Coping with Unemployment

John has been looking for work for two months since his lay off. In showing concern, friends and family regularly ask him if he has found a job yet, and John feels worse each time someone asks. When socializing, John is asked what he does for a living and dreads explaining that he is not working. He feels as though people do not respect him as much as before. He finds he does not want to leave the house much and is fearful about his future.

Jane lost her job when management within her company changed. Although she had been with her company for seven years and got along great with everyone, she and her new manager simply could not get along, so Jane resigned. She really did not think it would be a problem finding a new job. Jane does not want to reduce her salary, however, she has been looking for a new job for six weeks now and is having a difficult time finding positions with the same salary. She is now beginning to feel angry at employers in general. Jane would like to change fields but is skeptical about being hired without experience. She is losing confidence in the prospect of employment and is beginning to feel less confident about herself.

The above scenarios illustrate what many people think and feel while in a job search. Feeling rejection is a normal part of looking for a job, although we never get used to it and usually are not unemployed often enough to learn to deal with it appropriately. Losing a job can bring up many feelings we typically cannot put into words, and would avoid if we could. Many of us who are normally confident, find ourselves feeling somewhat lost and with less confidence than normal.

It is essential to be proactive about changing your outlook during this time. You can read inspiring books and talk with supportive people. Politely remove yourself from those who are negative in general and especially those negative about the job search process. Acquiring effective job-finding skills while keeping a positive attitude will prove worth the extra effort. Looking for a new job can be viewed as a new challenge and adventure. Take a moment to watch children: everything is exciting and a new adventure. Children don't have the thought process to inhibit their excitement and enthusiasm, they simply feel excited over just about everything new, regardless of how small. Taking steps to get that feeling again will not only help you personally, but will come across in your interviews!

Ways to recapture a bit of enthusiasm while in your job search

• Look forward to the positive events that occur in a new job, e.g., new friends, new skills, new challenges, etc.
• Think of the long term. Many good things in life take time. Never focus on a single day.
• Remember, interviewing gives you an opportunity to meet new people and practice your interviewing skills.
• Don't think about rejection, think about making the right choice for yourself.
• Obtain a temporary job if needed. Many job seekers benefit emotionally by feeling productive and working with others, and it can help financially.
• When you do not receive a job offer, move on and know the right job will show itself soon.
• Make positive affirmations about your new opportunities. A positive attitude will reflect in your interviews and surely build a momentum toward success.

Taking steps toward success

• Surround yourself with positive, supportive people; talk to a mentor, counselor, member of the clergy, or friend when needed to regain a positive perspective; visualize yourself in your new job.
• Get your finances in order. Cut expenses as much as possible during the transition. Take a temporary position if needed; bringing in extra income not only helps financially, but can also help you feel productive.
• Make a list of all of your skills, accomplishments (InterviewSmart™ can help you with these), and contributions you have made in your work, hobbies, volunteer experience and with family and friends and review them daily!
• Ensure your resume(s) reflects the skills and accomplishments related to your current goals. (For assistance, visit Expert advice on resumes and cover letters and Professional resume & cover letter examples.)
• Be proactive and develop a solid job-finding plan. (Visit Job search advice & strategy)
• Prepare a daily schedule for your job search and follow it (just as if you were working).
• Remember, you are also interviewing the company; both you and the employer want a good fit.
• Keep track of your contacts and follow up!
• Practice your interviewing skills regularly until you are happily working.

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