Coaching Unemployed Managers:

A Guide to Coaching Unemployed Members

The following is an outline of talking points that can be used to assist workers who have recently become unemployed. This will help those who have recently lost their jobs deal with emotions, lifestyle, job hunting, networking and finances that may be overwhelming. Your goal should be to assist your unemployed peers in creating and implementing a plan to put them on the road to a new job and a new attitude.

I. Reconstruct a positive mental attitude and self-pride

A. Do not dwell on the negatives, start picking up the pieces

B. Do not take unemployment personally

C. Do not get angry, do not burn any bridges

D. Take initiative, be courageous asnd take chances

E. Avoid placing blame, maintain a no-fault view of events

F. Ask others for support, express yourself

II. Divert negative stress into positive energy by staying busy and maintaining a daily routine

A. Establish a daily routine that includes designated job search time

B. Accept a temporary job, perhaps with another club to help a colleague through a busy season

C. Begin a good exercise regime including daily workouts

D. Get a hobby and get involved

E. Donate your time to a charity

F. Spend more time with your family, renew old relationships with friends

G. Fix those things in the house that you have been putting off

H. Explore aspects of your environment that you haven't had time for (museums, libraries, attractions, etc.)

III. Spend time researching and implementing job search strategies

A. Utilize all the career resources including the Managerial Openings List (MOL) and Mid Management Career Opportunities list (MMCO), read and take advantage of industry related publications

B. Utilize a Career Guide.

C. Buy books on résumé writing, cover letters and interview skills

D. Obtain newspaper (primarily Sundays) subscriptions from metropolitan areas where you would be willing to relocate

E. Rewrite your résumé and cover letter with help from a friend or a professional

F. Consider hiring an outplacement specialist, consultant or headhunter (Consider the Employment Service Specialist List at CMAA)

IV. Network

A. Attend CMAA meetings and workshops

B. Contact chapter ECS Chairmen and other chapter leaders for guidance and assistance

C. Contact old friends and business associates for potential job leads

D. Obtain the CMAA Employment Service Specialist List (headhunter list)

E. Do not shotgun your résumé, be selective with clubs and headhunters

V. Educate yourself about entitlement, severance pay and finances

A. Contact your attorney if there is possible wrongful termination

B. Apply for unemployment compensation

C. Call former employer and obtain an appointment to discuss additional severance benefits:

salary continuance

health, life and disability benefits

accrued vacation and sick days

un-vested pension money

fee-paid outplacement

temporary office use (coping, typing and secretarial)

D. Plan financially for six months of unemployment

E. Contact a professional financial advisor for planning purposes