What to do if you lose your job

In todayís job market, many employees will find themselves without a job at one time or another. Here are some tips on what to do and what to avoid when suddenly faced with an unanticipated job search.

Make a Graceful Exit. Suppress the urge to say something you might later regret as your paths may cross again. Thank everyone at your former workplace for their time with you. Don't show false bravado; be sad if you feel sad, but continue to be professional.

Don't Panic. This is easy to say when you're not the one faced with your P45, but try not to make a knee-jerk reaction like accepting the first job that comes along that could potentially send you down the wrong career path.

Assess The Positive. When you're feeling down, listing all your transferable skills can be useful. Skills make you marketable and often people don't realise how many they have.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Now might be the chance to take a complete change in career. Why not sign up for a new course or find out more about that career youíve always thought sounded interesting?

Get Organised. Write your CV and some draft cover letters, do some mock interviews if you need it. Local firm Career Matters can help with these (www.cvmatters.com, or call 0800 458 5578). You could even find assessment skill tests and career-advising networks online and find out which recruitment agencies are best for you and start to contact them.

Make It Personal. Even with emails and the ability to search and apply online, there is no replacement for picking up the phone. Attend conferences and maintain memberships in professional organisations if you are part of one.

Remember, It's Only Temporary. Yes, youíve lost your job and are devastated: Keep it in perspective, though. You might have to take something less than perfect while you search for something better. A temporary job might just plug the gap, and you never know what other opportunities might arise from it.

Keep Positive at Interviews. You can complain to your friends and family all you want, but when it comes time to interview, a prospective employer doesn't want to hear your sob story. Most recruiters will understand a job loss, but when discussing your previous position with prospective employers its important to be positive and make it clear youíre moving on.

Live Your Life. Your job search should not be the only thing in your life. Along with staying in touch with friends and family, stay active by working on projects and activities that showcase your skills. This will give you something to show for how you spent your time while unemployed and can boost your confidence.

Written by Julie Harding, Director of Career Matters (www.cvmatters.com) in Fareham. For further details call free on 0800 458 5578 or email info@cvmatters.com.