Getting an unexpected pink slip can be a nerve-wracking situation for anyone, as employees often experience feelings of shock, anger, helplessness, fear and frustration. All of these emotions add up to the biggest one of all — rejection. It may seem like your former boss or employer flat out abandoned you, as if you weren't good enough anymore. You could even start to think that the layoff was in some way your fault.
Realizing there were circumstances beyond your control, however, leads to the first useful emotion after a layoff: acceptance. Once you accept you did your best, it's time to move on to bigger and better things. To approach your layoff in a more positive manner, try these four tips:
1. Keep Supporters Close
Start with your friends, family and loved ones who support you no matter what happens. These people form the nucleus of your support network and keep you motivated to move forward every day. Talk to these people about your feelings and get your feelings out in the open. No one goes through life alone, and your family helps you through life's struggles and pitfalls. Your loved ones and friends understand, and they keep you grounded while remaining upbeat.
2. Find New Friends
Once you rely on your most valuable friends, reach out and find new ones. Begin networking through people within your industry, previous employers and college connections. One of these people may point you to your next job. Plus, it probably cheers you up to develop relationships with brand-new colleagues who can give you insights as to how to bounce back from a layoff. One of these connections could turn into your new supervisor, lifelong mentor or a great friend.
3. Ask for Help
Career counselors, life coaches, job placement services and employment experts offer their services for people who search for a new job. These professionals can give you practical tips on how to market your personal brand to potential employers as you move forward from your layoff. They can show you how to accentuate your education, professional background and skills to present your best face to employers. Instead of focusing on the negativity of your layoff, start to create a positive mindset that employers notice.
4. Create an Explanation
Create an explanation for your layoff as you start to talk to recruiters and hiring managers. Don't dwell on the bitter feelings of resentment; rather, go toward a decisive statement that you rehearse ahead of any conversations you have with HR staff. For example, say something like, "I've been able to rethink my career, and I believe I'm headed in the right direction because of your open position with the company." Eventually you memorize this statement so much it becomes second nature and rolls off the tongue. Even more profound is you believe it as a statement of fact and rebrand your career.
Don't see a layoff as the end; view it as a new beginning. Do you have a passion in your life that you want to turn into a career? Perhaps a layoff will give you the motivation to explore that side of your personality. Although it's easy to get caught in feelings of rejection, the good news is there is a lot to discover in the sea of opportunity.
Photo Courtesy of Jerome Haines at Flickr.com
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