The 5 things to do after a layoff to save your career (and your sanity)

Okay, you've packed everything into that cardboard box. You've said your goodbyes and promised to "stay in touch." Now what?

You're among a growing club in America right now: Unemployed and Not So
Anonymous. Economists predict that by 2009 this club will continue to grow, making it much harder to find your next job. But what you do in the weeks that follow your layoff will determine your sanity and eventually your triumphant return to the workforce.

• Don't burn those bridges! Maybe you never got along with your boss or a colleague, but don't use your layoff as a way to trash your former employer. Though the rule of the day once was not to trash your former boss in an interview, it now encompasses not trashing your boss in your blog, at Linkedin, Facebook and MySpace as well. Even at networking events, when someone asks who you used to work for, it's best to NOT to say, "Those idiots at ABC Company. I'm glad I'm outta there." Most people will respect you for taking the high road and remaining mature about the situation.
  

• Update that resume. You might think this is a no-brainer, but a lot of folks don't realize the importance of doing this. Now updating your resume doesn't simply mean adding on your most recent employer. But truly go over your resume and find ways to spruce it up. Have a friend to look it over. Heck, send it to your Mother, who is more critical than she is? You can hire a professional resume writer, which can cost anywhere from $200 - $1,000. There are a host of books and sites available as well that can lend advice on your resume makeover. If you're working with a recruiter, ask for her advice as well. Ask them about the different kinds of formats that they are seeing coming across their desks.
  

• Don't hide. It's normal to want to beg off from invitations for social events after your layoff. Most people define themselves by what they do, particularly in larger cities like New York, D.C., L.A, or Chicago. But your next job might be waiting for you at the gym, your child's PTA meeting, your church, or at the home association meeting. The other part of this point is to let others know that you're looking for a job. I sent an e-mail out to my friends and actually got some great leads.
  

• Take some time for yourself. It's tempting to take the next job offer that comes along. And if you can't be choosy, then by all means, take a job so you can continue to meet your expenses. However, it is critically important to take some time to reassess and put together a plan of action. What is it that you really want to do now? You may find that you've always wanted to try something different. Now might be the time to explore other options. As trite as it sounds, take up a hobby, or re-engage in something that you used to do before you got "so busy." I find this keeps your mind from wondering about why you haven't received any offers of interviews in your inbox or why your phone isn't ringing with job offers.

• Don't panic. Most people will hurriedly start sending out their resume for any job that remotely sounds like their last position. They will manufacture a generic cover letter to send along with their resume. Now that there are so many people looking, employers can be picky. If you're not going to take the time to read the job description and tailor both your cover letter and resume to fit the needs of the employer, they're not going to give your resume or cover letter a second glance. Any why should they? Clearly, these are actions of a desparate person. These are the actions of a person who is in panic mode. They're not taking the time to give their job search the necessary attention it deserves.
  

Depending on the industry that you were once employed with, finding your next job could take 4 weeks or it could take 6 months, some folks are having to wait almost a year. There are a host of support groups, web sites and resources available to you. Take advantage of everything available to you. If your former employer is giving job placement assistance talk to your HR manager about how you can get in on some free job location assistance. Visit your local employment office. Some offices offer free access to computers, recruiters and other workshops that can prove to be helpful.


Keep your wits about you. It's just a job!