| Losing a job can be one of the most stressful | | | | to find a brighter future. |
| events in one's life, often resulting in loss of income, | | | | - The stigma of being laid off is not as bad these |
| reduced self esteem, depression and illness. | | | | days given the common dilemma of cutbacks |
| Executives should consider the following tips: | | | | nationally. |
| - Don't take things personally. You were laid off | | | | - Obtain the best severance package, outplacement |
| because of business and not personal reasons. | | | | assistance and health coverage possible, even if it |
| - Don't feel sorry for yourself. This could turn out to | | | | involves litigation (rather the threat of litigation since |
| be the best thing that could happen to you. | | | | you may not want to burn bridges and have nobody |
| - Seek career counsel. Obtain self-assessment testing | | | | else want to employ you. |
| and research the job hunting marketplace to learn | | | | - Obtain references in writing. Once you leave the |
| how to become effective at finding yourself a new | | | | firm your value and influence diminishes dramatically, |
| and more appropriate job. | | | | and often you become the scapegoat and easy |
| - Check to see if you can qualify for unemployment. | | | | target for problems of others since you are no |
| - Arrange with your employer COBRA insurance for | | | | longer there to defend yourself. |
| coverage after being laid off- usually lasts up to 18 | | | | - Networking is crucial. But don't jump straight in and |
| months. | | | | start talking with your contacts until you know what |
| - Budget your current savings, income and spending | | | | it is you want from them. When you are networking, |
| to make sure you can survive the drought. | | | | rather than specifically asking for a job, seek |
| - Update your resume and distribute it online to | | | | information about your industry, find out which |
| search engines, job boards, recruiters and | | | | construction employers are growing & changing. |
| prospective employers. | | | | - Be open to temporary assignments. They add to |
| - Network every contact you have and let them | | | | your visibility and can lead to full-time jobs, he said. |
| know of your situation. | | | | And they are better -- in the eyes of prospective |
| - Visit trade associations and societies to locate who | | | | employers -- than being unemployed. |
| is hiring and where the opportunities lie. | | | | - Be ready to compromise on the size of the job but |
| - Work several hours every day on marketing | | | | not on the reputation of the new employer. |
| yourself to employers of choice. | | | | - Don't hold out for the perfect job since there are |
| - Keep healthy. Focus on rebuilding your body and | | | | none. If the job is 80% what you want, take it. |
| mind during the down time, and get in shape for your | | | | - Be prepared for a long struggle- sometimes up to a |
| new career. | | | | year for high level executives to locate the right job. |
| - Don't panic, or battle the decision. Use your energy | | | | |