The numbers are out for March, and the news is staggering. In Massachusetts alone, more than 3 million people are out of work. So if you’ve been laid off, let me say this: You’re in fine company.
1. Indulge the spiral
Losing a job is right up there with death and natural disaster, among the major life changes that can trigger all kinds of emotional outfall. So the first thing to do is file for unemployment benefits (http://www.mass.gov). Then you get to take some time to recover emotionally. Freak out. Eat ice cream and lay on the couch. Sleep late. Google everyone you ever dated. Don’t shower for a while. Whatever.
And then? Rock on and don’t look back. Your new job, your full-time, every-minute job is now this: Keep hope alive. You’re going to bounce.
2. Embrace the clean slate
When you feel like your brain is ready to function again, start by thinking of your layoff as your opportunity to do what you meant to do with your life when you started out, fresh-faced and earnest straight out of school. Reassess, start a job journal, make a list – who you wanted to be as opposed to who you became. Did you stick with your old job despite feelings of frustration? Did you do less-than-stellar work because you were bored and burned out but needed the paycheck?
Well, the universe just gave you a mulligan. Enjoy the moment and the unemployment benefits for now. Nicer weather is on the way, your possibilities are endless, and you are not tied to any work you’ve done, or any dynamic that set you to that dreaded default setting. It’s almost like graduation season all over again.
3. Step to the challenge
Be productive with your time now, averting the slump of meaninglessness and depression and daytime television. As you peruse Monster and Craig’s List, think about your skills. If you were good at what you did before, jot down career highlights and your best experiences. Hit the high notes: Where did you really shine? What skills made you stand out from your colleagues? Five years ago, there were an average of three applicants for each available job. Today, it’s more like 10 for each job. Your modest strengths aren’t enough in a market such as this; employers need to know what made you a rock star. Write some cover letters that radiate with your considerable confidence and experience. Revamp your resume to reflect your focus.
4. Debut the new you
Once you’ve polished and printed your life’s work, it’s time to think about your goals. Who are you professionally? What defines the work you’ve done and does that work represent who you see yourself becoming? Right now, you’re marketing the idea of yourself. You just have to sell the best version of you ever invented. What do you need to improve? What does your image say? Someone from HR could call you tomorrow. Get a haircut. Prepare two impeccable outfits – have the second one ready for a callback and save yourself the scrambling. Assess whether your current interview attire will do. When was the last time it was worn? Has it been dry-cleaned? Is it still in style? Do your shoes shine? If you were frumpy and disgruntled in your last position, dump all that baggage and start over. Become in the mirror the person you would hire, with starch in your shirt and iron in your will. That person is going to tromp the competition.
5. Market your mojo
Now is the time to turn your career into a major motion picture. Launch an I’m Awesome campaign. Abuse your connections. Even if you’re hesitant to network, get over it. You have to call on every mentor, every friend who got promoted, every person you jib-jabbed with and got a business card from at a cocktail party. Those connections are now absolutely crucial to your future success. Hopefully your Blackberry is full of people who are just waiting to hear you’re available. Being known for a special skill is far more valuable than cold calling and blindly searching. Your career is a new fun version of the Kevin Bacon game: Who works where who can help me connect with the president of the supplier of the subsidiary of the company that’s going to bring me fame and fortune?
6. Perfect the positive spin
When you do get that interview and callback, and hopefully it will be soon – do not dwell on the negative. Most times, when a hiring manager asks a tough question, such as how you handled past challenges, he or she is gauging your resilience. Don’t be bitter – be smart and find the silver lining in what you’ve been through. Plus, positive people are more fun to work with and live happier lives. If you are tenacious and thoughtful in person, you will be among their ranks, with a great new job to show for it.
