For some, one of the most trying aspects of a period of unemployment is tackling questions about your career and your current situation with grace. It doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re newly unemployed, the first few times you’re faced with the question will feel awkward, but you’ll learn from the experience. Take a couple of minutes to think through some responses to ensure that such questions won’t be a continued source of angst.
There’s a great article in today’s Washington Post that addresses just that, with real-world examples from recent job seekers and ways to tackle commonly asked questions, including spot-on advice from one of my colleagues in the careers space, Laura Labovich. If this is a current frustration for you, I think you’ll find the article a great read.
The most important thing to remember is that your value as a person and as a professional is not tied up in your current employment situation. Transitioning through a period of unemployment will help you to realize and accept that. You still have the same qualifications, the same strengths, and the same value as you did when you employed one, two, or three months ago. The only difference is that you’re in a period of transition to see where your career will take you next – and when seen in the right light, that’s a good – no, a great – thing!
