utterly shocked by this. Not to mention completely dismayed. Yet it doesn’t surprise me at all. I know that in today’s world, every job is temporary, no matter what is says in the job description.
When the hatchet does come down, people panic. They wonder, what does a resume even look like today? How do I write a resume? Who can help me write a resume?
It’s as if they’re lost in a cloud. They may look online and try to piece together little bits here and there. Unfortunately, they may come across some misinformation by people who aren’t really experts.
Or they download a Microsoft Word template that is 15 years old and uses a totally outdated resume format. Today’s resumes look completely different from what was acceptable even a few short years ago.
Adding to the anxiety
This process adds unnecessary strain to an already stressful situation, when what you should really be doing after being downsized is maintaining a calm pose and taking stock of your situation.
Not having an updated resume not only increases the anxiety of being downsized, it can add significant time to the career transition process. A professionally written resume can take up to 10 days (though of course this can expedited in special circumstances), and that’s after you’ve researched and selected a certified resume writer. In the meantime, you cannot effectively apply or interview for jobs.
Taking a proactive approach to career management
It’s not just termination you need to be prepared for, but also the next great job opportunity. One corporate executive I know updates his resume every year. That way if a recruiter or new job comes calling, he is ready.
Recruiters work on tight timelines because of the mandates determined by their clients. In order to be considered for a job you need to produce a resume immediately or they will move on to the next potential candidate.
Instead of waiting for the inevitable career change and then being completely unprepared, keep your resume up to date as you go.
For more tips and suggestions, see:
How to Start and Maintain a Brag Book of Career Achievements
3 Simple Ways to Refresh Your Resume
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