Navigating a Job Loss: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

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Let’s be real—times are tough, and the job market is more competitive than ever. If you’re on the hunt for a new opportunity, you’re definitely not alone. Losing a job can feel overwhelming, but here’s the good news—it can also be a fresh start. Instead of seeing it as a setback, think of it as a chance to pause, reflect, and take control of your next move.

So, what’s next? 🤔 Should you upskill and aim for a better position? Or maybe it’s time to switch things up and explore a new industry? Whatever path you choose, here are some practical steps to help you land your next role faster!

1️⃣ Take a Step Back & Reflect

First things first—give yourself a moment to breathe. It’s easy to jump into panic mode, but taking time to reflect on your next move will make your job search more focused and effective.

🔹 Want to grow in your current field? Look into certifications or new skills to help you stand out.
🔹 Thinking about switching industries? Research where your transferable skills could take you! You might have more options than you think.

2️⃣ Refresh That Resume

Now that you have a direction, it’s time to update your resume!

🔹 Highlight your most relevant skills and achievements—make sure they align with the jobs you’re aiming for.
🔹 Use numbers and results to show the impact you made in previous roles. Instead of saying, “Managed a team,” try “Led a team of 10 and increased productivity by 20%.” It makes a huge difference!
🔹 Keep it concise and easy to read—recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning each resume.

3️⃣ Update Your LinkedIn & Get Noticed

Next, let’s talk about LinkedIn. In today’s job market, your LinkedIn profile is just as important as your resume (if not more)!

🔹 Make sure your profile is polished and up-to-date with a strong headline and summary.
🔹 Start engaging! Comment, share, and interact with posts from companies and professionals in your industry. The more active you are, the more visible you become!
🔹 Follow employers you’re interested in and showcase your expertise by sharing valuable insights.

4️⃣ Tap Into Your Network

Now is the time to reconnect with people you’ve worked with over the years. It might feel a little awkward at first, but trust me—it’s worth it!

🔹 Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry connections—you never know who might have a lead on a great opportunity.
🔹 Let people know you’re looking! So many jobs come from referrals and recommendations rather than just online applications.

5️⃣ Get Out There & Network!

Speaking of connections, attending networking events is a great way to meet new people in your field.

🔹 Look for industry events, Chamber of Commerce meetups, and virtual networking sessions.
🔹 Even if you’re not actively job searching, networking helps you stay on people’s radar for future opportunities.

Keep Learning & Stay Open to Opportunities!

At the end of the day, career success isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about staying curious, learning, and being ready for what’s next. Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them!

💬 So, what’s your next move? Are you upskilling or exploring a career change?

Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your next career move! 👇

#Newjob #CareerGlowUp #JobSearchTips #NetworkingMatters #KeepGrowing

Job Searching Got You Stuck? Here’s How Creativity and Persistency Can Open Doors

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Job searching can be tough, but here’s the thing – your resume is your ticket to landing that all-important interview. It’s the first step in showing potential employers why you’re the perfect fit, so getting it right is a big deal.

Let me tell you a story from my own job search days that might help you see how a little creativity and persistence can really pay off. This was back when we actually printed resumes and handed them in person – and yes, the type of paper you used could actually make or break your chances! It’s a bit old-school, but the point still stands.

When I graduated from high school, I had my heart set on working at Red Lobster (no real reason why – I just knew I wanted to). I printed my resume on nice, quality paper, made sure to highlight all my skills and experience, and dropped it off at Red Lobster. I did this… ten times. Ten! And every single time, I didn’t hear anything back. Frustrating, right?

But instead of giving up, I decided to get creative. I revamped my resume and turned it into a menu. My skills became appetizers, my work experience was the main course, and my volunteering? That was the dessert. I also made sure to hand it directly to the manager each time. And guess what? Finally, I got the call for an interview!

The moral of the story? Sometimes all it takes is a little consistency, a touch of creativity, and making small adjustments to your approach. Job searching isn’t easy, but if you trust the process and stay persistent, you’ll get there. Keep tweaking, stay positive, and don’t give up – the right opportunity is out there!

Customize Your Resume for Each Job
Just like I turned my resume into a menu to stand out, you need to tweak yours to match each job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experience that align with the role, use keywords from the job description, and make it clear why you’re the perfect fit. Small adjustments can make a big impact!

 Keep Applying, Keep Learning
If I had stopped after my first rejection at Red Lobster, I never would have landed that interview. The same goes for your job search—keep applying, but also reflect on what you can improve each time. Maybe it’s your resume, your cover letter, or how you’re presenting yourself in interviews. Treat every application as a chance to refine your approach.

 Think Outside the Box
A standard resume works, but creativity can make you stand out. Consider how you can showcase your skills in a way that grabs attention—whether it’s a unique portfolio, a video introduction, or an eye-catching LinkedIn profile. Find a way to bring your personality into the process.

 Make Connections That Matter
Just like I made sure to hand my resume directly to the manager, you should take every opportunity to network. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and don’t be afraid to ask for informational interviews. A personal connection can open doors that job applications alone can’t.

