Out of Work, but Not Out of a Job

Out of Work, but Not Out of a JobOut of Work, but Not Out of a JobYour New Job is to Find WorkYou may have been laid off, but the good news is you arent out of a job. The moment you were handed your severance package you took on a new role Product Marketing Manager of Your Name Inc. Theres nothing wrong with being unemployed, so dont consider it a personal black mark treat it like a new job. Youre now in sale - or better yet, Director of the Research Department.Dont worry about telling folks you need a job. Just get in front of them and have research conversations. If they see something they want in you, or they know of an opportunity, theyll let you know. The key is talking to as many people as you can do some viral marketing. Dont hide from the world. After all, the miracle connection might be right in front of you or only three degrees of separation away.So, other than a bit of decompression time (if you need it), youll want to get started in your new role right away. After all, something better than what you left is waiting for you. And if you believe this, you are much more likely to prove it true. Here are some immediate steps to take1. Toot your own horn.Because we grow up in a society that tells us to not beat our drum or toot our own horn, it can take a crisis to focus on our positives.Use this moment of freedom to reflect on your accomplishments, skills, interest, values and personal characteristics. Youll find a positive sense of self that comes from marinating in your own value. This is exactly what will position your disposition for the promotion project ahead. Done well and with some structure, this career inventory can not only inspire your concept of self but will serve as a basis for personal branding that can dramatically shift your resume and approach.2. Maintain your routine.When youve got perspective, organize your life around your new job of finding a job. Get up in the morning as usual, exercise and eat on the same schedule, and finish the day to be with your family as before. Just like you used to work four hours in the morning, have lunch and work through the afternoon, apply that same rigorous schedule to your new project. Youll stay sane, and be a lot more effective, by keeping your work time and other life structures consistent.Becoming an ace researcher in your areas of passionate interest and setting up conversations with folks based on those interests can create some backdoor inroads that will serve you. And dont stop there. Make aya that you end every conversation by asking for referrals to others who could help in your research