Circumstances happen.

For all mid-career professionals, there comes a time when you ask yourself if you should be looking for a new job. And if the answer is “yes,” what would you do?

Being without a job isn't fun.

Sure, there may be a few weeks of “funemployment,” but after that, finding a job becomes essential because you need money, and you need to pay those bills.

So, if something happened to me and I had to find a new job quickly, here is what I would do.

Step 1: Breathe.

Things happen. They aren’t ideal, but I’d take time to breathe, be calm, and know that I have value, worth, and talents, as well as my marketable and transferrable skills to help me find a new job.

Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty.

Step 2: Get Clear About What Job is Next

Clarity is key in figuring out whatever is next. My next job must align with my strengths and skills so I can add tremendous value wherever I land. Do I want to do the same type of work I had been doing, or do I want to do something different? My career clarity is everything. 

Step 3: Leverage My Network

I would quickly identify 10 people in my network to share what happened, find out if their company is hiring, and see who they know might be a great connection for them. Because I’ve invested in my network and been available to them, I am ready to cash out some energy and see how they can help me. (Even if I hadn’t been growing or fostering my network, I would find a way to support or connect them to someone in my network so that it wouldn’t be all one-sided.)

Step 4: Optimize My Presence

It’s time to get things organized! I would update my resume, make changes to my LinkedIn profile, and ensure all my documents reflect my brand, value, and contributions to attract more hiring managers to who I am and what I do.

Step 5: Tell a Compelling and Effective Story

Whether networking or interviewing, I must tell a compelling story about why I am different and valuable to a new employer. In this job market, I must stand out and be different from my competition.

Step 6: Identify What Else You Need 

What else do I need? That support could include resources, guides, YouTube videos, courses, or one-on-one coaching. Whatever it is, I need to know what I need and figure out how that will help me.

Step 7: Be Relentless in Finding That New Job

I am too valuable to sit on the sidelines. I know my value and worth, and I want to find a company or people who need someone like me on their team.

That’s what I would do.

Remember, how you SHOW UP matters.

Want to know how to work with me?

Click here to download my free guides, including the Mid-Career Job Seekers Checklist and How to Answer Five of the Toughest Interview Questions.

Check out my online courses, including “A Simple Five-Step Strategy to CRUSH Your Next Interview” and “From Career Crossroads to Career Clarity: A Step-By-Step Guide for Finding Your Sweet Spot at Mid-Career.” Click here to learn more.

If you want to dig deeper into your leadership and career journey, I invite you to schedule a Leadership/Career Strategy Session here. This is a 45-minute, one-on-one session with me where I’ll coach you on anything related to your job search, leadership presence, or whatever you want coaching on now. This is a special offer for new customers/clients. Click here to learn more.