Since the collapse of the financial markets I began thinking about what iffeels like to get laid-off.  Over the past ten years job layoffs havebecome very commonplace.  Although many layoffs have nothing to do withjob performance you still feel rejected having been run out of an organizationand your self-esteem suffers.

The stages of grief for losing a loved one are the same for losing ajob:

You are in shock you have actually lost your job and on some level indenial.

You feel very angry (extremely angry).

You accept the fact you have lost your job.

You begin looking for a new job.

Remember you are a unique person with a broad depth of experience andskills.  Do not let a layoff rob you of your self-esteem

Panic and Negative Self Talk

Unfortunately you may begin to feel very anxious about your future with ablanket of dread coming over you.  You may start to wonder where your nextjob will come from and even fantasize you will never again be employed. You are not a fortune- teller and you don’t know what the future will bring soif you are going to fantasize why not fantasize about having found your dreamjob. 

Make a Plan

If you create a job-hunting plan and stick to the plan regardless of how youfeel you will eventually get a job.   So don’t panic and head outinto the market like a crazy person instead be sure to do the following:

Update your resume.

Identify and prioritize your bills.   Do you need to take atemporary job if one comes up or do you have a cushion?

If possible hire a life or career coach to work with you.  Perhaps thisis a good time to make a career change.  Maybe what you were doing was notfulfilling.  What kind of job were you fantasizing about while working thelast job?   Take stock of your skills.  What skills can youtransfer to another industry?

Practice what you are going to say during your interview.

Make a list of job sites to post your resume to.

Make a list of networking sites to join.

Make a list of companies to target.

Make a list of employment agencies to work with.

Let your friends know you are looking for a job and ask them forreferrals.  You have to get the word out so people know what position youare looking for.

Take care of yourself.  Soak in a hot tub, take a walk or enjoy yourfavorite food. 

Once you’ve landed an interview don’t put all your hope in getting thejob.  Remember if you’ve gotten one interview you will get more. Focus on the type of position you want.

The Interview

Anxiety can immobilize you.  Remember your feelings are a product ofyour thoughts.  Watch out for the automatic negative self-talk.  Ifyou have the thought “I will be rejected” on your way to an interview let thethought flow right past you; don’t grab on to the thought and mull it over letit go.  Learn to recognize the distortions in your negativethinking. 

What are the potential outcomes of a job interview?

You go to the job interview but the job doesn’t interest you.  At leastyou were able to practice your interviewing skills.

You go to the interview and they are interested in you but you are notinterested in the job.  The fact they want to hire you shows you aremarketable. 

You go to the interview and feel excited about the job but they are notinterested in you.  So what, it wasn’t meant to be.   Go on tothe next interview and be glad there are jobs out there that excite you!

You go to the interview and it is a good fit!  Congratulations on yournew job.

Good luck on your search!  Let me know how it goes.

Create · Looking · Plan