Employment – Job loss

How quickly things change. A Mahurangi Matters article in March (MM March 18) described employers struggling to find skilled workers and a national unemployment rate of 4 per cent. Now that scenario has been replaced by widespread job losses attributed to the economic fallout from Covid-19. If you are newly unemployed or feeling insecure, you are not alone. Our jobs are important to us and losing them hurts. We understand the commercial reality and that it’s nothing personal, but it sure feels personal. Our vision for the future has been interrupted. We are frustrated by the loss of independent choice.

Using positive language in thinking about or describing your situation can help: “The position was dis-established” rather than “I was made redundant” is a subtle difference but can de-personalise a tough situation.  While your focus will likely be on securing new employment, take time to reflect, regroup, and evaluate options. Do some things for you. Use your go-to strategies for relaxation and enjoyment.  

Change can be a catalyst for opportunity. If you could do something different, what might it be?  What is your ideal future of work? What steps could take you there? Is retraining an option? Could your interests and talents be combined in a portfolio career, where multiple part-time, contract, or freelance roles, diversify both activity and income streams?

As businesses reset, don’t overlook temporary opportunities. Short-term roles will increase your experience, contacts and industry exposure. Volunteering offers benefits, too. While not generating income, it helps build connections and skills, is viewed positively by employers and gives you purpose during your job search. Companies that previously sourced talent offshore will also need to look locally. Opportunities may arise from an increased focus on training to develop the expertise they need to grow.

Rather than what you do, consider how you do it and where else your experience could be applied in our reshaping environment. You may need to take a sideways step to go forward.  Examples include pilots retraining as train drivers. Customer-focused skills from travel and hospitality are attractive to contact centres. Digital capability is in demand as businesses transform their operational, sales and delivery models.

When you prepare an application, invest time to make it the best it can be.  First impressions count. Say why you are keen and how your experience is relevant. Acknowledge any gap and outline your commitment to addressing it. With rapid change, attitude is key. Today’s employers value capabilities such as adaptability, collaboration, inspiring leadership, creativity, curiosity, critical thinking and resilience.  Does your CV reflect these skills and how you’ve applied them to influence team outcomes and results?
Conversations lead to opportunities. Actively engage in-person and online. Talk with people you know and connect with others. Communicate your availability and the value you offer.  It may take time; be realistic, resolute and kind to yourself.  

Robyn lives in Matakana and specialises in recruitment and career consulting.

By Robyn Webb
consultant, Pohlen Partners