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Tips for the Newly Laid Off

Don't panic. Evidence from previous downturns shows that the vast majority of people whose jobs are eliminated are able to secure new employment relatively quickly

In many cases, the forced change of circumstances can actually have a positive affect on people's careers as they look at other opportunities that they might not have considered before.

Manage your finances.

A lot of the stress of losing a job comes from worry about finances. Address your finances head on and up front. Work out how long you can survive on your savings while job searching. What level of savings do you have? Have you received a severance payout?

What are your expenses and are there ways to reduce them over the short term? A typical job search takes three to six months. Can you last that long? If not, confront the problem head-on by looking at other ways you can earn income: consultant work, temporary work and even work back with your previous employer on a freelance basis. Find out if there are ways to reduce expenses or delay payments (such as deferring student loans or reducing monthly mortgage payments).

Have the right attitude.

Negative people don't get hired. Stay positive, create a routine that you follow each day. Remember job searching is a job in itself and needs to be approached in that way. Look after your own wellbeing. If going to the gym is important to you, don't cut that from your budget. Invest time in your relationship with your spouse and/or family. You need all the moral support you can get. Accept that people are going to say 'no.' Accept that you need to be proactive.

Approaching the market strategically.

There are three highly effective ways to get out there in the job market. (1) contact recruitment firms directly, (2) search for jobs on job boards, social networking sites and print-based publications (3) tap your own personal network.

Without a doubt the most effective way of finding a role that matches your skills and experience is the last suggestion: personal networking. Forty percent your job search should be based around personal networking, so start making contacts with former colleagues, college contacts, association friends, neighbors, etc. Everyone you know has resources and contacts that could lead you to a new opportunity.

Consider setting up on your own.

If you have skills that are valuable to the market place, but are finding it difficult to find the right role, consider "hiring yourself." Many people set themselves up as consultants/contractors and in many cases they are able to do so with previous employers. Contact your local Harvey Nash office to learn more about outstanding contract, contract-to-hire and even full-time IT career opportunities in your region.

And finally, don't give up.

Good people always get hired. If you have the right attitude and approach, you could very well find yourself in a better position than the one you left!