Surviving a layoff can be very stressful. Over on the Career Bright blog there are some practical tips for accepting and dealing with a layoff. Here are a few additional points to keep in mind:
- Frequently, a layoff is a business issue, not an individual performance issue. When communicating the reason you are in a job search to a prospective employer, focus on the positive aspects of your previous employer and inform them of the big picture business reasons why you were let go. For example, you may mention that your company experienced a 10% cut in jobs across your division or that the work that you and others in your role performed was outsourced.
- Stay in touch with co-workers. These are the people who may be able to help you land a new position. Or they may be the ones who get the pink slip next and need your help somewhere down the line. What goes around comes around. Don’t carry a grudge against someone who is still employed by your previous company. They could turn out to be your greatest ally.
- Find someone to confide in and strategize with. Job loss can be an emotionally draining experience. Don’t go it alone. Find a coach or another person going through the same experience. Share concerns, ideas, job leads, and networking contacts.