Most people who’ve met me in recent years find it hard to believe that I tend to be very shy and introverted.  Being RIF’d at the end of 2006 was a wake-up call for me.  I’ve more or less taken advantage of the experience to grow and get out of my comfort zone(s). 

What may not seem obvious is how taking an integrated approach to job seeking has paid off for me.  I got active in organizations with an intention of focusing on building relationships and a reputation.  I networked without begging for a job, and kept my skills current.  I found ways to keep my skills current. 

The newly downsized are frequently traumatized by the experience, even if they know it’s coming. There is a sense of not having control, and going through a grieving process.  One thing LaunchPad Job Club emphasizes is using this time to make positive changes, starting a new hobby, learning a new skill, getting involved as a volunteer.  What some job seekers don’t realize is just strongly this benefits them in landing a new position. It was true when LaunchPad started seven years ago, and just as true today.

First and foremost, these activities help you stay positive.  It is so easy to get tunnel vision after losing a job, and not seeing all the opportunities around you.  It’s like taking a coffee break to clear your head.  If you focus too long on a problem, you can’t see anything but the problem, even if the solution is right next to it. 

An added benefit is that if you’re doing volunteer work, it can be added to your resume.  I know for a fact that the last two contract gigs I’ve had were because I got active and volunteered, and one of those contract gigs was a position I’d never done before. 

Volunteering will also widen your social circles, which means more networking connections.  Because it’s volunteer work, you’re more likely to do more appropriate networking; that is, you are less likely to sound desperate and sell yourself as a candidate, and more likely to engage in natural conversation, as well as show you’re not focusing just on yourself.

The trick is understanding that while any activities undertaken can benefit your career development, the results are rarely immediate.  Payoff is often weeks and months down the road.

So what does that mean for an active job seeker?  Don’t limit your opportunities, and stop beating yourself up that networking hasn’t paid off.  And if you’re not currently a job seeker?  Start making an effort to cultivate your network now.  Mutual Benefit will get you much farther than repetitive begging, as well as make a more positive impression.