I've been here for 24 years. How do I even start looking for a new job if I'm laid off? I haven't interviewed in more than two decades. I'm scared to even think how much things have changed. I wouldn't know where to start.
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Focus on your external network. You will not, especially after 24 years in one place given your age and assumed salary, find a job on LinkedIn or the job boards. You have to use your network. Part of what ki-led me in my search (similar years, similar assumed age, etc.) was my whole network was TIAA. Did me zero good out on the real world where the TIAA names carries little to no weight.
Take stock in what you are good at and what you consider your strengths and weaknesses. Think of what makes you unique. That's a start in creating your elevator pitch. Consider the interview as a conversation about a job and practice what you say about yourself.Listen to the question and answer it as succinctly as possible.
Good luck!
@OP - you start by taking small steps. The job search and interview process is very different nowadays, but the good thing is, you are taking the first step in seeking help and reaching out. Ignore the trolls and rodents here. Working for 24 years at one company demonstrates that you are loyal, stable and you show up and persevere through the ups and downs of a changing company.
1) Gather a list of your accomplishments and write them down. Companies are most interested in what you've done the last 10 years. If you have metrics to support your projects, document them. They will be good to use on your resume and when sharing stories about your work at TIAA. Go through your folders and emails looking for interesting projects you may have overlooked. Ask ChatGPT or your AI of choice what metrics are strong to show in your role. Your colleagues may have some good metrics too on some of your shared projects.
2) Find your current job description or descriptions if you can. If you see a role you want to apply for, upload your job description and then upload that role, and ChatGPT will help you find the similarities to position your resume.
3) Update your resume. Consider finding a professional. At the top of your resume should have a 2 - 3 sentence professional summary of who you are and then a short list of skills (such as 9-12). This top portion of your resume changes and is customized for each position you apply to. I ended up with multiple resumes depending on the role I was applying to (highlighting certain projects or skills I have that align with the position)
4) Update your LinkedIn profile and make sure to build your network. Start connecting with people you know as soon as possible. You may want to hire someone to help you optimize your profile.
5) Stay optimistic - people genuinely do want to help you, and are flattered by it. There are so many people who left TIAA for various reasons - we are all out here at different companies and competitors. Reach out to former employees for tips, positive coaching or to learn about the company they now work at and any opportunities they may know about. Reach out to them if you see a job posted at their company you are interested in, and they may refer you.
- 6) Look for jobs on LinkedIn. Think about all of the different companies that TIAA works with or competes against. Apply for jobs in which you are 75 - 80% right for. Most likely, you won't check all of the boxes and that is okay. Don't use "Easy Apply" - it doesn't work. Apply within 48 hours the job is posted, if possible. You will most likely have more success applying for on-site or hybrid roles vs. remote ones. There are also many posts and job groups that give recommendations on interviewing, and ask ChatGPT for questions an interviewer might ask of the role. Subscribe to LinkedIn Learning - I'm sure they have many courses on that and others.
7) Write those thank you emails after your interview! Makes a difference and is expected.
The interview process is longer these days, but keep going at it, stay positive, don't overdo your day (apply to 2-3 applications per day and customize), research the company before the interview and persevere. You'll get another job!
24 years is a great accomplishment. However, I understand your apprehension towards having to interview for a new job. The reality is our leadership has not carry the same values as previous ones, and some choices made have not been prudent. Make the most of it right now take advantage of the resources you have when it comes to acquiring job skills work on making yourself marketable, take advantage of the tuition reimbursement program. At worst case you’ve acquired additional skills and potentially set yourself up for either a promotion or hopefully if they still exist, a raise. I wish you all the success.
@c5 Jesus Christ they were speaking about interviewing and the actual job search. That's a whole skillset in itself and if you haven't done it for awhile, it can be quite daunting/intimidating. Also, if it's been 24 years, they are probably older than 45/50 and ageism is starting to come into play which creates a whole other set of issues. Don't be an a$$...everyone is just trying to navigate the current environment
@cp talking skill like SC***Y has
looks like you are not competent for any job. You are in TIAA for your connection and historical knowledge. You are very common TIAA face without knowlege.
What you’re saying is you didn’t do jack squat to upgrade your skills in 24 fu--ing years maybe cuz you had an easy job and coasted like it’s adult day care. You’re what is wrong with corporate America.
If you have been at TIAA 24 years you should have a nice chunk in retirement savings.
Save at a high level during uncertain times.
No job is safe. Don’t be fooled thinking otherwise.
Keep a healthy size emergency fund in case of job loss or to take time finding a new job.
“If” you get laid off? Sounds like you’re getting worked up about something that may never happen. But if you do get laid off you will receive a severance which includes a 90 day access to a third party employment assistance program where they will help you write a resume and practice interview skills.
Just be yourself and think about how to describe the real value of the things you know and have learned. I know it's scary, but other places will value your skills. You may not get the first position you interview for, but making a change from a bad situation will be best in the long run. Be confident, be flexible and you will look back on this time as a huge gowth experience personally and professionally.
Yes....I agree. My last interview was 6 years ago, before that 10....before that 10....so its really hard. I was fortunate, I had a quick phone, two days later in person, that afternoon an offer. Because I kept my skills updated, stayed relevant to the industry I'm in.
My suggestion? Spin up on AI. Use it for mock interviews as well as understanding how it can be used to enhance your skill set.
I'm a little under 4 years till retirement. I make the most of it each day. And grateful for a job.