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When I was downsized last December, I knew exactly where to look. I knew who to talk to, I knew who to solicit advice from and I knew what I wanted to do.
And it still took two months and a lot of luck to find a gig. What if my job search was for something that DIDN’T relate to the internet as much as mine does? What if I was an instructor, a teacher for safety products or another profession B2B profession that REQUIRED on-site time, dealt with a group that hadn’t yet mastered technology or who just didn’t care? My dad is going through this. My hard working, never quit and never give up dad has found himself on the wrong of a company downsizing and I’m having trouble figuring out how to aid him in his job search. Does he make YouTube videos of what he can do? Start a blog? Join Twitter? He’s a safety product representative, an industry I know nothing about. So, what would you do? What advice would you give a baby boomer with average tech skills and lots of free time? How does he market himself?
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Comments
10.21.09
He could read What Color is Your Parachute for some ideas.
I'd advise lots of networking, both in real life, and online. Most of my parents generation seem to be on Facebook now, and a few on Twitter.
10.21.09
--- "Average tech skills" - I can't tell from here exactly what those tech skills are but I would recommend furthering his computer skills.
--- Ask this question (and point to this post) in Brazen Careerist's 'Ask Penelope Trunk' and 'Ask a Coach' groups.
--- Write down all accomplishments in previous jobs, distill from them his core strengths, and then market himself with his proven abilities across various industries and job titles - look beyond the safety product industry if necessary.
10.21.09
Tough question - if only it was an easy one to answer...I know some local clear channel radio stations in my area who give free airtime to anyone looking for a job to talk about themselves for 60 seconds, include name and contact info and a website they can find out more....If he was my dad, that's probably what I'd suggest first...
10.21.09
He may find new options if he breaks down his experience not by task, but by skill. For example, without knowing anything about his field, it would not surprise me to learn that he had to be able to master (and possibly develop) detailed standards and processes; conduct detailed research; maintain accurate and legally relevant documentation; communicate findings to internal and external sources; etc.
So if he looks not just at what he did, but what made him able to do those things, he may find new perspectives on his job search.
10.21.09
This is a tough one. I know a few people going through this. I am sure that through his previous work, he must have made contacts with people in his industry. My pretty basic (and obvious) piece of advice would be to make those contacts.
also if there is a professional organization dedicated to his work, he might want to consider joining. It may open up resources that he wouldn't otherwise be privy to.
Last, but not least, keep upgrading. Lots of people have already said this, but if he can learn something new, get a new certificate or take a course, catch up on a new technology that might be coming out, he will probably have a better chance at it.
I hope he has some luck!
10.26.09
I work with talented boomers in transition - like your dad - all the time. Since the vast majority of jobs are landed through networking, your dad would be served by a (written) weekly plan that included networking in three types of face to face groups (e.g., a local job search group, an industry networking group (or events), and community service / volunteer groups).
In addition to contacting everyone he knows and asking them for specific help, your dad should learn to use LinkedIn. Boomers have mastered LinkedIn and, as we know, it can accelerate the process of building relationships and increase the breadth and depth of our business network.
Best of luck to him!
11.10.09
A good discussion. Have been completely unemployed since July for first time since 82. Strong on Linkedin. Network in and out of industries I know (automotive, manufacturing, electronics)and within some orgs. Have applied for over 50 positions in last 8 months. Savings have run out so now have added challenge of job search or business startup with no money. Have BA in Art.
Started my own consulting company in July, OTB Zolutionz, to provide professional Purchasing/Sourcing/Supply Chain solutions to companies who lack the staff or the skills to accomplish important tasks. So far no clients.
I wonder how startup companies approach the need to control cash flow and capital which is the realm of professional Purchasing?
Have two commission only sales positions that might someday provide some solid income. First, AREA51-ESG, a minority owned distributor of electronic components. Also, CS Industries/China South Industrial Group which supplies anything from China to the entire world.
Open to any advice or inquiry from any generation.
Ron Hayes
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