Getting Support
Job loss can be painful – you may feel rejected, unwanted, and unappreciated. You may need to seek support from friends, family, and/or counselors outside of work to share and process your emotions. As with any loss, it will take some time to cope with these feelings before you can begin strategizing how to move forward in your career.
Should You Look for Another Job?
You may need to decide whether to stay with your current employer or look for another job. It may be wise not to make a rushed decision. You have nothing to lose when you take the time to determine whether a new position would be a good fit, or if you need to move on to another job.
In either case, it will be essential to establish a strong performance record in your new role. Dedicate the necessary time and energy to mastering the new job, work on rebuilding your relationship with your manager if needed, and develop a positive relationship with any new supervisors.
If you plan to stay with your current employer, you will need to demonstrate your commitment and alleviate any concerns your supervisors may have regarding your situation.
If you decide to seek outside employment, you will be in a better position to receive a positive recommendation from your new supervisors if your performance is above average and you handled the job loss with grace.
When You Decide to Move On
Here’s what to do if you decide that staying is not suitable and that you need to find another job:
Don’t just quit your job. If you do, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits. Here is information about unemployment qualifications when you resign. It’s easier to find a job when you are currently employed, so keep that in mind as well. Plan your departure strategically so that it’s on your terms.
Be cautious. Keep your job search confidential and don’t mention that you are looking for a job to anyone at work, especially your manager. You don’t want to end up being fired due to your job search activities.
Start networking with professionals in your field through professional organizations. Attend meetings and conferences, volunteer for committees to raise your profile. Here’s how to use professional networking to assist in your job search.
Reach out to friends, neighbors, and family to request referrals to professionals in your field for informational interviews.
Be prepared to explain your job loss. You may choose to address your situation in your resume or cover letter, but it’s not necessary. You don’t want to disqualify yourself from a job opportunity by oversharing details.
Create or enhance your LinkedIn profile, join LinkedIn groups related to your profession and college, and reach out to people for informational interviews. Be mindful of what your manager and colleagues can see regarding the activities you undertake on LinkedIn. Update your resume, work on some targeted cover letters, and solicit reviews of your documents.
If you are a college graduate, take advantage of the resources, services, and job listings your alma mater offers. Otherwise, check out how to find free or low-cost job search assistance.
Participate in networking social events and job fairs. Be ready to deliver a quick introduction to your contacts and networkers. Consider printing a business card with your contact information.
Your Transition Plan
Remember that laying the groundwork for your transition to a new job will take time and may require some patience. Patience will be critical so that you do not reveal your intentions prematurely and raise concerns with your current employer.
How to
Explaining a Demotion in a Job Interview
You should be prepared for the potential employer to ask you to talk about a demotion during your interview. While this shouldn’t be a barrier to getting the job, you should try to frame this shift in the least damaging way possible.
Remember that the interview is your opportunity to highlight your strengths. While you will have to address the demotion when the question arises, there’s no reason to emphasize it. Do your research on the company and the position, and be ready to discuss your relevant skills and experiences.
You are here to present yourself as the best possible candidate for the job, and while you should have a compelling and honest answer prepared for this difficult question, there’s no reason to elaborate more than necessary.
The Best Way to Respond to Interview Questions About a Demotion
If your demotion was in the past and you have since moved on to a higher-level position, you can emphasize what you learned and accomplished since the demotion, and how that qualifies you for a higher-level job. Perhaps you identified a weakness and took steps, such as courses or workshops, to strengthen that area.
Your challenge will be greater if you are currently in a position that is unfortunately a step down. You should highlight the skills you have applied and the positive results you have achieved in your current role. If there were circumstances beyond your control, such as a restructuring that reduced management positions, you can explain those factors, but do not justify shortcomings or blame the company.
Do not criticize the company regardless of the angle from which you come. If you have identified any issues in your skill set or performance that led to the demotion and have taken concrete and documented steps to address those issues, you might include some of that information.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
A proactive way to alleviate any concerns about a demotion is to obtain a reference from your boss or a colleague at that organization who clearly affirms the value you added as an employee. You can also start steering the conversation in a positive direction by framing the issue in your cover letter or resume so that you have a foundation to draw upon during the interview.
If you can find a way to frame the demotion as an opportunity to enhance your skills, you should do so. For example, returning to a sales role after leaving a management position may have given you the necessary opportunity to update your product knowledge and customer base, making you a more effective manager than you were before.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-handle-a-demotion-2064272
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