Gentlemen’s Corner – It is off to Work …or Not!

When you are asked to write about things that impact you on a daily basis, sometimes it needs to be personal. This week, I’m going to share my recent experience with having a job, losing a job and praying for a job. It’s something most of us have or will experience in our lives. Specifically for men, it’s a tough time, especially if you are the head of the household financially. So, if you are or know someone that is out of work, stick around.

Thanks, but you are no longer part of the team.

These words will haunt me forever. Just when I thought I had found my perfect job, perfect company, perfect team, they announced, via Zoom, over 500 layoffs in the US. My company, a medical equipment manufacturer, had literally laid off entire teams in the US and overseas. The stock had been struggling and they needed to stop the bleeding. We never saw it coming. I had literally just won President’s Club, a trip for top performers, two months earlier. I was on top of the world.

So, I’ll spare you all the ‘feelings’ but it was a huge blow and frankly scared the crap out of me. Friends and family all said, ’Don’t worry, you’ll find something soon.’ Well, a month turned into 3 and 4. Nothing, I thought I did it right. No one was responding. However, I want to share how I figured it out with the hopes of helping as many of you as possible.

Now what?

The job hunt is different now. You can’t just send your resume all over town and expect a response. These key differentiators will hopefully help you in your search.

1. Network. If you don’t have one, you need one. Use tools like LinkedIn, local Business Groups, and old co-workers. Let them know you are looking. Not everyone will be able to help but contacts are key. Make sure you are connecting with people in the field you want to be in. Scattering your focus will make this a very difficult hunt.
2. Update the resume. This may be obvious, but it needs to be updated to TODAYS standards. Formats, fonts, colors, all of this is critical to getting your resume to stand out from the rest. Pay a few hundred bucks to get some professional help. It will be worth it.
3. Understand how AI works. I will tell you that AI was not my friend. Most companies use this to vet the hundreds or maybe thousands of resumes they get for a job. Yes, thousands are applying. Some may be working but many more are probably not. Folks will apply to anything if they are desperate. Unemployment in most states require that you submit a certain number each week. That makes it even more important that you stand out.
4. Being open to take a step down. I would argue that most people want to grow in their career and move up when they can. If you are a Manager, Director or C Level employee, you probably don’t want to go backwards. However, if the right opportunity, with a growing company presents itself, don’t be so quick to pass it up. Opportuities right now are scarce at the mid and upper levels. Swallow some pride and rebuild.
5. Stay positive. I fell into the trap of sitting in front of my computer for 6-7 hours a day applying to jobs that never came. Contacts on LinkedIn were not always helpful with their pessimism. I get it, it’s hard when you don’t know where the next dollar is coming from. All I suggest is that you step away from the noise, do something positive, fun, relaxing, to get your head right. Attitude can make or break you, especially once you get the interview.

Always be ready for the unexpected

No matter how long you have worked for a company, know that there are no promises. Not to be a downer but more of a realist. Always be aware of where your company is headed, keep your business relationships intact, and always take on a new challenge or opportunity. Employers like go getters. I found an amazing job after 5 months. An old colleague passed my resume to the hiring manager. I appreciate it every day in this new world. This experience has given me a whole new perspective.

I hope this helps a bit. There is no ‘secret sauce’ unfortunately and everyone and every situation is different. Keep your head up, rely on your Brotherhood for support and as I’ve said many times, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO

Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author and small business owner! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop