You Don't Need to Confess You are Unemployed

When you are introducing yourself to someone new it is not necessary to include the phrase "I've been laid off" or something similar within the first few seconds of your elevator pitch. 

Perhaps it is instinct that is directing you to "confess" this information. Perhaps you feel the need to be honest, or maybe it makes you feel better.  No matter the reason, please don't do it, for your own good.

Including your employment status in your pitch is irrelevant to what you want in the future.  Sharing this information too early neither makes you look more interesting nor talented.  It may conjure up other thoughts in the listener's mind that would be distracting from your core message.  Thoughts such as:

"poor thing, this is a terrible time to be unemployed"
"wonder what they did that got them laid off"
"how are they ever going to find a job right now"
"wow, it stinks to be you"

Those distracting thoughts can get in the way of the listener being able to help you.  Sure, empathy is a wonderful thing, but that's not the help you want from most people.  (That's why you have friends, family and a support network).

The other thing to know is that many employed people are looking for new jobs right now too.  They don't start a conversation with someone they don't know by saying "I hate my job and I'm looking for a new one", or at least they shouldn't. 

You don't have to be unemployed to be looking for a job or to change careers.  There are many factors that lead to someone looking for new work.  Especially today, more and more talented people have learned that they should always be prospecting their next job/career move.  Certainly they don't confess that up front. 

Focus instead on why you are great at what you do and what makes you different and memorable.  Summarize the value you have you added to organizations you have worked with.  Remember, this is a marketing campaign, you want to create a distinct brand and message that will catch attention for the right reasons, you are talented at what you do!

Comments

[Career Sherpa]

Deborah: Thanks for your insight. It is tough to be let go from a job you enjoyed or a job you didn't want to leave. I like your recommendation for people to find a buddy who they can vent, lean and count on. As emotional as this unemployed roller coaster can be, it does not serve the job seeker well to wear their emotions on their sleeves. Take it from Deborah, she's got a positive, "can do" attitude. It's contagious.

[deborah mourey]

Some people wear their unemployment like a tons of bricks.

When I'm networking with them, these people tell me at great lengeth, all about how and why they left their last job. I want to and am willing to help but I ask that each of us think about our frame of mind. I suggest that an out of work person get a 'buddy' someone you can talk to (complain to), someone who is walking in your shoes. Then when you talk to your family and others; you are in a positive frame of mind.
It's hard to lose your job; no one is happy about it. But this is happening to lots of people all over the country. So I ask you to process what happened to you in whatever way you need to and then get a positive attitude.
When I am working with groups of job seekers on how to use social media, there are often 1 or 2 people who say at the very start of the session that twitter is a waste of time and "they're never going to use it." They have made up their minds before they understand what the tools are. They are often the people with the worst attitude and think someone 'did them wrong.'

When I was looking for work I would tell people that I was unemployed and I would follow that with, "and I love it," (and I meant it). Being unemployed means meeting new people, looking for opportunities and ways to help other people. The more I help others, the less I worry about what might happen tomorrow and focus on today.
With so many people out of work, it just doesn't matter why any of us left our last jobs. It only matters what skills I bring to my next opportunity. Thanks for the post Hannah. Wonderful as always.

[Career Sherpa]

SG, thanks for your comment. I am glad you agree. I agree with what've you've said too. It is important to let people know how they can help or what information you need. However, you do not need to tell them that you are unemployed. Saying that "you are looking" is great. FYI, you don't have to be unemployed to be looking...

[SG]

I agree with your post; however, with so many people doing such a good job at branding themselves it is sometimes difficult to determine who is looking and who is employed.

Often times when you make it clear there are a lot of people out there (the problem solving type) who start thinking of ways to be of assistance.

When your status is not clear to these individuals (problem solvers) believe that their help is not needed or wanted; therefore, it is not offered. I believe the key is to let people know what you are looking for without appearing desperate.