It's been 23 years since Jeanne Hellman had to look for work. But that all changed on March 3rd.

"There's no stigma associated with being laid off," she said at a United Way ‘Ready to Work program.' "It's happening at every level of every-size company - everywhere."

The marketing professional lost her job with Nortel in last month. On Friday, she was one of two dozen who came to Durham to take park in the United Way workshop that focused on getting noticed.

"A lot of people use this as an opportunity to say - oh my gosh - now I can go after what I've always wanted to do," said Stefanie Zizzo, a Career and Life Coach who spoke at the workshop. "When you're not waiting - results come."

Zizzo told the group they need to ask themselves questions when they start networking to find work:

• Define who you are: your purpose, values, passion, gifts, strength, qualities and accomplishments.
• Decide how you want to be perceived: as a leader, a doer, a problem solver, a resource, a skilled technician.
• Determine if your actions fit: how well does your behavior align with your values, strengths, passions and the way in which you would like to be perceived? If there is any disconnect, what needs to change?
• Clarify what you want: your intention in getting noticed, known and connected. Why is it important to you? What do you hope to gain?
• Identify who you want to connect with.
• She also said jobseekers should create a mission. Develop your own 30 second infomercial in your mind detailing what you do, how you do it so you will feel right talking about it to a complete stranger.
• Define your image.
• Become ‘the authority' in a specialized area within your career.
• She said that social networking sites are a good starting point, but don't rely on them altogether. Get out. Attend networking events and seminars.

There are more upcoming session on Fridays from 10:00 to noon:

May 1, 2009
Understanding the Business Environment: NC Industry and Occupations
Presenter: NC ESC Labor Market Information

May 8, 2009
Communicating and Competing in the Multi-Generational Workplace
Presenter: Dr. Lynda Aiman-Smith, NCSU Associate Professor/Management

May 15, 2009
Researching Your Prospect
Presenters: Bryan Hamilton, Triangle Business Journal Director of Marketing and Circulation

May 29, 2009
Assess and Leverage Your Behavior/Leadership Style
Presenter: Bob Moore, CMC and Author Turning Good People Into Top Talent

June 5, 2009
Recruiters SME Panel - Recruiting Process, Getting Noticed, question and answer session

Related Links

1. Stefanie Zizzo, Career & Life Coach