The first thing to do is to understand that you are going to go through a mourning period. You need to go through that completely and not ignore it. It will be very difficult to get a new job if you are still angry or hurt. This is important. Attitude is extremely important. It permeates every aspect of your job hunting process.
Your attitude is everything. Take some time and reflect on your career to date. This is a great opportunity to reevaluate your personal goals. Were you really happy in that last job? Was it a struggle to go to work each morning?
Take a time out and read Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton (Hardcover - Jan 29, 2001). You can find it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It is time now to discover or rediscover your strengths. You need to replenish that reservoir of self-esteem.
Remember, the definition of insanity is “Doing things over and over again and expecting different results..”
Think about it; here is a chance to make a change! This could be a turning point in your life and career. If your former company offered outplacement services, use them! Don’t let your bitterness or stubbornness get in the way. You will need to tap into this resource, it will serve you well.
The next thing you might consider is setting a strategy to get the job you want. A job search should become your fulltime job. Reevaluate your resume. Think of it as a marketing tool first. The job of a resume is not to get hired, but to get an interview! Don’t try to or out the burden of landing a job offer from just a resume. That is not the way it happens.
Think of unconventional ways to get that interview. Never go into a job application process unprepared. Don’t bother with the shotgun approach to job applications. Your chances are better playing the lottery. Do your research, make an effort to know the company, the people, the culture, that surrounds the job you are interested in applying for. Be meticulous in your approach and process. Once you make contact, be prepared. Be polite and always, always, follow-up with a personal, hand-written thank-you letter (not email) to anyone who helped you get just a little bit further down the road...
Create a support system to support your job efforts. Websites like Linkedin (http://www.linkedin.com/) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/ ) are the best places to develop personal networks. Join Twitter and search on #career #coach. The “#” signs are tags that flag people or micro blogs that have this topic in mind. Use this to expand your network. Use Linkedin to see how others craft their resumes and profiles...
Even if you already have a support system, take the time to look into these sites. Extend your support network to past co-workers, friends and family. This will have a positive effect on your attitude.
Another way to positively affect your attitude is to go on a strict budget. The last thing you want to do is continue the lifestyle you had with the income you now have. The reality is that you are now (not forever!) under a financial constraint. You need to throttle down the expenses so that they don’t become an issue or distraction. This will help you manage your attitude.
Don’t let your emotions control you. The reality of the situation is a factual matter. Remember that. You were laid-off, that does not mean you are a bad, subpar, or in any other way a loser-type person. Crap happens to people. I don't know you, but I would bet that you are probably "ok".
Maybe you think all of this could have been avoided if you just worked longer hours, worked for a different manager, or some other issue that haunts you as you look into your rear-view mirror. But guess what: it is over, that page has been turned. You need to move on. Your job is not you, it is a source of income, diversion, a means to an end. Separate who you are from what you do.
If you have kids, spouse or other dependents, they need you to get over this and move on!
There is no doubt that this is a stressful time so practice extreme self-care. Go to the gym, eat well, and get enough sleep. These are essential items to help you manage the stress level and will help keep you healthy and in a positive state of mind.
Before you undertake the most important task you have facing you, take a moment to take stock in your blessings. Look up the word “Gratitude”. There are so many things in your life that are blessings: count them, write them down, share them with a friend. You are blessed, you are alive, you are on this earth for a reason. Keep that attitude positive and the energy flowing and to keep your situation in perspective.
Those essential qualities that made you successful in the past will make you successful in the future.
If you have read this blog so far and you still feel angry and that life sucks, consider working with the professional career coach (remember Twitter?) that can help you to strategize, plan, remain encouraged and motivated, see other possibilities, remain connected, understand your strengths and limitations, and can help you to understand the difference between your identity and your job if you are one of the many who have merged the two.
Do it.
Let me know how you do.
