HOUSTON – ln recent months there have been multiple businesses and corporations in the Houston area announcing layoffs. The sudden loss of employment from various sectors has impacted hardworking individuals at all levels.
In a CNBC report from last week, the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas reported more than 108,000 layoffs for January, the highest mark since 2009.
“It’s a rough market out there right now. More layoffs are coming, some have just been announced,” said Houston employment expert Trish Ruff-Cunningham.
Technology and the economy is what is creating layoffs according to Emanuel. Aside form the national numbers seeing an uptick, the Texas Workforce Commission’s number of layoffs year-over-year are also on the rise.
What are the tips to find a job when on the sidelines?
“Your resume should not look like a job description,” said Marilyn Emanuel owner of Marilyn’s Coaching Solutions. Emanuel, who focuses on helping executives with experience bolster their careers or find new opportunities, added, “It should be like, here is what I’ve done previously and I can quantify those results and here is what I will do for you Mr. Potential Employer.”
Emanuel’s best piece of advice? “The best piece of advice is going to be basically that you must project and communicate your value.”
“I encourage everyone to get out there, press the flesh make sure you are meeting people and utilize your networks in the best sense of the word utilize and make sure you are asking for referrals,” said Trish Ruff-Cunningham the owner of Ruff Hires.
When KPRC 2 News asked if she provides that advice to anybody whether they are applying for a restaurant position or to be an executive inside of an office space, Ruff-Cunningham did not hesitate.
“I would give this advice to anyone looking to make a career move or who has been laid off and is looking to get their next career opportunity because quite frankly you don’t know where you are going to meet the next person that is going to change your life,” she said.