Posted on August 3, 2009 - by pcmccullough

Hold Your Course

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Everywhere we turn, companies are adjusting their human resources to be commensurate with their income. Several colleagues and friends have been affected by these adjustments. One in particular, let’s call him Michael, is a dear friend and though Michael told himself it wasn’t personal, the reality hit like a ton of bricks right where it hurt most, in his pride and his wallet. Now staying stuck on his hurt ego could have pushed him into an emotional downward spiral with little chance for recovery but that’s not Michael, so he got right down to business.  His approach may help you or someone you know.

Here are the first five things Michael did:

First, Michael’s employer didn’t offer a severance package, so he adjusted his budget and contacted creditors for consideration packages. He skinnied down on spending and found economical ways to have fun.

Second, Michael knew the best opportunities weren’t necessarily in the Want-Ads and referrals from satisfied customers, past clients and friends create the best opportunities. He immediately put out feelers and contacted his business and personal sphere.

Third, he dug out his resume.  It was time to think out of the box. Michael updated the document and saved three versions.  Each one highlighted a specific area of accomplishment and included the others as secondary and tertiary accomplishments.  They were leadership, training and finally sales.

Fourth, he wrote a results-oriented introductory letter to accompany his resume, then researched several Internet job search sites for positions in his areas of expertise and submitted his resume for consideration.

Fifth, for the next six months he reached out, researched, and worked at the business of getting back into business every day.  He made phone calls, sent e-mails, had interviews, and even had offers, but none worthy or worthwhile.

During a visit one day, he told me about a recent interview. He liked them, they liked him, the position was a good one, but one piece was missing – the salary was not in alignment with his experience and his value.  “It’s a great company, and I want my foot in the door,” he had said.  “I’ll even combine positions to make it work, but I won’t compromise my value.”  Aha! I asked if he had presented this to the employer. He said he had, in conversation.  I suggested he offer a written proposal that included position overview, responsibilities, and salary requirements to the employer for consideration. He wrote it, we tweaked it, and hit the send key.

Three days later the offer came – with a higher salary than he had included in his proposal!

Michael’s situation is not unlike many others. Be proactive, look at past experiences for transferrable skills, and tap into your creativity to get what you want.  And most importantly, stay focused on your value as an individual.