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How to Recover From a Layoff

So, you got laid off from your job. Though it can be a very depressing and stressful time, it is important to recognize that you can get another job, and chances are, the reason you lost your job was because of money not your job performance.

Everywhere around the country, you hear of more and more layoffs because of a struggling and devastated economy. If you are amongst the many laid off and trying to get a job in this difficultly competitive job market, you may feel disheartened and that your job seeking is futile, but it isn’t: you just have to go about it the right way. Below, we offer the best strategies on how to best recover from a job layoff and become employed again sooner than later.

1.   Join Professional Groups- A great way to keep your motivation up and your skills honed on success is to      join one or many professional groups. A simple search on the internet will give you lists of groups in your      area and groups online in your particular industry, skill set, and experience level. Not only do these groups      work as great ways to bolster self-esteem and spirits, but they also give you a wider range of search for      possible job opportunities. Joining a professional group only adds more valuable people to your already      established network of professional contacts.

2.   Update the Resume- No matter how “fine” you think your resume is, go back over it again. A good resume                                                                        can always use a tune-up. Chances are, you’ve gleaned valuable                                                                        skills, experience, and worn different career hats while employed                                                                        at your previous job-and it is crucial that these be added to your                                                                        resume.Moreover, it’s a great idea while job searching to see                                                                        what they are looking for, evaluate these skills, and add them to                                                                        your resume.There may be countless skills you take for granted                                                                        that you have learned, that you haven’t listed on your resume.                                                                        The more skills and experience you have-the more attractive you                                                                        will be to potential employers.

                                                                  3.  Create Short and Long Term Goals- When a person has been                                                                        forced to change job venue all of a sudden, it can be                                                                        disorientating as your whole life has been shifted. This is why it                                                                        helps immensely to brainstorm what your short and long term                                                                        goals are regarding employment. If-at present-your only goal is                                                                        to make some money, then you know your options are much less                                                                        limited; whereas, if you know you want your next job to be in                                                                        your field for a certain amount of money, you will have to                                                                        strategize accordingly. Having short and long term goals                                                                        organizes your life, gives you direction, and most                                                                        importantly-gives you hope.
                                                                       
4.  Make a Daily or Weekly Plan- Also key to staying motivated and proactive is to make sure you have outlined      a daily of weekly plan of things to accomplish in your job search. For example, you could set tasks to apply      to a certain number of jobs per day, network with a certain number of people online, and/or revise your      resume in one week. Once you have a plan, you have a more solid schedule that will orient you towards      action. Having tasks everyday will get you closer to getting a new job.

5.  Stay Motivated- Though being laid off and unemployed can leave even the most positive of person      depressed and lifeless; you have to stay on top of your goals. Most importantly, you have to view this time      as short-lived and one that you can get through. The facts are that if you keep working towards getting a      job, you will-in fact-get a job. Success takes perseverance and action.