Being laid off from your job is no longer equated with wearing a scarlet letter. These days, you could be excellent at your job and have great reviews and still be canned – all in the name of budget cutbacks. Do not hide the fact that you have been laid off because new prospective employers will find out about it easily enough, especially if you are interviewing in the same field.
There is a right and wrong way to handle being laid off. What you do not want to do is bad mouth the company or your supervisor. Many times, being laid off is a collective decision that has no bearing on the actions of your supervisor. Bad mouthing can negate your chances of receiving a better severance package as well as letters of reference that could be used in your job hunt.
When you pack up to leave your position, stay positive and thank the co-workers for their efforts and express your best wishes to them (they may be next on the chopping block). Let them know that you enjoyed working with them and to keep you in mind for any leads they may hear.
Get in touch with your business contacts as well as personal friends and family about your predicament and explain that you were laid off before they hear it from someone else. You know how news becomes distorted once it leaves the original source. When you become the original source, there is no chance of miscommunication.
Take a few days off for yourself after the lay-off and get your head back together and release a bit of stress. That way, you will approach the job hunt more positively. Then create a daily routine as if you were going to work and fill it with following up on leads, sending out resumes, and touching base with networking contacts.
Most of all, don’t be discouraged if you do not find a job right away. There is a position out there for you and it could take time to find. If you must have an income, see if you can secure a desirable part-time job in the interim and continue the networking. Feeling productive is half the battle in staying positive and focused.
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