DEAR PEP: How do I explain being laid off?

DEAR PEP:
I just found out that I got laid off a couple of hours ago. And here’s my question: I'd been applying for other jobs since November because of my "Devil Wears Prada" boss. One of those companies is a health care industry custom publishing company in town. Had a really, really good phone interview and completed an editing test way before it was due. I told them my current company was kind of on shaky ground and that I was conflicted about all the ad-driven editorial. I emailed them Friday morning, before I found out about our layoffs, under the premise of seeing whether they needed references, etc. They wrote back saying they were still in the interviewing process (if I was out of the running, I figured they might not reply).

The company was going to be hiring several editors and told me they wanted to fill the positions ASAP because they're growing quickly,etc. Would it help or hinder if I emailed them to tell them about the layoffs? Being that I'm local and available immediately, would that work in my favor? Or might they think I'm less competent since I was laid off (even though they knew that there is turmoil within my company)? —Among the newly unemployed

Dear Among: Given that you just emailed them on Friday, I would leave them alone for a while. You already expressed your interest, did well in interviews, and they know you are local and the benefits that means. And, yes, their reply that they are still in the process likely means you are still in the running. I would be aggressive in the pursuit of other opportunities,though. Sadly, right now this is a buyer's market.

Lots of great people have been laid off and most employers understand that, so being out of a job right now really does not mean what it once did.  And, when it is time to talk with a potential employer about your status, simply say, "I was one of 25 laid off at Bonehead Publishing." Don't apologize or overexplain. It's a fact, not a fault.

DEAR PEP: Thanks.  I've been thinking of starting an unemployment blog (there's shockingly few of them it seems) for recently laid off writers, or creatives of any stripe.

A friend and I have often compared the job-seeking process to dating books like "The Rules" and "He's Just Not That Into You." You have to seem interested, but not TOO interested, which leaves you playing hard-to-get. And if the first interview is like the first date, you
have to make a good impression, but you can't pester your date/HR person in following it up. And sometimes you have to do what I just did, which was find somebody to talk me out of sending another email (or text or phone call in the dating realm). Then, getting laid off is the equivalent of getting divorced -- once you're back out there
looking, you've got baggage to disguise.

Hmm...I think I just wrote myself an outline for a self-help book!

Remind me to ask you later how not to burn bridges during a recession.

Need a Job? Check out Drake Media Gigs

A note from members of the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication Junior National Advisory Council:

Looking for a job? Tips on updating your "new media" skills? An opportunity for professional networking? A chance to help Drake journalism students launch their own careers?

The J-School's Jr. National Advisory Council is excited to announce

www.DrakeMediaGigs.Wordpress.com - a forum where we'll be posting career opportunities submitted by members of the Drake alumni family and of the professional media community.

We realized the need for such a site after discussing the frustrations of both job seekers and alumni with job opportunities. It's clear that Drake professionals are out there looking for talented people to hire - both for internships and full-time positions - but don't have an easy way to announce the openings to the Drake journalism community specifically.

We hope to meet that need.

In addition, we will use the site to post job-hunting tips and links to media career resources, as well as information about job fairs, skills workshops and other tools you can use to jump-start your professional lives.

For example, the SJMC is currently planning a series of workshops on campus this spring, aimed both at graduating seniors and area professionals seeking to ensure they have the skills necessary to compete in this challenging media environment.

If you're interested in hearing about these opportunities, simply sign up to receive updates via e-mail by clicking here.

Or via RSS updates by clicking here.
 
It's all free and we won't use your e-mail for any purpose other than to send you updates.

And remember that we're just getting started, so please be patient while we get the word out and work out any kinks as we get the site off the ground. We're also open to ideas, questions and suggestions - submit those to drakemediagigs@gmail.com.

DEAR PEP: How Long Should A Resume Be?

DEAR PEP: When, if ever, is it acceptable for one's résumé to make the jump to a second page? I thought this was a career "don't" in most situations, but I'm currently reviewing résumés for an open position in my company and am surprised by how many two-page résumés I'm seeing! And from people who've been out in the "real world" for less time than I have. Has the standard changed? -Alum who is actually hiring people

Dear Hiring Alum: Yes, the rule had been to keep it to one page and that is still the ideal, but because people move around so much now--sometimes whether they want to or not--you can no longer always get all the job details on one page. Still, employers are in a hurry and more overworked than ever, so don't waste time with filler information. Some tips:

• Get to the point. Include only relevant experience and skills. If you are on your second job, cut the fact that you edited the college magazine.

• There is no need to explain what you did on specific jobs, unless it is unique to the position. An editorial assistant needs no explanation unless you also managed photo shoots or wrote major features. In general, you just need: Employer, job title, dates you were there.

• Full addresses of employers is no longer needed. Just include the city.

• Keep the type size readable. It's better to go to a second page than to cut your type down to 9 pt. Some faces, though, fit more words, so experiment. For example, Garamond goes almost 20 percent farther than Arial. ( I typed an 8-word sentence in both faces at 12 pt. The Arial line was two words longer than the Garamond. Go ahead and critique my math.)

• Don't list references. Say only "references available upon request."

• Your accompanying letter is a vital supplement. This is where you fill in the gaps, add perspective, detail, and personality.  Check my post on writing a letter of application.

• Don't take up precious space with an overblown logo for yourself. Make it comprehensive, clear, and readable.