Take Charge of Your Executive/Managerial Job Search – Work Through Your Feelings and then Consider Volunteering

By Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC. Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com & www.ExpertExecutiveResume.com

From Alan Axelrod’s book “Gandhi CEO – 14 Principles to Guide and Inspire Modern Leaders”, we can glean some great principles for your executive/managerial job search.

“Let no one define you, your values, or your goals. Retain the initiative in these things, and you will enter into each transaction as an equal. Relinquish the initiative, and you allow yourself to be cast in the victim’s role.” (pg.140)

This is most likely something you already know. However, after a job loss or in the midst of the stress of enduring a job that no longer challenges you or brings you enjoyment, you may without even noticing it, slowly fall into a victim role.

A well-known fact is that one of the worst stressors in life is when you feel no control over issues or problems in your life.

Before we go on with an idea for you to consider that may help you move forward, consider how important it is to feel your real and authentic feelings. Losing a job, or feeling unhappy in your current position will no doubt feel bad. There are many feelings you may cycle through such as depression, anger, grief, shock or denial. Your feelings are real, understandable and need your acceptance. Allow yourself the freedom to feel how you feel.

If you have no one you trust enough to talk honestly with, consider getting some short-term counseling. A good therapist offers you a safe place to sort through your feelings. Remember, your feelings of depression, anger, grief, shock and denial are normal. Take charge and deal with them, or they will deal with you. It is tempting to ignore your feelings and charge ahead; however, it is wise to work with how you feel right now. You can more easily move through your difficulty and achieve a sense of congruence.

When you work through your feelings, you will know you are ready to move on when you feel a calm acceptance of reality as it is. It is true that the more calm and relaxed we feel, the more open we are to new ideas within and without. You will feel a sense of readiness to move on, hopefully with some lessons learned and a clearer vision of where you want to go. The best result is when you feel even better, because you embraced and accepted all of your experiences, including this tough one. Working through your feelings can help you move in that direction.

After you honor and at least have started to work through your feelings and you feel more congruent and ready to move on, one immediate way to take charge of your work life is to volunteer. Yes, it is true some people even find job opportunities when they volunteer, however, this does not have to be your main reason for volunteering. The main reason to volunteer is to get back to work. The side benefit of volunteering is that it can easily help you feel like a million bucks. What better time to feel like a million bucks, than when you are out of work.

Consider volunteering a few hours a week. Google and search for volunteer opportunities that match with your interests in your city. Consider choosing an organization that is close to your heart. This will give you double the pleasure. Consider volunteering in any job. Do not worry - your executive and managerial skills will not suffer, even if you are volunteering and working for someone else, in any type of position. In fact, this experience may give you another bonus, remembering what it is like working for someone - the better the follower...the better the leader.

The rest of the week - devote your time and energy to your full time job search. The more time you invest, the better the outcome for you. Make sure your resume, cover letter and other job search documents are competitive and make you stand out from the crowd. There has never been a more important time to have a "great resume.” The job market is looking better; however, it is always important that you stand out from the crowd. Shine and land a position even better than your last position.

If you have any questions about a professional resume, cover letter or other job search documents, feel free to call Bob Prock at 1-864-292-5288 or email him at expertresume@yahoo.com.

Bob is an award winning resume writer (he won a national resume writing contest). Make sure your resume pops and makes you shine. Be competitive.
Check out www.ExpertExecutiveResume.com for more samples of executive and managerial resumes.

Work your job search and it will work for you. Land the job you want.

Bob and I wish you the best in your executive/managerial job search. We want to see you land your best job yet.

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Masters in Education with an emphasis in Vocational Guidance and Counseling), JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com