Eight Things You Should Do If You Lose Your Job
Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
Lost Your Job?
Do you know the top eight things you should do if you lose your job? If you haven’t thought about it, maybe you should. The number of people losing their jobs have steadily risen this year. As the American economy continues its downward spiral more people are finding the pink slip in their mail slot. Even companies that have been very strong have found themselves unable to borrow money. If they can not borrow then they can not purchase the materials needed to make that widget. The downward spiral continues because if the company is unable to make widgets they will also be unable to make payroll.
If the pink slip comes to your mail box your guaranteed response will trigger a lot of responses at the same time. You will first feel hurt… How could they possibly do without me… about the same time you begin to withdraw inward… What have I done wrong and can I fix it?… Finally, anger takes over… I am a good worker and I don’t need them. I will find another job with a better company and I will show them!
Immediately you will settle on the feeling of hopelessness and fear will surround you - stopping your normal positive responses from taking over. So this article is written for everyone who has the possibility of unemployment. Take a moment and see what the top eight things you will need to do if it should ever happen.
1. Stop feeling like it was your fault. This is probably the number 1 issue you will have to face. Stand up, brush yourself off and take inventory. You will need to make yourself over for the job interview. The status quo will not work any longer. So get a haircut! Review the clothes you have been wearing and make any alterations or repairs needed. Check your shoes too. Many of us overlook this little detail because we just don’t take the time… but it is an important factor in an employers first impression.
2. Update your resume. Dig it out of the computer if you can. If you don’t know where it is… don’t fret. Start a new one. There are lots of examples on Microsoft’s site that you will find the right one for you. Or you can simply type it in Google. Remember more is better. Keep it honest and straight forward. wimpy resume. Make a list of employers in your area that you would like to work for and mail them a copy of your resume along with a short cover letter.
3. Learn new skills. Now while you have the time, brush up on skills that you will need to put you ahead of the other applicants for the new job. No don’t learn a new video game… Try excel spread sheets, web publishing or something related to your job field. Employers are more likely to hire someone with a lot of skills over someone that they will have to train in those skills. One note of caution here, do not put anything on your resume that is not truthful. If you put that you can work with excel then make sure you can.
4. Post your need for a job on the social networks. This is a great time to develop relationships with others. You never know who you might meet on the social sites. Also update your Facebook, Twitter and MySpace profiles. While you have a little extra time, begin looking for people in forums who have questions that center in your field of expertise and answer them.
5. Research jobs online and also search for job fairs. Look for new companies just starting out and having a grand opening. Most likely they are in the hiring phase. Send your resume or better yet stop in for a visit in person. Also note what experience the companies are seeking in their new employee and make sure you have brushed up on that experience.
6. Take the time to do all the jobs you have been to busy to complete at home. You possibly will find that you have a lot of time on your hands with little to do each day. This can be when depression will creep into your mind. Don’t let it. There are many little jobs that have been waiting for you. You know the ones you have been putting off for a long time. Sit down and make a list of them. Now would be a great time to complete them. If you don’t have any jobs waiting for you, then consider volunteering at the local hospital, scouting groups or big brothers/big sisters to keep yourself busy.
7. Take some pictures. You can easily begin taking photos with the camera you have stored in the closet. Upload them to places such as iStockphoto, Fotolia, StockXpert and ShutterStock. Most of these sites will keep them for you and charge a customer to download them. This could start residual income for you. It might not start right away but it will come. The more photos you take the better you become at taking them.
8. Think about possibly starting your own business working from home. This is a great time to start your own company. Without having all the distractions that are normal in every day life you will be able to focus on building a product or service that solves a problem that people will have again and again. Internet Marketing has become a super power in today’s world. Maybe it is time to get your feet wet in a new business and then you will never have to worry about losing your job again. Begin cautiously and do not fall for the HYPE that many marketers give you. Take you time and do your research.
Completing the eight topics will speed you on the employment highway. Don’t quit when things go wrong as they sometimes will, when the road your trudging seems all up hill. Take a time out, a deep breath and plod on. You will find a new job if you just keep trying. Things will get better if you complete the eight things to do when you lose your job.