How to Turn a Grueling Job Hunt into a Satisfying Job Find

My Personal Journey Through Layoffs and Recovery

By Leif Rudduck

Come along with me while I share my honest, transparent journey through losing and finding meaningful work.

Navigating Job Loss and Reemployment: From Ineffective Re-employment Services to Successful Self-Managed Job Hunt and the Importance of Self-Care

“In confronting adversity, our deepest learnings reflect the importance of preparation, structure, unwavering persistence, and serene patience. However, surpassing these, emerges the delicate craft of self-kindness, echoing the essentiality of respite and self-nurture amid life's tumultuous tides." - Dr. Eleanor M. Rousseau, Psychologist and Author

My first experience with being laid off was somewhat anticipated, given the unstable leadership environment at the company I worked for. The frequent changes in executives created an increasingly volatile work environment. It was under the tenure of my seventh or eighth boss that I began to struggle with keeping the new leadership informed and satisfied. The lack of effective communication and collaboration eventually led to my dismissal, a fate shared by many of my colleagues and managers.

As part of my severance, I was granted access to a company that promised to aid in preparing my resume for job applications, along with other services aimed at facilitating reemployment. Unfortunately, this service proved to be less helpful than expected. The edits made to my resume were minimal and included grammatical and spelling errors. The format was a mix of my original design and what appeared to be arbitrary additions from other documents, resulting in a final product that was neither professional nor usable.

Simultaneously, I sought unemployment assistance and worked with state agencies, a decision that turned out to be more beneficial than I had anticipated. Contrary to my expectations, the state services were excellent. They not only helped revise my resume and establish my online presence but also funded one of my professional certifications. This experience was a revelation, as the most effective support came from a government organization rather than a private business.

The job hunt that followed was exhaustive. I meticulously tracked each application, noting where I found the role, the date of application, and maintaining copies of job descriptions, which often varied across platforms. I also kept records of all communications, including names, email addresses, phone numbers, and details of conversations. After ten months, having submitted 103 applications, tailored numerous resumes and cover letters, and gone through several promising interviews, I was mentally drained and still without a job offer. It was through a serendipitous word-of-mouth recommendation that I finally found a company seeking someone with my qualifications, leading to two successful rounds of interviews and, at last, a job offer.

During this period of intense job searching, I also took a well-deserved break, embarking on a planned vacation to Kauai with my partner. Despite both of us being unemployed, we decided to proceed with the trip. This break from the constant demands of job hunting and work responsibilities was rejuvenating. I disconnected from the digital world, enjoying peaceful moments on a balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean and spending my days reading and relaxing. This experience underscored the importance of self-care and taking a step back to recharge during stressful times.

Embracing Change and Opportunity: Overcoming Industry Turmoil and Personal Growth Through Strategic Planning and Kindness

"[Journeys impart] the wisdom of preparation, organization, and the virtue of patience. Moreover, it underscores the profound impact of kindness towards others, reminding us how even the smallest gesture can leave an indelible mark on another's life." - Charles F. Kensington, Author and Philanthropist

The timing of my career shift from a stable position in healthcare to the travel industry could not have been more ill-timed, as it coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic's impact on the travel sector was devastating, and like many others in the industry, I witnessed a continuous stream of layoffs and resignations. Over the next four years, the company underwent repeated adjustments, with many colleagues leaving in search of more stable opportunities.

This period was marked by significant upheaval within the organization. Leadership changes brought about intense competition, power struggles, and the emergence of opportunistic individuals trying to capitalize on the chaos. This environment led to a breakdown in collaboration, with people withholding information, forming alliances, and silencing those who dared to dissent – much like what I imagine happens in the reality show "Survivor." The workplace dynamics shifted dramatically, making it an increasingly challenging environment.

My departure from the company was a significant turning point. Upon leaving, I realized that many talented individuals globally were also being let go, many without the severance and benefits that I had received. Though I only knew most of them by their titles and ages listed in my severance paperwork, I empathized with their situation. Fortunately, I was able to provide a glowing reference for a former coworker, which helped them secure a new job.

For me, leaving the company was a relief. The challenges and frustrations I had faced there were no longer my concern. I had prepared for this moment by discussing it with my partner, setting aside some financial resources, and planning for the interim period before finding a new role. My plan included taking several months off, maintaining our weekly babysitting arrangement to continue enjoying date nights, picking up extra household chores while keeping our house cleaner, spending quality time gaming, and developing a comprehensive Back to Work plan.

Part of my severance package included access to a reemployment service. Initially, I was skeptical, recalling previous underwhelming experiences with similar services. The process of engaging with this service was frustrating at first, requiring numerous emails and voicemails to receive even basic communication. However, things eventually took a positive turn when I established contact with a helpful individual within the service. This person provided me with valuable guidance and support, working with me to update my resume, LinkedIn profile, and overall job marketing strategy.

