Tips for Coping With Unemployment

The following is a list of things you want to do if you are faced with unemployment.

• Find out if you qualify for unemployment benefits.
• Discuss the job loss of with your family.
• Update your resume and create a list of references.
• Create your Job Search Plan
• Make time to heal after the job loss.

If you qualify for unemployment benefits you should apply for them immediately. Even if you are unsure apply anyway so that you don't delay the receipt of any benefits you could receive.

It is very important that you discuss your job loss with your family. If you openly discuss your job loss with your family it should be easier for them to understand sacrifices that may become necessary. In addition to doing that it would be a good idea to create a budget.

It is important that you update your resume so that the job you lost is reflected in the past tense. For example you should say worked as....rather than works as.... You should also create a cover letter that introduces your resume. After you finish that create your list of references and a list of the addresses of your former employers on a separate sheet of paper because you will need that information as you complete job applications.

From my personal experience the key to finding a new job after a job loss is consistency. You can achieve this consistency by creating yourself a Job Search Plan. Your Job Search Plan will be created by you and outline the daily activities that you will attempt to find a new job. By charting your activity you will be able to see what is working and which activities need to be increased or decreased. Remember to set goals that are attainable, like the number of jobs you will apply to per day and the number of people that you will network with per week.

Lastly, the most overlooked aspect of dealing with a job loss is dealing with the emotional aspects. Sometimes if you are the victim of a termination or a permanent layoff you may find your thoughts stuck in what you could or should have done differently. While other times the job loss could leave you carrying negative baggage that could slow your progress in finding a new job. You need to come to grips with yourself the real reason the job loss occurred before you can try to explain it to anyone else.