In career
management, we frequently hear seekers use negative, self-labeling words. Many
of these choices can have a dulling impact on the listener, especially at a
time when seekers need to differentiate themselves as being exceptional. These
negative terms are akin to taking target practice on yourself.
Here’s a review
of the stale terms that seekers commonly use as they attempt to land new roles;
alongside suggestions for more helpful language choices:
I was downsized: An organization may have been merged,
divested, redesigned, outsourced or automated resulting in the separation of
employees. But never will any human be physically “downsized.” Wouldn’t it be
better to declare a personalized, future-oriented target? An example might be: “I
have targeted (next role) within (organization)." Affirming a chosen career path
positions you as that rare find—someone who is working with a defined plan.
This gives an interested organization the opportunity to size up its future
plans against you as the seeker’s declared targets.
I lost my job: Really? How do you lose or misplace a
job? Being released from a job is not a sin. Instead of emphasizing loss, try
affirming a clearly chosen future such as: “I am pursuing work as (role) with
(organization).” Affirmative statements will spark curious inquiry about your
forward-moving direction and shift the focus from loss to potential gain.
They offered me outplacement: Professional outplacement can provide
useful support, but these services are best used as a wisely supportive, silent
partner. Describing your career status using this terminology suggests being on
the receiving end of change. In fact, Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the
term “outplacement” as “the process of easing unwanted or
unneeded executives out of a company by providing company-paid assistance.” Rather
than talking about outplacement, try leading with language that is reflective
of a person who has assessed and defined a healthy career path. This, in turn,
will prompt listeners to ask questions focused on your future.
When
self-marketing, a clear, proactive and targeted statement will certainly get
you further than: “I lost my job when the firm downsized and so they provided
outplacement.” Keep the focus on the work you want with the firm(s) you have
targeted.
Try
affirming your future rather than shooting self-inflicted arrows at your past. Your aim will pay much greater
dividends.
*Image by renjithkrishnan@freedititalphotos.net