Insights and Strategies: Resumes, Cover letters, and other necessary evils

"Strategies and tips are a tapestry woven from the threads of sage advice received and the rich fabric of one’s personal journey." - Maxwell J. Harrington, Mentor and Life Strategist

My interactions with recruiters, mentors, and advisors have provided me with valuable insights into crafting an effective resume. Here's a summary of the key lessons I've learned and applied, which you might find useful as well.

Resumes: Building a Comprehensive Template

Create a four-page template resume: This comprehensive resume serves as a principal document. Fill it with bullet points of your accomplishments. For each accomplishment, write two lines describing what you specifically did and the results achieved, focusing on metrics and your contributions. Categorize them to highlight different skills and experiences. For instance, project management accomplishments could be highlighted in blue, leadership in purple, and technical expertise in red. This color-coding makes it easier to identify and pull relevant experiences for different job applications.

Develop detailed summaries: For each category (or 'bucket') of accomplishments, create a concise summary that encapsulates how amazing you are. Keep your attention-grabbing paragraph short; 4 lines is a sweet spot.

Include a brief one-line description of each company you've worked for: Now you don't have to spend valuable time explaining the company's background, not yours, during interviews.

Tailoring Your Resume for Applications

Craft a two-page customized resume: When applying for a job, distill your comprehensive resume into a two-page version. This condensed resume should include only the most relevant accomplishments for the specific job. You should have identified these using the color-coding technique above. Lengthy resumes often lose the reader's interest, and details on subsequent pages may be overlooked.

Match the job description: Adjust the wording in your resume to mirror the language used in the job description. For example, if the job description refers to 'staff' and your resume mentions 'employees,' align your terminology with theirs.

Include a customized summary: Use the summaries you've created for each accomplishments category in your template resume and modify them as necessary to match the job you're applying for.

Ensuring ATS Compatibility

Understand and adapt to ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems): Most companies use ATS to screen resumes. If you're unfamiliar with ATS, it's crucial to research and understand how it works. Ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, which means it should be easily parsed. A good test? When an application portal asks if you want to populate fields using your resume and the result is you having to spend time correcting all the mistakes… well, that means the ATS system you encountered can’t effectively parse your resume – take note.

Final Touches

Utilize AI tools: AI tools can help refine your resume, making your message clearer and more concise. Microsoft’s Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT are my go-to options.

Check formatting in a simple text editor: Pasting your resume into a text editor is a quick way to identify any formatting issues that may otherwise not be obvious when reviewing in a full-fledged application like Word. ?Many times, I’ve found an extra carriage return in my resume. That, or a lack of a carriage return, can confuse an ATS.

Get a Human Proofreader: Especially when making multiple revisions, it's easy to overlook newly introduced errors. Having someone else proofread your resume can catch mistakes that you might have missed. For example, after countless revisions, I once sent a resume with an error to an internal recruiter. I quickly followed up with a corrected version and a note explaining the mistake, ensuring the hiring manager never saw the flawed version. Had someone reviewed this customized version, it may have been a non-issue completely.

This advice isn’t one-size-fits-all, so consider how they might apply to your specific situation and career goals.

Recruiters: A trove of carefully guarded and valuable information

“Strategic communication intertwines with a lucid grasp of one's own worth and aspirations." - A. C. Redington, Career Strategist and New York Times Best Selling Author

In my experience, the role of recruiters in the job search process is multifaceted and requires a discerning approach from job seekers. Primarily, recruiters are focused on filling a position promptly, often in a competitive landscape where they are racing against other recruiters. This urgency can sometimes overshadow the individual needs and aspirations of the job seeker. It's essential to recognize that most recruiters, especially external ones, may not have a unique or influential connection with the hiring company. As a result, their ability to prioritize your resume over others is limited. For instance, I recall a situation where nearly twenty recruiters contacted me for a single position at a company, highlighting the competitive nature of their role and the likely limited capability of their influence.

Interactions with recruiters demand careful attention. I learned this when a recruiter candidly admitted they couldn't decipher my professional capabilities from my resume. This feedback was a wake-up call to refine my resume summary, as it became clear that if one recruiter struggled to understand my profile, others would likely face the same issue, leading to my application being overlooked.

What are you worth?

When it comes to salary discussions, it's advisable not to be the first to mention a number. Often, the job description provides limited information about the role, excludes details about the company culture, benefits, and specific expectations. This lack of comprehensive information can lead to undervaluing your worth or misaligning your expectations with the role. In my experience, revealing your salary expectations too early can set a baseline that is hard to negotiate upwards from. Even when providing a range, I found that offers invariably start at the lower end, and it's challenging to negotiate higher, despite clarifications or additional discussions about the role. Interestingly, there have been instances where the recruiter's proposed salary range was significantly higher than what I initially considered, underscoring the importance of not underselling oneself.

