The Layoff is a Bummer. Enjoy your Vacation!

I had breakfast Monday with John, a friend and candidate/client who just lost his senior level marketing job as a result of an acquisition.  Another day, another laid-off Executive.   Coincidentally, he was scheduled to begin his overseas vacation this week with his immediate family and in-laws.  As with most senior executives John (not his real name) is a Type A Personality who lives to work so going on vacation at this time is a bit unsettling.  He told me that he really wanted to jump into the job search but is committed to the vacation.  Totally understandable thinking.  My response was, "the layoff is a bummer, so enjoy your vacation!


I reminded John that we are entering the seasonal slow period for hiring.  That is not to say that the recruiting and selection process stops, it just slows down.  From June to Labor Day, people are focused on their vacations and time with family.  As a result, the recruiting and selection process slows down a bit too.  Things pick up again after Labor Day as folks re-focus to complete their objectives before the end of the fiscal year.  I don't recommend that the job seeker suspend his search, but to understand and adapt to the season.  The primary strategy during this period is to focus on networking so that when the employer is ready to move forward, you will be well positioned to compete for the job.  Use this time to connect with friends and family; relax, reflect, and recharge.  Enjoy the vacation!  I told John that he could reengage aggressively upon his return without missing a beat.


We talked about steps he could take immediately to set the foundation for his search.  He had already made a good start by contacting me so that I could factor his situation into opportunities known to me.  Additionally, updating his LinkedIn page and other Social Media Accounts is another good idea.  His preference is to stay in the Atlanta area, but he is open to relocation for the right situation.  I suggested that he broaden the target for his search.  Granted, most of his experience has been in Restaurant Marketing narrowly defined, however, his capabilities can be applied more broadly.   The Restaurant Industry is retail, a segment of the Service Sector.  His skills and experience can be easily applied across the Service Sector at large.  Additionally, many of his employers have been franchisers so that presents additional possibilities.  Once he considered his experience in slightly broader terms i.e. Service Sector/Franchise Marketing, he began to see far greater potential for his job search.  Atlanta becomes an even more attractive place to focus his job search as the opportunities in the Service Sector is very strong in this market.


We also discussed the viability of engaging in Consulting or Project work while looking for full-time employment.  As I have argued many times in my blog, there is a need for short term project work which often leads to full time work.


Looking for a job is full-time work and should be taken seriously.  However, one need not spend more than 35 to 40 hours a week on job search, especially during the summer months.  Look to obtain balance in your life.  Regroup, recharge, and reflect.  The layoff is a bummer, enjoy the vacation.


 Thank you for visiting my blog.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com