A 12-Step Program for
Surviving Unemployment
by CareerBuilder.com
Lost your job and don't know
where to turn? Relax, according to the National
Association for Counseling and Development, the
average person goes through five to seven
careers and ten to 12 job changes in their
lifetimes. So how do you cope with the stress
associated with losing a job and trying to
finding another? Experts say to take it one day
at a time and follow this 12-step program.
Step 1 -
Secure your unemployment claim.
File a claim for
unemployment insurance at your local state
unemployment office on the first business day
after you lose your job. Your benefit payments
will help bridge the paycheck gap until you find
another job.
Step 2 -
Take the time to recover.
Unemployment is
one of the most stressful events you will ever
go through. Whether you've known about your
termination for months or you just got your pink
slip this morning, you're likely to experience a
variety of emotions ranging from guilt and
sadness to anger and depression. The important
thing to keep in mind is that your feelings are
normal and that you need to give yourself the
proper time to work through them. Take the next
week off. Sleep in, have lunch with friends, or
work out.
Step 3 -
Draft a budget.
Go through your
checkbook register or your debit card receipts.
Determine how and where you spend your money.
Find ways to cut unnecessary expenses.
Step 4 -
Assemble a killer resume.
Writing a good
resume takes time. Spend as much time as
necessary putting together a resume that
accurately describes your qualifications and
achievements. Whenever possible, list measurable
results and concrete examples of your
achievements. Here's a real-life example: Led a
customer service project team that resulted in a
20 percent decrease in customer complaints
within three months.
Step 5 -
Draft a smashing cover letter.
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More Details
Although each and
every cover letter you write must be customized
for the company to which it is being sent, it
doesn't hurt to have several well-written
paragraphs ready and waiting. You can customize
this draft in the weeks to come when applying to
each prospective employers.
Step 6 -
Network, network, network.
It doesn't take
long for a job seeker to learn that the old
statement, "it's not what you know, but who you
know," really is true. Knowing someone on the
inside or getting your foot in the door is key.
A good place to start networking is with your
former co-workers, friends and family members.
Ask them if they know of any opportunities in
your field or if they know of anyone who may
have an opening in the industry in which you are
interested.
Step 7 -
Buy a great interview outfit.
During a job
search, first impressions are critical. Make
sure you have at least one interview suit ready
to go so that you are prepared when you receive
an invitation to interview. Although most
companies have business casual dress codes,
casual dress is never appropriate on a job
interview. On the contrary, job interview attire
is a critical component of your job search that
must not be overlooked.
Step 8 -
Practice your interview skills.
Experts suggest
that job seekers spend at least three hours
preparing for each interview. You should
research the company with which you are
interviewing and the industry in which it
operates. You also should draft concise answers
to the most commonly asked interview questions
such as why you want to work for the company and
what you can do for the company. To demonstrate
your interest in the position, you also should
plan to ask the interviewer several questions of
your own such as the skills the ideal candidate
will possess and how a typical day looks in the
job.
Step 9 -
Keep a schedule.
Looking for a job
is a full-time job. Make sure your friends and
family know that you are off-limits between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.
Step 10 -
Enhance or update your skills to
boost your self-esteem.
Look for ways to
expand your skill sets while you have the time
to do so. Is there a computer program you've
always wanted to learn and never had the time?
How about an executive seminar or workshop that
you think would be interesting but couldn't
afford the time out of the office? Take
advantage of your time off by using it to learn
a new skill. Learning anything new can be a huge
boost to your self-confidence.
Step 11 -
Take time for fun.
After 5 p.m.,
your time belongs to you. It's more important
than ever that you let off steam by
participating in activities you enjoy. Take a
jog, visit a museum, accept a babysitting job or
rent some movies. Do what you enjoy... you've
earned it.
Step 12 -
Stay connected.
One of the worst
things you can do after leaving a job is to
isolate yourself. If you were part of a mass lay
off at your company, stay in touch with your
positive-minded former co-workers. Accept
invitations from friends and family members to
go out. Invite your friends over to watch movies
or to exercise together. The key is staying in
circulation and staying positive through
interaction with people.
