The recent closing of the mill in Franklin, while the most significant, is only one example of how the economy is affecting Bronco members and their families throughout Southeastern Virginia.
As expenses continue to roll in while income is reduced or eliminated, many of us are looking for opportunities to rebalance the scale. The good news is, there are jobs out there—you just need to do some digging and be prepared when that prospect does present itself.
A few things to keep in mind as you begin your new job search:
Losing a job is tough, especially if you’ve held it for a long time. In fact, it can have the same kind of impact as experiencing the death of a loved one or close friend. With that said, assume that you will probably experience most, if not all, of the six stages of grief associated with a loss. These stages include:
- Shock and denial—What has happened is not real or it’s a bad dream. You refuse to acknowledge that loss has occurred.
- Anger and resentment—You’ve been treated unfairly and that others deserve this more than you.
- Bargaining—You’ll do anything to get your job back.
- Self-doubt and guilt—You question your abilities, doubt your competence and wonder if anyone will ever hire you again.
- Depression—Feelings of loneliness and isolation affect your sleeping, eating and hygiene, and you may see no reason to get out of bed or stick to normal routines.
- Acceptance—You acknowledge the loss, recognize that you need to take action and envision that something better is out there waiting for you.
Of course, no two people react to loss the same way, but it’s important to give yourself time to work through these phases in order to move forward with your job search and your life.
Once you’re ready, the Job Resource Center, located under the “Community” tab on welcomehome.coop, can help. There’s great information on how to assess your skills, prepare for your job search, potentially increase your skill sets and look for jobs.
Remember, finding new employment or establishing a new career path should be approached just like a full-time job. Plan on spending six to eight hours per day getting your resume and cover letters together, practicing your interview skills, searching for opportunities and following up with potential employers.
Employment experts estimate that 75-80% of open jobs are filled through direct contact with employers or through leads provided by friends and acquaintances. In other words, people who respond to job postings and “want ads” fill only about 20% of available jobs. That means that three-fourths or more of all jobs are filled by “word-of-mouth” advertising—so it’s not only what you know that can find you a job, but WHO you know.
In addition to putting the word out through your family, friends and social associations (like church or civic clubs), be sure to attend job fairs, contact local Chambers of Commerce, use social media (through free online sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook—you’ll find more information on these covered in the Job Resource Center on welcomehome.coop) and connect with job placement professionals as well as county, state and federal job offices (start with VaEmploy.com and VaWorkConnect.com).
The most important thing to keep in mind: with change comes opportunity. If you’re well prepared, you use the resources that are available to you and you maintain a willingness to listen, take advice and try new things, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you’ll discover.
Note: If you’ve already found a new job, be sure to ask your new employer if they offer payroll deduction and direct deposit options. Then call us at 757.569.6000 to get the forms you’ll need to make the necessary arrangements.
