Start by taking some time for yourself. Check your feelings. Losing a job is a big deal. Do not rush into things.
Know your rights - If you have been laid-off or fired, find out what the laws says. You may want to talk to an attorney.
Take a personal assessment - What do you want to do? What do you want from a job? How do you want to live your life? This will probably change several times as you go through the process of finding a job. You may want to consider career counseling, assessment tests, or finding out what your personality type. Maybe you want to start your own business. Where you laid-off because of outsourcing, could you pickup this work? There are a lot of options. It is going to take time, research, work and interest to figure out what you want.
Do a budget - One of the biggest concerns when you are unemployed is money. Figure out where you stand financially.
Put together a plan because finding a job is work. You will learn things about yourself during the process. There is research you need to do before you start applying for jobs. Be prepared, know where you are going, plan a head, put your best foot forward, and all those other platitudes.
Learn about resume and cover letters. Create a resume that gets noticed. One resume may not be right for every job. Never underestimate the importance of a cover letters?
Networking is where 80% of people find a job lead or job. You need to create a network and use it. Your network can help you at every step in finding a job.
Learn about the company or organization you might be working for some day. Do your research, it will help during interviews and making decisions about job offers.
Once you are prepared it is time to start applying for jobs.
The key to interviewing is to be prepared and there are ways to do it.
When accepting a job offer be knowledgeable. Know what you are worth. The power shifts once you have a job offer. Use it.
Now take a deep breathe, relax, you will get through this unemployment, job search and life-altering situation. Take a few minutes to surf around the site and get to know it. Also, have some fun!
