thrive in your career transition

Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter

Losing your job may feel like it’s gone under you, an overwhelming event that profoundly shakes your self and your future feelings. It’s not just a professional setback; it can be a profound emotional blow, like going through five stages of sadness: denial, anger, bargaining, frustration and acceptance. This profound turmoil can almost feel the body, as many people who need treatment and antidepressants after being fired.

But if that tough moment could actually be a The catalyst is better, even transformative? Today, our mission draws on Ken’s powerful story and strategic insights to achieve career transitions, but a true roadmap Prosperous. It’s not just about finding any job; it’s about re-control, spinning better things, and finding opportunities hidden in the challenge.

Straightforward: The Basics of Rehabilitation

Before studying practical strategies, Ken emphasized the key first steps: Keep your head straight. This is easier said than done, because anyone who has experienced unemployment knows it is a battle.

• Embrace the “next play” mentality: Inspired by Duke’s basketball coach Coach K, Ken advised that once you do things, you will keep moving forward, for better or worse. The “why” of your loss of job is not important in the end; what matters is “what is next?”. Despite Ken’s dismissal, Ken still did what he did, and despite Ken’s self-hit, it was a huge step forward.
• Behave like: Creating a positive mindset doesn’t mean feeling magically positive overnight. Instead, it’s about Convincing yourself that your next, better job is already there waiting for you. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy, you start to believe it and act like it is.
• Practice self-sympathy: We often draw out friends who have lost their jobs to remind them of their achievements and value, but work hard to do the same for ourselves. Challenge negative internal voices. Talking those negative thoughts loudly can often reveal how ridiculous they sound, reducing their power. Give yourself the same beliefs as your best friend.
• Power posture: Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk (TED Talk) is popular, and one of Ken’s surprising but practical tips is to use Power Poses. As tall and open as Wonder Woman, it takes only two minutes to increase confidence-connected testosterone and stress-connected cortisol. Ken used this even before the interview, and while it doesn’t guarantee the job, it certainly boosted his confidence.
• Self-worth is internal: For 25 years, Ken’s identity has been closely related to Johnson & Johnson. Losing this job is deep because it feels like losing yourself. The core information is Believe in yourself; you are more important than the previous job title. Your self-worth must be internal.

This confidence is the cornerstone of Ken’s strategic framework: Trust success model. Inspired by J&J’s Credo, the creed prioritizes customers, then employees, then the community, Ken asserts Trust is the foundation of all good relationships, so success. Whether you are actively looking for a job or working hard in your current role, this model is universally applicable.

Trust Success Model: Your Resilience Roadmap

The trust model is divided into five feasible parts: tLazy, rEsults, youhave no idea, shint and tEAMS.

t – Transparency: Understand your own outgoing

Transparency is coming soon Seriously reflect on yourself and look inward After unemployment or after considering changes.

• Determine your passion and strengths: Ask yourself: What job do I really like? What skills really attracted me? Am I growing up alone or leading a team? Do I like working remotely or in the office?
• Record your impact: More than just listing past successes; understand Why You are very successful. What is your actual impact? What did you do to make a difference? Carefully documenting this record not only provides material for your resume and interviews, but also powerfully rebuilds your confidence so that you can feel your value from your feelings.
• Reassess your desires: Transparency also means knowing your true desires, like Ken did when he realized that the promotion he once wanted would not bring him happiness. This self-awareness leads to a completely new, fulfilling path.

R – Results: Make your value undeniable

In a world where recruiters scan in just a few seconds, you need to figure out those seconds.

• “Full Test” resume: Imagine folding the first page of your resume horizontally. Is that first half telling your story enough to make someone want to keep reading or even pick up the phone? Use one A powerful summary of the early stage, then achieved three major career victories, and then clearly articulated key skills.
• Modernize your existence: Beware of elements that may date you, such as an old email address. Make sure your LinkedIn URL is customized and clean. Applicant tracking systems often struggle with photos on resumes, and some companies avoid them due to prejudice issues.
• Focus on achievement, not just responsibility: Your bullet points must Screaming results. Use phrases such as “cause”, “cause” or “implement X”. Quantify as much as possible (e.g., “15% increase in sales”, “$50K cut costs”). Even qualitative results, such as “improving team morale” or “simplifying critical processes”, highlight your positive impact.

