A compelling resource, this WSJ blog offers a candid and personal approach to the current executive job search scene, networking, and how to measure success when searching for employment.
As the blog home page states, “Laid Off and Looking follows 8 out-of-work MBAs as they look for new jobs in a post-meltdown world. Each writes about his or her own personal experiences with all of the ups and downs that go into a job search in a difficult market.”
Here is just one story:
Dawn Jordan, a former operations vice president at Bank of America, was laid off in late October 2008. Talking about the frustrations of just getting a handle on how to deal with executive job search, she shares:
“For me, being laid off was like diving into cold water. I was prepared mentally but it was impossible not to feel a jolt. From day one my strategy has been to keep moving. I spend my time online at job boards, researching companies, writing introductory emails and–if I’m lucky–returning a phone call or two.
This week, I’m trying to focus on more manageable, short-term tasks such as making three follow-up calls for the day. True, these small tasks lack the glamour of larger goals but they give my Type A personality the sense of accomplishment it craves.
A job search is not a linear process. There are decisions and steps that cause you to repeat yourself. This is most difficult for a person with perfectionist tendencies such as myself. Understanding the process has forced me to reconcile the idea that success can only be measured by the completion of tasks which I can control.”
Her December 4th post received 75 comments, the last I looked, all of which add even more personal experiences to the mix.
Executives having a tough time with today’s job search, and maybe facing particularly difficult job transitions, will find some comfort and good advice from others in the same shoes.
Related posts:
How a C-Level Executive in Financial Services Got a Handle on Executive Job Search 2.0
Top 10 Tactics to Build a Vibrant Executive Network
Get LinkedIn and Attract Recruiters and Hiring Decision Makers to Your eBrand