 Stay Positive and Keep Adapting
Job searching can be frustrating (trust me, I know!), but persistence is everything. If something isn’t working, switch it up—try a different resume format, reach out to new contacts, or explore different industries. Keep going, stay flexible, and trust that the right opportunity is coming your way.

 Final Thoughts
Remember, job searching isn’t just about sending out resumes—it’s also about staying proactive, creative, and open to new opportunities. And you don’t have to do it alone! If you need support, consider working with a career coach to fine-tune your approach and boost your chances of success.

I’d love to hear from you – leave a comment below, like, and subscribe for more tips and strategies.

Are these techniques working for you? Or do you have other winning strategies you’ve implemented in your job search?

When we share our knowledge, we empower and inspire one another. Let’s continue to learn from each other as we navigate the job search together!

The Job Market is Changing—Are You Ready?

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We’ll get you there!

It’s been a while since I last posted, and in that time, the job market has continued to evolve at a rapid pace. AI is here to stay, reshaping industries and the way companies hire. The economic downturn has led to layoffs, hiring freezes, and shifting employer expectations. Political uncertainty—both locally and globally—continues to influence labor laws, immigration policies, and job security. On top of that, new workplace trends, from the rise of skills-based hiring to the growing demand for hybrid and flexible work, are redefining what it means to build a sustainable career.

One thing remains constant: adaptability and staying ahead of trends is key. Whether you’re actively job searching, thinking about a career move, or simply wanting to future-proof your skills, staying ahead of these trends is critical to your success. So, what’s happening right now, and how can you stay competitive?

In the next few posts, we will dive into these key topics

  • The Rise of Skills-Based Hiring – Employers are focusing more on skills than job titles. Do you have the right ones?
  • AI in Job Search – How applicant tracking systems and AI-driven hiring impact your resume.
  • Networking Still Matters – Why building connections is more critical than ever in a shifting job market.
  • Remote & Hybrid Work Trends – How companies are redefining flexibility in 2025.
  • Your Next Steps – Actionable tips to boost your career momentum.

I’m excited to get back to sharing career insights with you!

What’s been your biggest career challenge lately?

Would you like me to refine this or add any specific themes?

Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you

How To Work Your Network?

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Start By Mapping Your Network

People are a very important component of someone’s career.  It’s the thread on our career quilt, without it the quilt would not exist.

“The successful networkers I know, the ones receiving tons of referrals and feeling truly happy about themselves, continually put the other person’s needs ahead of their own.” — Bob Burg

Yes, networking is not about you, it’s about the people you meet at an event, workshop, work, the grocery store and so on. It is also about the people you know and deal with on a more regular basis and who we often forget to include in our plans.

Let's Break It down

Here are a few tips on how to work a network:

  1. Write down your goal
  2. Jot down all the people you know in your network who can help you achieve this goal. Add their names and the type of relationship you have with them
  3. Map it out – Use a diagram, it helps
  4. Analyze your network map. Can you identify gaps in your network?  Who are the people you should connect with to help you achieve your goal? Where do these people meet, hangout, etc? Don’t forget online tools like LinkedIn
  5. Write up your “pitch” – How will you talk about your goal when asked the question “why are you attending this event”
  6. Practice it – In front of a mirror, with a friend, by yourself.  Believe me, it works
  7. Connect – Attend the event or connect online
  8. Follow-up – If you are attending an event, collect business cards.  On the card write the follow-up action.  Shortly after the event, follow-up (include action item)
  9. Keep in touch – Set a reminder in your calendar to connect with the person periodically

In networking, it’s very important to have an open mind and to not act needy.  People are not attracted to needy people.  Remember you are not focused on your goals, you are helping people achieve their goals.  Think about it…..if everyone’s goal is to help the person they meet, than logically, everyone will get what they wish and achieve the outcome they set out to accomplish.

Thanks for visiting!  Don’t forget to like, share and follow Career Quilting.

I would love to see your networking map and to hear from you. So, comment and let’s connect.

 

What is this blog about?

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I have created this blog to talk about careers, the workforce and the ever changing labour market.  There will be focused discussions in the areas of industry trends, jobs and entrepreneurship.  We will talk about the skills and competencies needed to succeed in today’s workplace.  There will be opportunities to voice your experiences and ask questions. This is a space for thought leaders to connect in conversation and story telling.

Hand with marker writing, Skill concept

Career Quilting is the way I explain careers to my clients.  Many are afraid of starting because it sounds so final and overwhelming and so, they stress over it.  What they don’t know (well they do now – lol) is that a career is not that first professional job after graduation.  It’s the journey of a lifetime of jobs, people, building skills, connecting, learning and improving one’s abilities.  Like a quilt every square has a story and at retirement we look back and see the final product of our career.

I look forward to connecting with you every Wednesday!

Gisela

 

Here is to a new chapter of my career!

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pexels-photo-1841507

I’ve wanted to blog for while now.  I think it is a very cool way to express yourself, engage with an audience and impact someone’s life.

Fear of being judged, of my writing skills, of not succeeding and so many other reasons – the list is long – stopped me from taking action. Today, I decided that fear was not getting the better of me and that I would take a step forward to write a new chapter of my career.

I invite you to join me in this new journey and that together we can shape this Career Quilting blog!

Gisela