One of my clients called it the “dreaded conversation.”

Whether it’s to your family, friends, colleagues or acquaintances, communicating the fact that you are unemployed is never easy. But, the anticipation of it can be even worse.

Here are a few tips that might lessen the difficulty around this often-troubling communiqué:
1. Get your story straight and don’t rush to tell it.. Be clear in your own mind what happened. Whether you have been laid off or fired, you will need some time to sort out the facts from your hurt feelings or anger. As time passes, you will become more objective and even somewhat detached from the circumstances.
2. Be selective about what you tell and to whom. While it might seem cathartic to “tell all” to anyone who asks about your situation, it’s not a good idea to vent to people who could be resources to you in a future job search. Keep your wits about you and consider the impact of what you say and to whom.
3. Find a truthful way to briefly explain why you are unemployed--if someone asks. Otherwise, don’t offer an explanation. There are always several truths behind every layoff or firing. Pick one that does not sound negative, blaming or self-effacing. If indeed, it was time for a change for you, leave it at that.
4. Lead the conversation to the subject of what’s next for you. Keep your attention on possibilities for the future, rather than happenings of the past. With any conversation, think about how the person might connect you with his or her network or what advice he or she might have to offer in regards to a new direction.
5. Stay positive in your conversations and clearly focus on what you want. You will be more likely to attract a good lead or networking contact who will connect you with a job prospect if you seem upbeat and have a sense of where you want to go. This does not mean you have to know the job title of your next position. Rather, have a sense of your skills, interests and values as they relate to the marketplace.

Remember, after the first couple of “dreaded conversations”, you will have met the challenge and will be free to move on to the more significant task of finding new work.

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Barbara will be presenting a keynote address: Life After 50: The Times They Are A Changin' sponsored by the University of Maine Alumni Association and UMaine Cooperative Extension. The public is welcome: http://www.mainealumni.com/events.htm

Recently I spoke with a prospective client who wants to make a career change. He said he felt totally at a loss about what to do or how to begin. But, after I asked him a few questions, it occurred to me that he had quite a few ideas that would help him forge a new direction.

If you desire a career change, but feel stuck on how to begin, here are a few tips to help you get started and move on:

1. Sort out whether you need to change employers, positions or careers. Think about what's missing in your current job. Ask yourself under what conditions might you stay with your employer. Your responses should help address the question of whether your work situation needs tweaking or a complete overhaul.

2. If you think it's time to change your career direction, consider what is most important to you at this time of your life. In any given life phase, your values, interests and even skills can change and influence your attitude and work satisfaction. Ask yourself how your values and priorities influence your desires around work.

3. Identify any particular segment of the marketplace that interests you and think about anyone you may know who works there. Call them for a meeting about what they do and how they like it. Check out your assumptions about this type of work setting in an informal and casual conversation.

4. Revise your résumé. When you make a career change, it's most likely that you'll need to shift from the traditional chronological format to a functional resume that allows you to highlight your relevant skill sets rather than a recap of your work history.

5. Decide if you want to own your own business or work for someone else. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, seek out the resources available in your area for business owners. Talk with people whom you know who can address the questions you have about starting a business. The small business development centers, funded by the Federal government and local resources, including UMaine Extension's home based business program are all free to the public.

6. If you prefer to work for an employer, create a list of companies or organizations about which you are curious, and begin to educate yourself about them by reviewing their websites and doing Google searches.

7. Narrow your list to three or four organizations and identify a person who works there by asking friends and family to connect you with someone. Have your friends contact the person on your behalf to let them know that you will be calling soon.

8. Make contact with the person and request an informational interview. Bring your résumé and get feedback on the type of position someone with your skills and experience might fit in their organization. Their response will help you target your new position.

9. Refine your résumé so it aligns with the new position.

10. Continue with informational interviews until you hear of positions. Apply and get hired!

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