A dismissal, a hard stage in a professional life. And no one is safe. Instructions for better approaching the transition.
No, it doesn't just happen to others. With our changing economy and all the restructuring of companies, job losses are multiplying. How to absorb this shock and get back on your feet? Adecco gives you the advice of Louis Verreault, specialist in the field for a division of Adecco.
On a daily basis, Louis accompanies people, sometimes immediately after their layoff. “Sometimes we meet people in the minutes following the dismissal, says Louis. These people are often upset. Our role is to get them to focus on the actions to be taken in the hours and weeks to come. The idea is to help them focus on the positive. »
The courage to tell loved ones
The first step that requires a good dose of courage is certainly the announcement to loved ones. Depending on the situation, some may be tempted to keep the event quiet for a while. However, Louis Verreault and his team do not encourage this decision. On the contrary, it is better to say it quickly to ensure the support of those close to you. If the person has access to an employee assistance program,it is also a good idea to consult a professional.
“You have to talk about it with your spouse first and decide together how to announce it to the family. The best attitude to adopt is to go about it with candor and straightforwardness,” he advises. After the announcement, it is appropriate to secure children if they are old enough to understand the situation. They should be reassured that everyday life will continue to run its course and that mom will take steps to find a job.
“Besides, children must be made aware of the importance of their help during the job search,” continues the specialist. The person must be able to speak openly about his steps. »
A look in the rearview mirror
In the opinion of Louis Verreault, it is important for people who lose their jobs to look forward rather than remain frozen in the dismissal. “Looking back to the past generates bad energy,” he says. It may seem cruel, but you have to quickly move on to another step, even if the context hurts and seems unfair. »
The person must therefore carry out a complete review of their experiences, skills, abilities and contributions to former employers. If the company offers it or if the financial means allow it, it is advisable to get help from a reorientation or career transition counselor to take advantage of another perspective. Otherwise, there are various free skills assessment tools onmost recognized job portals such as Jobboom, Workopolis, Monster, etc.
“This skills review allows you to focus on your strengths, experience and talent. This exercise leads to realizing what we have to offer rather than being overwhelmed by doubt, believes the specialist. A layoff can lead to a reassessment even if it is a restructuring. Some are discouraged and others are insecure about their skills. My goal is to make them see the situation as an opportunity for a new career challenge. »
A step towards the desired job
The next step is to ask yourself about the ideal and realistic job given the skills, abilities and professional background. It is therefore necessary to reflect on the expectations related to the intended job:
- Type of industry and employer;
- The desired corporate culture and work environment;
- The desired relationship with the boss and colleagues;
- The level of responsibility expected in relation to abilities and family reality;
- The expected working conditions;
- The time allocated each day to work and commuting to work according to obligations;
- The work-life balance measures targeted.
"All of these defined points must become objectives while keeping in mind the possibility of compromises to be made along the way," says Louis Verreault. That's why heIt is important to distinguish the real priorities in order to determine the expectations that may be subject to possible sacrifices. »
In action mode
Finally, Louis Verreault does not recommend a transition period between the announcement of the dismissal and the start of the job search, especially if the severance pay is meager. It goes without saying that adding financial stress can have a detrimental effect on the process.
“If the financial means allow it and the need arises, the person can take a break. Otherwise, it is best to focus on the positive right away. We must act to avoid finding ourselves in a downward spiral. The longer you wait, the more pressure there is on the success rate,” he adds.
For an effective job search, the business card remains a resume that reflects past skills and achievements related to the job in question. In the opinion of our expert, this step is too often overlooked or underestimated, but it can require a good twenty hours.
Of course, an attractive CV should make your application flash on employers' radar screens. When taking action, it is also essential to inform your network of your steps. Many people land a job through a relative or acquaintance.
“As the person devotes himself to an active search, it is estimated that the duration of the search does not exceed three or four months on average. Due to the contextcurrent economy, there is no longer a gray cloud over the person who has lost his job. Employers no longer really harbor prejudices,” concludes Mr. Verreault. Something to reassure and give impetus to a new career challenge!
