| It's official: We are in a recession. People have lost | | | | include allocated time for your job search, resume |
| their jobs in droves and are suddenly finding | | | | creation and distribution (at least 10 per week), |
| themselves in the clutches of unemployment. | | | | meeting with recruiters/agencies, and networking. |
| While it's not a desired situation to be in, | | | | In addition, you should keep a detailed log of all |
| unemployment (with or without a recession) | | | | job postings you've responded to (cut them out |
| offers unspoken opportunities that most people | | | | or copy and paste them into a file), a to-do list |
| don't capitalize on because they are either | | | | which should have deadlines and instructions for |
| dejected or traumatized by their circumstances. | | | | follow-up assignments, and upcoming job fairs. |
| This article offers tips on the most important | | | | PRACTICE AGGRESSIVENESS: The saying, "the |
| work you need to do while looking for your next | | | | man who doesn't have a chance, is the man who |
| job. | | | | never takes a chance," is true. While you may be |
| LET IT GO: The first and most significant task of | | | | as qualified and experienced as those who are |
| your new work responsibilities is mentally and | | | | competing for the same jobs as you are, in a |
| emotionally detaching from your last job to | | | | down economy where employers are inundated |
| prepare you for the process of finding a new one. | | | | by resumes, the person who aggressively |
| Many people make the mistake of letting their | | | | pursues employment often gets it. This could be |
| jobs and job titles define them. Once they are | | | | calling to confirm receipt of a resume; sending a |
| stripped away they are left with nothing. The | | | | thank you note after an interview; or just |
| result is that they feel like nothing. The sooner | | | | showing up in-person to make an introduction. |
| you let go of attachments and/or the residual | | | | EXERCISE REGULARLY: When you were working |
| emotions that are associated with your job loss, | | | | you were too busy to get in shape. What's your |
| the sooner you can focus on the immediate task | | | | excuse now? There is none. Exercise is |
| of getting hired elsewhere. Remember, you did | | | | therapeutic and provides a much needed release |
| not lose your job; your job lost you. | | | | from the anger and frustration that can mount in |
| RECLAIM YOUR POWER: Employment is | | | | a prolonged job search. Put exercise on your new |
| empowerment. It's experienced through the ability | | | | work schedule and commit to getting into the |
| to generate income to satisfy debts, needs, and | | | | best shape of your life to ward off latent stress |
| desires. While this ability is diminished to varying | | | | and depression. |
| degrees when you don't have a job, you must | | | | POSITIVITY READING: Buy or check out from |
| realize that your new power lies within your ability | | | | your local library books by top motivational |
| to handle your impending adversities. You will need | | | | speakers to nurture your spirits. Many are filled |
| to be strong, positive, and determined to travel | | | | with uplifting stories about people who were |
| down the tough and potentially long road of | | | | challenged by adversities in their lives (just like |
| unemployment. | | | | you) who were able to overcome them and |
| REINVENT YOURSELF: Once your job and title | | | | achieve success beyond their expectations; which |
| are stripped away, you are free to assume a | | | | is what you aspire to do in spite of how your |
| new title and position if you so choose. Many job | | | | situation may look or feel. |
| searchers compulsively seek employment in the | | | | HAVE FAITH: You can't force fate and you can't |
| same fields, with identical or similar responsibilities. | | | | escape destiny. You will eventually get the job |
| Take advantage of this opportunity to reinvent | | | | that you are meant to have, at the time you are |
| yourself professionally. Reassess your skills, | | | | meant to have it. Having faith means believing in |
| talents, and career goals. Was your last job | | | | something for which there is no proof. At times it |
| fulfilling? Seek additional training or education if | | | | will seem as though your resumes are being sent |
| necessary. It's a great time to pursue the position | | | | into thin air, but they are not. View and approach |
| you really want, or employment with the | | | | your new work as an adventure and an |
| company that you've always wanted to work for. | | | | opportunity to learn how to effectively sell |
| Your new job is looking for a better job. | | | | yourself. With perseverance, and by executing the |
| KEEP A SCHEDULE: Creating - and sticking to - a | | | | work action items above, you will eventually put |
| schedule will help you to get the most out of | | | | yourself in a position for your next job to find |
| your days of unemployment. This schedule should | | | | you. |