Interviews: Lead with your best foot and mouth

“Masterfully steering through the intricate dance of preparation is essential - a skill where finesse meets forethought." - Elizabeth Monroe, Human Resources Thought Leader and Author

It's important to avoid rehearsing answers to the point where they sound scripted or inauthentic. Hiring managers are often adept at detecting when a candidate is merely reciting memorized lines or covertly reading from notes. This can detract from the genuine interaction and connection that interviews are designed to foster.

Conversely, under-preparation is equally detrimental. A well-prepared candidate should be aware of who will be conducting the interview, as this can provide valuable insights into the types of questions to anticipate. It's essential to prepare your own questions as well, demonstrating engagement and a proactive interest in the role and the company. Expecting the unexpected is part of the interview process. Sometimes, questions can come out of left field, and the ability to think on your feet, leveraging your experience to provide relevant answers, is key. Confidence, naturally, is a crucial component of any successful interview.

Personal comfort during the interview can significantly impact performance. I found that scheduling interviews in the afternoon works best for me, and I always ensure to have a bottle of water, along with my notes, resume, and cover letter within reach. This preparation helps maintain a level of comfort and readiness.

Honesty in your resume is paramount. Adding skills or experiences that you don't possess can backfire, as I experienced with a candidate who admitted to not knowing about an item listed on their resume, added by their recruiter. This lack of authenticity not only cost the candidate the job opportunity but also affected the recruiter's credibility. It's crucial to represent your skills and experiences truthfully.

During the interview, I make it a point to invite further questions from the interviewer, especially on topics I feel the interviewer may have been less than satisfied with my initial response. This shows openness to dialogue, a desire for clarity, and a willingness to delve deeper into subjects, demonstrating engagement and thoroughness.

Lastly, it's important to remember that it's okay to walk away from an opportunity if it doesn't align with your goals, values, or expectations. Not every job will be the right fit, and recognizing this is crucial for both your career satisfaction and professional growth.

Negotiations: A sandbox is most fun when all parties play nice

“Negotiation, in its essence, is an art form that demands a harmonious blend of enthusiasm, clarity, and tact." Jonathan H. Blackburn, Expert in Leadership and Communication

Once you've received a job offer, the negotiation phase begins, and it's crucial to approach this stage with a clear strategy. First and foremost, express your enthusiasm about the offer. It's important to affirm your excitement and reiterate the value you bring to the table. This helps set a positive tone for the negotiation and underscores your interest in the role.

When you receive the offer, avoid accepting it immediately, especially over the phone. Instead, ask for the offer details to be sent via email and suggest setting up a call the following day to discuss it further. Having the offer in writing is crucial. Not only does it provide you with a formal record of the terms, but it also ensures there is no misunderstanding about what has been agreed upon. And this gives you time to review the offer thoroughly and prepare for the negotiation conversation.

During the negotiation, focus on discussing aspects like salary, benefits, paid time off, bonuses, stock options, and severance packages. However, avoid using the word "negotiate" directly as it can sometimes set a confrontational tone. It's also advisable to avoid negotiating over the phone where nuances can be lost. Face-to-face or written communication can be more effective.

Remember, it's rare that the first offer is the best offer. There is often room for improvement, so don’t hesitate to ask for more. However, understand that sometimes the offer may already be at its limit, but you won't know unless you inquire.

An anecdote from my experience illustrates the power of direct communication during negotiations. A Chief Technology Officer (CTO) once asked me if there was anything that would prevent me from joining the company. I candidly mentioned that I would be losing out on a bonus from my current employer. To my surprise, the CTO offered to match the expected bonus, demonstrating the company's eagerness to bring me on board. In another instance, a hiring manager told me he would have been willing to buy a car for this promising candidate who would have needed it for easier commuting. You’ll never know, if you don’t ask, the lengths some employers are willing to go to secure the right talent.

By carefully evaluating the offer, communicating your needs, and being open to discussion, you can ensure that the final agreement is beneficial for both you and your future employer. Negotiating a job offer is a delicate balance of expressing your excitement, understanding your worth, and communicating effectively. Remember, it's not just about getting the job; it's about getting the right terms that make the job worth taking. Stay informed, be prepared, and don't be afraid to ask for what you deserve.

And finally, utilize resources such as online content, including YouTube videos, which can offer valuable tips and strategies.

Thank you

Remember, the path to successful reemployment is not linear but is defined by persistence and strategic planning. Know the value of meticulous organization, the power of a well-crafted resume, and the critical role of self-care during periods of intense job searching.

Job hunting is more than just a search for employment; it's a journey of personal growth, a test of resilience, and an opportunity to redefine our professional identities. With the right mindset and strategies, a job hunt can indeed be transformed into a job find.

I hope I’ve passed along valuable insights and real-world strategies for navigating the often-turbulent waters of job loss and reemployment and provided a beacon of hope and the start of a roadmap for those embarking on their own paths to finding meaningful work.

Be prepared. Be organized. Be kind.

My best to you in all your endeavors, present and future.