#1 – EGO

• Loss of self-esteem, identity, self-worth, and self-concept
• Embarrassment, shame, and “tarnished” image
• Loss of control; feeling “out of control”
• Used to making BIG decisions and having MAJOR impact

SOLUTIONS:

• Keep your “usual life” going (family activities, volunteer, sports, hobbies, etc.)
• Develop/recognize your worth OUTSIDE of the job
• Be open to learning new things and taking small risks
• Recognize the value and power of “baby steps” (doing the right things over and over)
• Ask for support!

#2 – NO RESOURCES/SUPPORT/INFRASTRUCTURE

• Not accustomed to doing all the day-to-day administrative tasks yourself
• Lack some basic habits for details and logistics; organization of tasks, etc.
• Technology impaired
• Must think of everything/burdened with time-consuming planning and activities that used to be handled by support personnel

SOLUTIONS:

• Get over it and get busy
• Learn new behaviors and technical skills
• Leverage technology and basic organizational tools
• Respect and value the small tasks that support the whole process
• Possibly hire someone to assist part-time, or get a volunteer to help with some tasks (friend, family member, etc.)

#3 – HIGH-END JOBS HARD TO FIND OR TO DUPLICATE

• Search takes longer, and frustration can be greater
• Simply less opportunities at this level; sometimes only one or two appropriate positions open in the entire country

SOLUTIONS:

• Expand your scope, consider being more flexible, and possibly relocate
• Consider taking a short-term step back in order to eventually move ahead
• Explore consulting or starting/buying a business
• Be more creative in developing your Target Company List and personal marketing plan

#4 – MAINTAINING HIGH COMPENSATION

• Difficult at all times, but especially tough in a bad economy
• May be a threat to other senior employees

SOLUTIONS:

• Be prepared (job-seekers’ toolkit!)
• Be sure you talk to the right people, i.e., the ultimate decision makers
• Research the target company and talk to contacts for compensation information
• Collect data on actual salary ranges for the type of position you are seeking (salary web sites, industry journals, directories, etc.)
• Do financial planning, including diversifying and developing other income streams
• Seek flexible financial arrangements, such as an equity position, bonus income, or employment contract with bigger upside
• Assume a “partnering” attitude rather than a “take control” attitude
• Be realistic about what you NEED vs. what you WANT
• Downshift your lifestyle to take the pressure off

#5 – REACHING THE APPROPRIATE CONTACTS

• Higher barrier of entry; difficult to get through senior executives’ gatekeepers
• Human Resources is of little or no help

SOLUTIONS:

• Join and participate in executive networking programs, boards of directors, and venture capital groups
• Leverage relationships with search firms and other career contacts
• Use your senior-level references and referrals
• Focus on solutions and the added value you offer
• Call-in favors and get help from senior-level friends and colleagues
• Talk to hiring managers about ways you can help them reach THEIR business goals; positions are often created at this level
• Develop a “Proposal for Service” and quantify the real value of your contributions.......Read complete article at: http://blog.cvwizards.com.ng/?p=309

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