Finally, if you’ve lost your job, do be sure to hit the job boards and look into finding recruiters. The temptation is often to do this first, and while that won’t hurt you, I list it last for a reason. Most career experts agree that many jobs aren’t ever posted on the boards, so we generally recommend starting with networking. That said, job search engines and recruiters can be fabulous additions to your job search. They key is not to rely too much on any one strategy, so check out some boards to see what you like.
I generally find the layout of Glass Door to be the most appealing, but you may not, so check out Indeed and LinkedIn and Monster and The Muse and whatever else appeals to you, too. And don’t forget the niche boards, like Idealist, AbilityJobs, Military.com, and so forth. There’s a nice list on the JobsPickr site to get you started.
If you’re looking for a recruiter, don’t feel tied to the first one you find. As in most cases, some recruiters are better than others, so make sure you find someone you feel comfortable with, and someone who has experience in your field. Don’t be afraid to stop contact with someone who doesn’t appear to be listening to you, and also don’t feel bad if you get turned down—so many people are looking for work these days that some recruiters are just too busy to take on new clients. This Forbes article has some good tips.
Lastly, if you’re struggling with job-loss, remember that you’re not alone. Be kind to yourself, and seek help as you find you need it. Losing your job sucks, but it doesn’t define your worth or your value to others. And if you’re struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. That’s what I’m here for!
