My Top 10 Points of Action in Kicking Off an Organized Job Search After a Layoff

Not to steal from Dave Letterman, but the “top 10” has become part of the American zeitgeist, so I apply this easy approach to all my action lists -- including my post-layoff job search -- and keep track using my 10 fingers.

1. Don’t Ignore an Opportunity: The day I was let go, I walked out with a job lead and name at 4:30 p.m. by simply chatting with a coworker about my layoff, who said, “I know XYZ company is hiring and I know someone there.” I asked, “May I have that name please?” By not being overwhelmed with job-loss news, you can realize the potential of a next step.

2. Get Your Resume Ready and Out There: I updated my resume the night I was let go, as a good working draft to be polished with CareerPerfect, Monster’s Resume Writing Service, so I could post the final version on Monster as soon as possible. I live by the Girl Scout motto: Be prepared.

3. Network into Action: I updated my LinkedIn network that night, too. I simply plugged in a quick Twitter-like update in the “what are you working on now?” section, so it wasn’t front and center on my profile page but more an aside. It was a positive “seeking new opportunities” sound bite. And using that section also posted the short message out to my network -- you never know who knows whom. Having a strong network is critical for successful networking.

4. Proactively Plan Ahead: I wrote up a daily logbook of job activities and tasks to do, planning out into the future months. It is vital to me to establish a solid routine in writing early on in my job search so I honor the commitments made to myself for my action plan. I include networking events, contact calls, career counseling and next steps, and avoid the slippery slope to stay home under the covers or wearing bunny slippers.

5. Volunteer Your Expertise: I found one conference right in my backyard being orchestrated by a fellow sports friend. This volunteer work allows me to use my marketing skills to promote the event, liaison with key speakers and interact with the C-level participants in a dynamic business setting. Showcasing my marketing expertise as a current action yields an interesting topic of discussion in an interview when asked, “So what are you doing now?” Find an event (trade show, conference, sporting or charity event) that can use your expertise while allowing you to rub elbows with EMPLOYED folks who can see your capabilities in action. You’ll be networking while showcasing your expertise and even having fun (novel idea)!

6. Establish a Healthy Regimen: I consciously decided that from now on, I will either go jogging or to the gym every morning at 8 a.m. A healthy body lends to a healthy mind. In short, feeling physically good enables me to focus on an effective job search.

7. Find a Professional Home for the “Work of Finding Work”: I also committed to myself to either be at the outplacement office or library as my work office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (my au pair is legally paid largely upfront until August, so it is only a small weekly maintenance fee right now). Plus, my young sons like the routine of my coming home from work and smothering me in hugs and kisses -- they keep me in perspective!

8. Keep a Routine in the Home Life: I spend time with my young sons, Owen and Evan, from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every night (an hour more than what they are used to) and then do a half hour of house cleanup. Having a routine on the home front is reassuringly normal, not only to my little ones, but also for myself. Small children internalize stress if their routines are not kept to their normal framework. Job searching is stressful enough without the younger set in the family being impacted.

9. Apply Extra Effort: From 9 p.m. to midnight, I do more job search work, so that’s 10 hours of job search work a day. I committed the extra time to maximize my effectiveness. While they are tough hours, it is tougher the longer you are unemployed.

10. Create Your Own Support Group from Those Who Know You Best: Given many months of previous layoffs at my firm and the ensuing national press, I was bound to receive panicky emails from friends asking me if I was alright. To sidestep that, I proactively texted a brief note on my cell that said, “yes, I was let go and yes, I am doing well and have action plans in place.” One text to 30 friends resulted in a sort of controlled, private Twitter network and supportive group feedback.

Does this action plan resonate with you? What’s your top 10?

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