Do not blame yourself. You cannot control economic conditions. Unemployment is a normal part of life for millions of people. [2] X Research source Emphasize the positive: you get to spend more time with your family; your catching up on your reading; your getting in shape; you have an opportunity to change careers. Mention the steps you are taking to get a new job. Frame your job loss as an opportunity to evaluate your career and to do something different or better. [3] X Research source
Pick a block of time for your job search. Do it every day, and be done with it. This will both keep ensure you keep up with your job search and prevent you from feeling like you should spend all your time on it. Schedule time for self-care activities like reading, working out, or hobbies. Make sure you schedule daily activities that take you out of your home.
Reading Exercise Hobbies Meditation Worship Volunteer work Keeping a diary – Write down both negative and positive thoughts.
Keep your home clean and tidy. Dress for work when you do job search activities. Perform job search tasks in public spaces like a library or coffee shop. Activities performed in public have a greater impact on our self-image. [7] X Research source Play relaxing music when working.
Your relationship with your spouse Family Friends Religion Hobbies Volunteer activities Intrinsic factors: intelligence; appearance
Network – Volunteering is a great way to meet people with common interests and to grow a network that might help you get a job. [9] X Research source Offer Your Skills Pro Bono – Whether you help balance the books, create a fundraising strategy, build an addition, or cater an event, putting your skills to work for a non-profit will keep them sharp and allow you to display your worth. Check out VolunteerMatch, Idealist, Taproot Foundation, Catchafire, or Voolla, all of which match non-profits with volunteers. [10] X Research source Work as a Career Coach – There are many non-profits that offer job training. Offering your skills will give you a chance to help others, while also reconfirming your own skills and thus boosting your esteem. [11] X Research source
Polish your résumé. Draft several versions of your cover letter. Practice interviewing. Prepare for common questions and create a compelling narrative to explain why being out of work actually makes you a better candidate.
Keep a list. Make a spreadsheet with the contact info of people you respect and would want to work with professionally in the future. Depth is more important than breadth. Save these spots for people who want to help you as much as you want to help them. [20] X Research source Schedule follow-up. Put entries in your calendar reminding you to follow up with contacts every two or three months. Ask them how they are doing, and if you can help out in any way. [21] X Research source Stay in touch in other ways. Pass along blogs or news stories you think your contacts would like. Connect to them on LinkedIn and keep track of their status. If they are promoted, congratulate them. If they are laid off, offer support. If you have a recreational activity in common, send them articles about it. Thank them if you take their advice and it helps. [22] X Research source
