Business
Business

Tips from Roswell trainers: First steps if you lose your job

By Matt Kempner
Jan 29, 2016

Face it: the business world is changing so fast, few people can afford to think their job will be safe for years to come.

So what to do if you get laid off? Twice each month, hundreds of job seekers hunt for tips from workshops at Roswell United Methodist Church, which offers one of metro Atlanta's biggest job networking programs.

Here are some quick tips from Jay Litton, a volunteer who has helped lead RUMC’s program for nearly two decades.

— Know what you want. Nothing drags out a search more than not being specific about what job and company you’re targeting.

— Empower others to help by being able to tell them in 10 seconds or less what you are seeking.

— Find someone who knows someone (possibly through LinkIn) at the place you want to find job. Ask them to ask the hiring manager to give your resume a second look. It’s subtle enough that they aren’t risking their credibility.

— Seek to be the most prepared, most passionate person who is qualified or trainable for the job. "Wow" hiring managers.

— Attend job networking groups. Visit industry and topic specific Meet Ups to get an inside track.

ExploreFor more on RUMC’s program and to see insights from the program’s volunteers, check out my latest Unofficial Business column on myAJC.com.

About the Author

Matt Kempner is an award-winning journalist who seeks out intriguing twists about people and subjects beyond what the AJC might typically cover. A former columnist and editor, his past assignments have included business investigations, energy, the economy, entrepreneurs, big business, consumer spending, politics, government and the environment.

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