Unemployed? 5 Tips to Increase Your Value & Get Hired

Every day hundreds of Americans join the unemployment line. While the media pours negative-nelly news into our unwilling ears, it's hard to think that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. As our economy struggles to once again find a firm foothold on the ladder of success, we have a big internal crisis to deal with too!

The stress of the socio-economic disruption is making it hard to maintain a positive mindset for career growth ... which is critical for job seekers to achieve the results they want.

There must be a mindset shift for the unemployed struggling with self-image and self-worth! Remember: YOU HAVE VALUE

Identity Crisis

Americans identify with having a job as a prerequisite for success. Many professionals that have found themselves ‘in transition’ suffer from nagging feelings that they are unsuccessful, unworthy, or a second-class citizen. Logically, you probably will admit these feelings are unhelpful and unproductive. Regardless, the internal turmoil of somehow not being good enough is still there.

Not having a job is a hard blow. Most of us have been taught from childhood that being employed is almost mandatory to be considered a real person. To be Someone, you must earn a paycheck! It’s a matter of pride and the American dream with the mantra: “Work hard and play hard.” The real truth is: many valuable, smart, hardworking people are laid off all of the time. It’s not just the under-performers!

Top Performers Suffer Too

There are perfectly employable top-performing professionals that have much to add to organizations, but their roles were dissolved thanks to constricted budgets and bottom-line thinking. To most of these individuals: being let go comes as a complete shock and a huge blow to their self-esteem. I speak to people every day who have NEVER had to look for a job before in their life. They are in shock and the blow to their self-esteem is significant.

Unemployment is not a personal brand of shame

As a career coach, I help so many bright, savvy professionals find a foothold in organizations that are lucky enough to have them. It never ceases to amaze me how many people’s contributions are overlooked in the mad dash to cut costs. What hurts my heart worse is the sad and unsure tone I hear in these exceptional people’s voices when I speak to them.

A Mindset Shift for the Unemployed

Here’s something to keep in mind: there is NOTHING wrong with you. You are valuable and you have much to add to an organization that deserves you. Being unemployed isn’t a brand of shame and making a successful next move takes a little time! It's not just you.

Here are 5 tips to increase your value and get through the tough times between jobs:

1. Take Some Time for You. Don’t jump right into the job search immediately – take a week or two off. If you have the savings and can afford it: give yourself a breather. This will help you regain your balance mentally and physically. You will focus better when you have decompressed and cleared your mind. You may want to pivot your career so having a clear head is important to make smart decisions.

Top Tip: If you have to take another job immediately: focus on finding a place that fits your personality first – this will allow you the mental space to start making solid plans for the next steps for your future.

2. Understand Your Value. What are your strengths? What positive impacts have you made to the organizations you have worked for? Just because you did something awesome that was a part of your job description – that is an accomplishment too! Everyone has an impact, the key is understanding how to define it and clearly communicate your accomplishments to set you apart in the job market.

Top Tip: Leverage your LinkedIn profile. Most recruiters and HR professionals search LinkedIn for candidates, even if they are accepting online job applications. Make certain that you shine on LinkedIn with a profile that communicates your career contributions succinctly and effectively.

3. Define Your Focus. If you don’t like where your career is headed and need some clarity? Now is a good time to look at options. Do you want to obtain a certification or another skill? If you don’t know what you are good at or have questions about your next steps – consider seeking out a mentor or a coach to help you find your way. Having a partner during this process can be invaluable as they might have insights and tools you might not have considered.

Top Tip: Focus on your target job positions. Don’t be tempted to display a broad skillset hoping to appear flexible and more employable. You may be overlooked in preference to someone that is passionate about what they want to do. Understand what your focus and target that audience.

4. Don’t Jump At Anything. Be picky about your future if you can. It is your future and you are the person that must deal with the result of your decisions. Choose the best next step for you. Even if you must take a job that you despise just to pay the bills; most times we end up staying much longer than intended. Be cautious of leaping at the very next opportunity.

Top Tip: Choose a healthy business culture that fits you. Over 70% of people will stay at a job longer if they like the people they work with. Also, you are more likely to succeed and be promoted if you have strong a strong network at your work.

5. Communicate Your Value. Make certain that you have impact statements in your resume, LinkedIn profile, and impact stories for your interviews! Accomplishments speak the loudest! Most interviews are aced by professionals who are aware of their value and are able to communicate it in a factual, informative, and interesting way.

Don’t Sell Yourself Short

Most of all: don’t underrate yourself. Unfortunate things happen to good people all of the time. Being between jobs is not as much of a stigma as YOU think it is. We can be our own worst critic! Be kind to yourself and free up that mental space. Instead of wasting time with useless negative thoughts – spend that time positively and productively.

Your mindset is the biggest determining factor between those who land quickly and those who are waiting in the shadows. Be careful what you say to yourself - you are listening! Your mindset will drive unconscious decisions and actions that will result in more of what you are focused on - so be wise where you set your intentions.

We rarely outperform our own expectations. Be cognizant of what expectations you set on yourself. Ensure the brightest future that you deserve by developing the best perspective for the unemployed mindset. Focus on what you want, not what you don't!

My name is Erin Urban (LSSBB, CPDC), I’m a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, a keynote speaker, certified career growth, and executive leadership development coach with almost a decade of mentoring and coaching successful professional transformations. 

I help you remove career roadblocks and increase your influence & impact!

Join the Happiness Habit project right here on LinkedIn: https://www.dhirubhai.net/groups/12447919/