Three Things I'm Doing To Prevent Being In Between Jobs
Feb 29, 2024
Read time: 4 minutes
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Layoffs are still in full swing.
Sony. Google. Apple. Rivian. Expedia.
Seems like no industry can hide from it.
So, that begs the question:
What can I do to prepare myself?
Over the past 13 weeks, I've detailed every step from searching for a job to nailing the interview.
But that only really applies when I'm fully in that "job search" mode.
Right now, I have a job.
I'm safe.
Well, for now at least. š
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Three Things I'm Doing To Prevent Being In Between Jobs
1. Keeping an Up-to-date Resume
We become lazy once we are employed.
The one document that we were obsessed with has quickly become outdated.
1 month.
3 months.
12 months.
What was that one project that I did a few months ago?
FML.
And what % did I improve it by?
Not keeping an updated resume makes us vulnerable.
Our ability to be proactive quickly fades.
We can't inquire about another opportunity...
...because we have nothing to send.
Well, at least, send easily.
And that usually means then we won't inquire about it.
It's a hard habit to start.
But one that I've found makes everything 1,000% easier.
At the end of every month, write down your projects.
It can be in a Google Doc or even your iPhone Notes.
Just write it down!
This will be your best friend when you are feeling lazy.
And allow you to quickly update your resume.
Quick bonus.
You can easily use this for your LinkedIn too!
2. Continue to Network
My focus right now is to expand my network.
There is no better time to build rapport with a stranger...
...than when you don't want anything from them.
If anything, I can help them!
Meeting people at local industry events.
Cold messaging people on LinkedIn for coffee chats.
Meeting others through my friends' connections.
All of these are top of mind.
If any of them happen to work at companies I wouldn't mind joining in the future...
...then that's a double win!
They key here is to reduce the anxiety of meeting new people.
With not needed to "get something" like a referral from them...
...you can genuinely meet new people!
3. Apply for Other Jobs
See an open role that looks interesting?
Throw your name in the hat. š©
Being employed makes looking for another job easier.
All (or at least most) of the stress is gone.
You can truly search for a role at a company you want.
With a job description that fits your goals.
And a salary that you would be comfortable with.
If you get a callback for an interview...
...you'll also be more yourself during it.
The pressure of "needing to get it" isn't there.
If you get it - amazing!
If you don't...
...you still have a job.
The best part about being active in this way is two-fold.
First, you keep your interview skills up.
No need to feel out of practice if you're still practicing.
Second, you'll see what skills you might need to work on.
You'll learn about what hiring teams are looking for...
...and whether or not you're keeping up with the times.
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š” Action Steps
- š Update Your Resume. If you aren't always keeping it fresh, at least keep a running note on the projects (and metrics) that you're doing in your current job. This will save you a ton of time later when you forget the details.
- šš½ Meet Someone New. Take 15-minutes to reach out to someone new on LinkedIn or attend an event. I try to attend at least 2 events in-person each month.
- š¬ Apply to a Job. You can look for opportunities at your own leisure. There is no post-layoff timeline forcing you to make compromises on what you really want. Sign-up for email alerts or follow the company on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date.
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š Other Notable Resources
- Last Week's Article: 7 ways to create an amazing follow-up email & stand out after the interview
Whelp, that's it for now.
I'm going to put in my 15 minutes meeting new people on LinkedIn. š
Nicholas Ayala
or LinkedIn
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