The way to get a job today—this very day--is to declare yourself employed. Decide that you are a self-employed consultant and that makes it so.
Let’s be clear about this: it doesn’t mean you will earn any money today.
Sorry ‘bout that.
But it does start the wheels in motion to start earning money. It does give your life a proactive focus. It counteracts the extended frustration of a regular-job campaign. And it provides a seamless work history for your resume.
The first step is to select a name for your business . . . or not. You can call it [your name] Consulting. Or [your initials] Consulting. Or just list it on your resume as “consulting.”
Step two is to determine what services you offer. Go for a single word to start, probably something you did at your last good job or else a service you already offer friends and family.
The more ambitious your marketing, the sooner you’ll get paying work. But simply focusing your thoughts on what type of assignments you welcome and whom to contact may be enough to get some results or at least be alert to opportunities you can pursue.
Now back to the resume.
Detecting oh-so-shameful gaps on the resume seems to be a primary objective of corporate HR personnel. Apparently the gaps are more telling than the achievements even though those still employed know many fine people with gaps.
So fill that gap on day one of unemployment by a clear proclamation that you are employed. Feel free to back it up by printing out a page of business cards on blank card stock purchased from the office supply store.
All of your projects—even volunteer assignments—appear under the single job heading. No need to assign dates to these projects since only job titles merit dates.
These are your achievements and the list will grow over time.
Remember that marketing in itself is also a measurable –and time consuming—achievement. Be sure to include your efforts and results in this area among the bulleted accomplishments.
So start your new job today.
Congratulations on being employed!
Originally posted 10-6-09