Good afternoon!  It’s Jeff from the Self Help Tips Blog. 

Today I will share several ways to help those who are experiencing job loss during these difficult times.

As companies begin evaluating their bottom line, many people will find that their positions are being eliminated through no fault of their own. When you are laid off unexpectedly, it is important to remain in control of your life and focus your energies in the right direction. It is common to fall into a deep depression or a state of do-nothingness when you are out of work. Here are some tips to help keep you motivated and on the way to finding a new position.

1. Focus your energy on finding a new job. Don’t let depression take over your life. Time spent crying, moping, complaining and pondering why job loss happened to you will not get you into another position. Try to keep your mind focused on finding that new job, making new contacts with recruiters and employment agencies and working on your resume. Of course it is all right to feel bad and even spend time alone, but do not let that become your life.

2. Become a resource to others. Keep in contact with others who may have lost their jobs at your previous employer. If you run across a position that you think may be suited to one of your former co-workers, be sure to recommend them for the position or inform them about the opening. Provide as much help to others as you can. The favor will often be returned as recruiters usually ask for prospects to send information about a job opening to a friend if they are not interested in the position. If you stay in contact in a helpful manner with your ex-cohorts, your name will be fresh in their minds as a referral.

3. Keep good records and stay organized. Organization is going to become a key component as you look for new employment. You will want to apply to as many jobs as possible, so you will need to keep track. Create a folder and store all of the job postings you apply to, as well as the names of all the recruiters and company contacts you have made. You don’t want to make the mistake of continuously re-applying to the same jobs – and you definitely want to be sure to follow-up with jobs you have applied for. Keeping records of whom you speak to is also helpful, as you will begin building up your list of people you can contact throughout your job search and you will be able to reach out to them in the future. Be sure to note their name, company and phone number and the types of positions they are trying to fill.

4. Update your budget. When you no longer have income, you have to make certain that you re-evaluate your budget. You may have to survive on limited unemployment benefits and a flat dollar amount from a severance package. This means that you will need to cut out some expenses. Check your budget for recurring expenses that are not necessities. Do you have both a cell phone and a landline? Perhaps you can get rid of one temporarily. Do you have a cable package with premium channels? Perhaps you can subscribe to basic cable or get rid of cable altogether. The trick is to scrutinize your budget to see where you can pay out less and keep more in your account to pay your credit card bills, rent, utilities and to ensure you have food and transportation.

5. Find a moneymaker. Look for ways that you can make extra cash here and there. Often we focus on finding a full-time permanent job that we over look simple things we can do for others to make a little extra cash. Offer to baby sit for friends and family. Go to the mall and apply for a part time job in your favorite store – this is also great for finding discounts on things you may need. If you are entrepreneurial, use the Internet to setup a small home business typing, writing or doing research for website owners. Just be sure to leave time for your job search.

A period of unemployment can be nerve-wracking, but if you can focus your efforts on working within the situation you have been placed in and making a few temporary changes in your life, you will make it through. Remember that you are in control of your own life, not the people who are doing the hiring and firing.