I wanted to write something upbeat this morning to encourage us all to think a little differently about ourselves and our strengths to balance the disappointment of redundancies effective 31st October.  No surprises, the weekend saw multiple posts about redundancy as the furlough scheme was retired, not to mention posts about a potential second lockdown and then an extended furlough scheme.  Change is happening all around us, and sometimes it’s difficult to keep up, but try not to focus on the things that didn’t go so well, or the things you didn’t manage to do last week.

Just over three months ago I was urging you to, “make yourself a cuppa, find a comfortable spot and grab a little me time before the realities of what you should be doing detract from what you really want to do”.  And right now, this still seems to be the way forward.  I’m advocating a regular Monday list of positive things to do each week.  Things which will help you to overcome or at least balance out job search or business downturn challenges.  And remember, try not to worry about the things you didn’t manage to do last week – it’s time to begin again and make a new list.  It’s time to think about who might be able to help you in your quest.

In the intervening three months I’ve encouraged you to find your zing and recently provided some ideas to help you to create positivity and zing – I’ve even taken some of my own ideas on board.  A couple of my friends have suggested that I update these ideas each week although me being me, I’d much rather hear about your ideas to create zing or how you are counteracting the disappointments of redundancy or business closure.

There are thousands of posts circulating about how many recruitment disappointments individuals are experiencing.  I get it, although I’m still urging positivity.  Job seeking is tough whatever your strengths and professional credentials.  It takes commitment and creativity although like all challenges, it benefits from variety, positivity and downtime.  Try dividing your day or your week into time zones, so that you can balance new business ideas and job seeking activities with time for a little self-reflection or relaxation.  Take time to be kind to yourself and remember to ask for help before you need it.

I hope that I’ve been upbeat enough for Monday and some of the points I’ve made will help with your challenges.  Why not get in touch and let me know?  And just in case you missed it previously, here is my (slightly revised) take on being the best candidate you know how to be (every single time):

• Know your strengths and what’s important to you (understand your values)

• Own your own story and tell it with conviction (what you’ve done, want to do now)

• Create a compelling CV (and make sure it sparkles)

• Understand your/any limits to flexibility (minimum hours, budgets, location)

• Stay in touch with your networks

• Study your market (organisations and sectors which need your strengths)

• Pursue jobs which interest you and avoid unnecessary disappointments by ignoring those which don’t (or don’t match your strengths)

• Be discerning and invest time in tailoring your communications

• Research employers who show interest

• Prepare for interviews always

• Practise out loud (your answers to questions, your story)

• Be clear on your questions (what you need to know)

• Accept a role because it works for you and you’ll flourish