This week is effectively the last week of Summer break for our family. School is still a few weeks away (although that is just around the corner in mid-August). However, the sports tryouts and workouts begin next week, so as a family, we’re gearing up for those. Summer has flown by, and with it ending so soon (okay, we’re in Texas, and the Summer feelings will hang on until October), I’m contemplating how every ending creates a new beginning. Over the last few months of interviewing and networking, enabled by the layoff in March, I’ve been able to meet a lot of people, spend quality time with friends, coworkers, and family, and generally start a lot of new things that I hadn’t had the time to do when working full-time. Something new is just on the horizon, and it’s just a matter of finding it.
Looking Back – The Ending
With employment ending so abruptly, it left most of us in shock. There was a lot of activity to establish new insurance, start the job search, and develop new routines. Now that we’ve been out of Indeed for several months and the severance is running out, many have to reevaluate those decisions again. Several of these tips in this HBR article are things I’ve said before (focus on self-care, use your network and others). Still, the tip to regularly review positive reminders of the value I bring is one I’m putting into practice starting today (5 min read).
Looking Forward – Ending Means Beginning
All this thought about endings has me thinking more and more about what my first day, week, and month at my new job will contain. I’m still in the early interview stages with the companies I am interviewing with, so it may be a bit premature, but I want to be prepared. Many articles on the Internet about your first day, week, month, and beyond mainly include the same things. This article on inhersight.com had some practical tips on implementing conventional wisdom and a few unique thoughts (7 min read).
Today’s Tip
As job seekers, we don’t have many opportunities to provide feedback (to companies, recruiters, or hiring managers.) Record what parts of the process worked well and which could be improved. That way, if you get the role, you can work to enhance the company recruiting process.
While we’re on the topic of feedback, if you’re still reading this deep into the newsletter, I’d love some feedback on what you like in these newsletters and what you wish it would include or would change. Drop me a line.
Fun Stuff
Final Words
If I can help with your search, please get in touch with me. Please give me feedback on what you like or don’t care for in this newsletter, and I’ll adjust. For total transparency, I have no affiliation with any of the tools, companies, or resources I share. These are my impressions, not tainted by any outside influences.