The Working World

C.E.O.’s—They’re Just Like Us!

You may have a hard time sympathizing with top executives who are now out of work. But getting laid off is tough, no matter how much power and income your old job afforded you. A great little piece in yesterday’s New York Times focused on canned executives who are searching for new positions. Unlike most of us, they have big severance packages and their companies paid for a top-notch outplacement service that gives them free lunches and views of Boston as well as expert advice. But their experience offers a few lessons for everyone:

• Just because you were a big shot doesn’t mean it’s any easier to find a job. One source claims it’s harder.

• Active networking is essential, no matter how successful you have been. Mark Gorham, a former VP at HP said,  “I sat around thinking someone will realize how great I am and call me out of the blue.” He had to learn how to reach out to contacts.

• Even senior executives can feel weird calling old colleagues to ask for advice.

• Everyone worries about money. “Last night I sat with my wife and we looked at our finances,” said Greg Sam, a former vice president for Millipore. “My philosophy is, be aware of it, manage it, but don’t get obsessed by it — that’s not doing myself or family any good.”

• Everyone struggles with resumes. Sam’s job coach advised him to cut his resume from five pages to three, and get rid of some bullet points.

Tags: CEOs, job-hunting, The Unemployed Life