Dealing with a job loss is something that many of us will have to do, especially in the present economical climate where new jobs are far and between and competition for new positions is fierce. The way you behave after losing employment may set you off to a bad start in a search of new job but it may also empower you and increase your future career prospects.

See below for some tips on managing job loss situation on emotional, professional and financial levels.

1. EMOTIONS: Losing a job is always an emotional situation when we go through different feelings: that of disbelief, anger and resignation. It is OK to feel sad and upset but you should refrain from acting out your emotions. Always stay professional. Once you have been made redundant and received a letter from your now ex employer, show your inner strength. Say polite “thank you” and “goodbye” to the management and colleagues; do not burn bridges by getting furious and shouting. Make your exit graceful and leave a positive impression. You may run into your ex bosses later in your career and you will also need references. So stay calm and in control.

This is a time when you will need support from your family and friends. Do not hide the fact that you have just lost a job. Talk about it, spread the word. Sharing your feelings will help you recover faster and put you on a right track of mind.

It is OK if you need to seek professional help. Contact a psychologist or a career coach who will help you to gather your thoughts and identify your goals. Take courses and seminars available for unemployed

- they will keep you focused and positive and they will also enlarge your network.

Treat your search for new position like a job: start at 9am, have an hour for lunch and wrap up around 5pm. This will have you organized. Use this time to browse job listings, network and work on your CV/cover letter. You can also spend it on improving your skills and practicing your interview skills.

2. MONEY For most people who have lost their jobs money is the most important issue. Speak to your HR department about severance pay or compensation for holidays you did not take. If your company paid your health benefits find out if and how you can continue your coverage. If you are eligible for unemployment benefits – do not be ashamed to collect it. Any income is better than none.

Work out an emergency plan. How long will your savings last? What can you do to provide additional flow of money? Having a set budget will take an enormous weight off your shoulders and help you concentrate on your job search. Set your priorities right putting shelter, food and health issues first.

It is important that upon the termination of your employment you do not sign any paperwork for your employer in haste and without reading it first. Ask if you can take a copy home or take your time to read the documents – employers want to protect themselves and will often ask to sign non-compete agreements or papers that will protect them from future liabilities. Make sure you understand what you sign.

3. CAREER Losing a job is a good opportunity to take a look at your past professional life and create plans for the future. Ask yourself – why was your employment terminated? Was your company releasing employers from that particular department because of loses and cuts? Why did you not see the signs? Were you made redundant on personal grounds? Maybe it is time to re-think your relations with peers and employers and introduce changes? Maybe you have not promoted yourself enough or your skills were becoming outdated?

Identifying the reasons of your job loss will help you bring about all needed changes to enable you to be more successful in the future. Work on your past issues in order to move forward.

You can brush up on your skills on seminars and courses. Check if your local community offers free or low price classes for unemployed – this may be your chance to better your expertise without stretching the budget.

Losing a job might also give you the motivation to start that business you’ve been thinking about for a few years, or to set up as a consultant. I believe when one door closes, another one opens. Every time I’ve lost a job in the past, it led me to something much better and bigger – even though I did not necessarily see it at the time.

You should also think about expanding your search with new areas and industries. Open to new opportunities, be flexible. If you would like to change career completely take professional advice. Explore all networking possibilities – contact your past colleagues, vendors, refresh old contacts. Get online and increase your visibility, make yourself recognized in your own field by posting videos and articles – there are plenty of websites that offer such opportunities.

This is a time to focus on you, on your skills and abilities. Change your way of thinking and market yourself as a complete product a package – instead of just a job title. A loss of job is painful but it can kick start your new career, new you. Be ready to take on new challenges and always try hard to achieve goals you have set for yourself.

Margaret Buj is an Interview Coach and a senior recruiter, with experience of recruiting across EMEA for leading organizations in the technology sector, including Microsoft, VMware, Cisco and Business Objects. During a 1-to-1 coaching session with Margaret, you will get the opportunity to practice your interview skills without the pressure and the nerves of a real interview. You will get clear, practical advice and encouragement, and you will become more fluent in your ability to answer any question an interviewer can throw at you. As a result, you will feel less anxious and more confident and you will significantly increase your chances of getting a job offer or a place on a graduate training scheme.

Margaret can also help you develop your confidence and the ‘winning’ attitude that will make it easier for you to get the job you want. If you’re interested in 1-to-1 interview coaching, please visit http://interview-coach.co.uk

To download your free 5-Day Interview Success E-course that aims to help you get the job you want, please visit: http://www.interview-coach.co.uk/free-ecourse.html

Similar Posts:

• Why Call-Back Preparation is as Important as Interview Preparation
• 15 Tips On How To Change Jobs
• Match your Potential with the Right Graduate Job
• How the New Economy has Changed the Job Market
• First Job Interview: How to Prepare
• Can’t Decide on a Career? Take a Career Survey
• Why Online Colleges Are For Those Serious About Their Careers
• Staying Motivated at a Dead-End Job
• A Non Fat, No Foam Jobs Plan
• Top 5 Employment Trends for 2012