U – Understand: Master your digital footprint

Since 75-80% of the work is achieved through the web, your online presence, especially LinkedIn, is crucial for the right people.

• LinkedIn as a search engine: Think of your LinkedIn profile as a search engine for your career. Fill it Keywords (e.g., “Project Manager”, “Digital Marketing Expert”) in your title and summary. Active by likes, comments, and share content.
• Optimize your profile: Your pictures should be professional and real. Your title is the main keyword Real Estate, and the first few lines of the “About” section are crucial to forcing people to click “See More”. Including achievements, your work, and always Call Action.
• Strategic Network: Do not send random connection requests. Connect with people in the target company or industry and then interact thoughtfully with their content. This creates visibility, rapport and can lead to introductions or internal information.
• Nail virtual interaction: With virtual interviews, you can demonstrate your ability to work remotely, manage time and use technology comfortably. Professional video images convey a strong message.
• Consider video resume: In the LinkedIn featured section, a short one-minute video can be a big difference. It allows you to introduce yourself, show your personality and show communication skills to make you stand out.

S – Simplified: Conquer Interview

The interview is stressful, but Before the battle begins, prepare to win. Ken mentioned his grandson: “The victorious warrior won first and then joined the war.”

• Three PS: Preparation, Practice, Practice:
  • Prepare: Deep in-depth research on companies (Google News, website, press release). Research your interviewers on LinkedIn to find common ground. Don’t let age discrimination fear paralyze you; focus on being the best candidate this Work.
  • practice: Say your answer loudly. This can help you catch the awkward wording and solidify your answers.
• Pin your open and close: People remember the first and last thing you said the most (primary effect). Start with a Strong, concise brand statement– Ken calls it “Hello Art of Hello” – 10 words or less, such as “I’m a project manager who provides projects on time and under budget.” Powerfully shut down by reaffirming your enthusiasm and reminding them of their key value propositions: You are the one who can solve problems or achieve goals.
• Star method with “So What”: For your story, use the Star method (case, task, action, result). Ken added the fifth key element: “so what.” Clearly reconnect your story to their needs and explain how relevant it relies to the challenges they face. There are 5-10 solid stellar stories to adapt to.

T – Team: Build your support network

Quarantine is the enemy of the unemployed. Your network is your lifeline, making connections crucial, and job searches are more effective.

• Start with an existing relationship: Start with colleagues, friends, past customers or suppliers.
• Build relationships, not just demand work: The network is a Two-way street About building relationships, learning, helping and seeking advice. These conversations can lead to opportunities, introductions, and even direct recommendations to hire managers, bypassing the “black holes” of online applications.
• Use your network for applications: If you see a job you like online, please pause. Try to find someone in your network that can give you first, not just click Apply.
• Personal support system: Your “team” also includes your family and friends – the people who pick you up, remind you of your value and celebrate your success. You need a cheerleading team.

The way forward

Job search feels like a marathon, but remember Ken’s point of view: Just one “yes”. Every “no”, every interview won’t come, and it will only bring you closer to the important “yes”. Failure is not final; it is information– An opportunity to learn, adjust and grow. Keep going; that “is” is there.

Trust success model is more than just a job search tool; willing to position it as Continuous process. Even when using it, you need to evaluate regularly: am I transparent about my goals? Do I want to provide results? Do I understand my industry and online brands? Am I simplifying my work? Am I building a team? These habits build long-term career resilience and create opportunities regardless of your employment status.

How do you apply these ideas – know yourself, convey your value and build relationships strategically – change your entire career path? Not only to find your next job, but to build a more conscious, resilient and realised overall career life.

ⓒThe Big Game Hunter Company in Asheville, North Carolina 2025

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