Unemployed and getting discouraged?

Fighting the Stigma

You can combat the stigma of  layoffs by supplying a sound explanation during interviews, I read this book by  Jim Camp, entitled "NO : The Only Negotiating System You Need for Work and Home." He proposes saying, "I have been laid off twice in the worst economy in 50 years."











Before launching a job hunt, though, you must overcome your anger about your recurring joblessness. If you feel like a loser, those emotions will be reflected in your job interviews. I  believe helping the less fortunate in order to neutralize such negative sentiments during your search for paid work. Charity efforts that tap your key skills rebuild your self confidence and list of references.



You might pick a volunteer activity that already involves a company you're hoping will hire you. Your participation will get you networking with current employees, and a better sense of whether you fit into their culture. In going the extra mile to understand a possible employer, you also should talk with vendors, rivals and ex-staffers.  Use this deep "due diligence" to prepare lengthy reports about a company's challenges for hiring managers. Cheap weekend hotels deals at CheapOstay.com Save up to 50% plus a $10 instant discount. Book Now!

A customized Web page highlighting your relevance to a specific company offers another way to attract attention. Give officials a private link from your site where you describe how your experience would benefit their particular business. Relate it to the issues facing them.

To further widen awareness of your credentials, LinkedIn and Twitter links below your email signature. (The professional networking site and micro-blogging one now are popular recruiting tools.)

What I do is occasionally offer expert commentary through LinkedIn and Twitter, a tactic where I can advocate for something I believe in and showcase my knowledge of an industry or profession. I also recommends offering to take questions or give advice as a virtual consultant via Twitter. But give good, solid answers.

One challenge for victims of recent layoffs is surviving multiple interviews. As the applicant pool gets smaller with every round, people with repeat layoffs in their recent past may be at a disadvantage.

 Mr.Dangerfield is an I.A.P.D.A Certified Debt Specialist whom has worked in the finance industry for over a decade. He manages www.beingbrokesuckstoday.com and is the author of "A Dangerfield Manifesto" and co-founder of SMG Holdings, the parent company of Squad Music Group, Dangerfield Artistic Entertainment SMG Publishing and Taboo Dangerfield Publishing
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"So Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?"

 Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?

The words to strike fear into every person ever to set foot in an interview room. Being asked why you left your job is always difficult. You never know what the right answer is. Too honest, and you'll risk alienating your prospective employer, but too vague and it'll look like you're trying to hide something. Unless you've got a really good reason for leaving your job then what do you do?

Honestly, I'd love the answer to be "be honest" but I don't think it's that cut and dry.

I'm not suggesting you lie about the reason you left, but there is a way to be diplomatic about things. You've got to remember that your old company will probably be called on to provide a reference, so you need to tread carefully. Things you shouldn't admit to include sleeping with your previous boss, any kind of gross misconduct and anything that starts with the prefix "my boss was an idiot".

You've got to be smarter than that.

I'm not suggested you flat out lie, but you can be economical with what you tell someone. Instead of slagging your boss off, talk about looking for new challenges, and hoping to work in a team environment.

See? 

Doesn't that sound much better? The person interviewing you is looking for someone they can get on with for half of the day. Make sure you come across as the kind of person that they want to spend time with, not someone who's going to stab them in the back. Need Help Finding Work?Click Here!

I don't have to tell you that any kind of gross misconduct is going to look bad so you have two choices. You can either address it and move on, or not say anything and hope that your old company isn't called upon for a reference. My advice? Don't mention it until it's brought up (I'm guessing if you've gone on a mad screaming rampage, that might come out). And then handle it swiftly and move on. Really swiftly and politely. Talking about how much you've learned would be a good idea as well.



What about if you don't have a good reason for leaving your job?

Boredom and frustration are both good reasons. Wanting to go off to France for a few months doesn't look that great. Because your new employer doesn't want to pick up the slack when you get bored in six months time. But talk about it as thought you took a career break and suddenly things will look a whole lot better. Hanging on the beach isn't a learning experience. Working out where you want your career to go is.Last Minute Air Deal

You don't have to talk about everything. Sometimes one of the best interview skills you can learn is when to shut up.

And if you did sleep with your old boss, that might be a good idea.

Mr. Dangerfield is an I.A.P.D.A Certified Debt Specialist whom has worked in the finance industry for over a decade. He manages www.beingbrokesuckstoday.com and is the author of "A Dangerfield Manifesto" and co-founder of SMG Holdings, the parent company of Squad Music Group, Dangerfield Artistic Entertainment SMG Publishing and Taboo Dangerfield Publishing
Follow me on twitter