Unemployment in a recession is a nasty business. It is a horrible shock for many talented people. However, it's important to bounce back quickly. Get that all important sales document, your CV into shape and ensure that all of your recent achievements are highlighted. If you haven't worked in a customer facing environment, it's highly likely that your interview skills and confidence could well do with a boost. Redundancy can be like a death in the family. It fills people with the fear of an uncertain future. How soon before I get that next job? Would changing career path now be the correct decision? It hurts not to be working - it hurts not to feel needed. It hurts not to be surrounded with one's friends and colleagues. If you are single and home alone, it's quite an alienating experience. If you're married, you have the personal uncertainty to worry about as well as the concern for your family's future. Can you continue to afford piano lessons for your daughter? Are her gymnastic and French lessons really necessary? The good news is that help is at hand and if you fall into the category of person who has had a job which is not customer facing, you will probably need that little bit of assistance to fire up your confidence and get you speaking and selling yourself like a professional. The first thing is to update that CV. Keep it tight, accurate and full of your workplace achievements. For example, since taking over as Head of Export Sales in 2005, your sales figures have been best in the company and broke all industry trends. If it's true, don't be shy about making that very clear. The interview is the opportunity to put the flesh on the bones of this occurrence. It's important to describe the challenges of the job as well explain how you overcame them and received an award. Tell them about your project management skills - how you had to manage your time between London and Tokyo, product launches across continents, languages and cultures takes some effort. Speak enthusiastically about your positive input - if you are not enthusiastic, do not expect your interviewer to pick up on your major achievements. Enthusiasm is infectious - it sends positive vibrations of personal creativity and success. People like to work with successful people. People like to work with creativity. It is a personally rewarding experience. But all of this stems from confidence. Sadly, if you have been out of work for some time, it's highly likely that your confidence has taken something of a dent. However, there are people and organizations that can help you. Don't be afraid of asking for help when it's needed. Think of this learning opportunity as an investment in the future, not another cost when you can least afford it. Copyright (c) 2009 The College Of Public Speaking
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