A Long-Awaited Update

Let me first apologize for my delinquency in updating this blog. I need to be more regimented in my postings.

My last posting ended on a sorrowful note. Today's posting is filled with promise...at least from my perspective. Although I have yet to find new employment, I have been working closely with an outplacement service (LHH) that was provided by my former employer for a six-month period.

LHH has been such a valuable resource. They have a complete online division, so I can take advantage of all that they have to offer without the need for traveling to one of their locations. I have been attending at least one teleconference daily, which discusses topics that help me focus on my job search endeavors...from resumes, cover letters, and professional statements, to the importance of networking and perparing for interviews. They also subscribe to various databases, for example, D&B and Hoovers, so that we can readily research businesses and hone in on those that interest us.

I can't say enough about LHH. They provide support, motivation, and hope. All good things. The only bad thing I can say is that their resources are so great, it can all be a bit overwhelming. I need to remind myself to slow down a bit, perhaps attend fewer teleconferences during the week and focus more time on completing the complementary workbook assignments. It doesn't all have to be done at once. As much as I want to again be on a company's payroll, I need to sit back, take a deep breath, and become more prepared in order to give me that needed "edge" in the market place.

So much has changed since I last searched for a job 14 years ago. Networking is the key. LHH says to rely heavily on LinkedIn, as most professionals search that website when trying to locate candidates. LHH says that not only is it vital to build your professional network, but it is also vital to receive recommendations from those networkers. So last Friday, I focused on inviting people to join my network on LinkedIn and I requested a recommendation from a former manager (who is also a dear friend of mine...not that our relationship would skew her judgment at all). More recommendations are needed, however, and I will peruse my network list for additional requests.

In addition to my time spent with LHH these past two weeks, I enrolled in an online learning institution in pursuit of an associate's degree in Web Design and Interactive Media. It's a two-year program, but I suspect some of my credits earned from my Bachelor's Degree in Journalism will transfer. I think the degree will be a nice complement to my current skills as a technical writer, and will help me stand out among the unemployed masses during my job search.

I look forward to learning new talents and keeping my brain active. Not only will the new training let future employers know that I'm keeping up with current technologies (thus, keeping me young at heart) in attempt to provide added value to their organization, but an active brain also helps to keep alzheimers at bay...at least that's what various articles tell me, which is also why I eat plenty of blueberries...but I digress.

I still have much to do to prepare myself for my future career path, but it's all good and I feel positive about the prospects.