Turn Job Loss Into Customer Service

In the business world of today cost cutting is the mantra. Managers across America are told to trim and trim again. Unfortunately human lives may be directly affected by a lay off.

If you have ever been laid off you know the hurt that comes with that decision. It is one of the high stress periods of life. If you are between jobs, and that is the best way to describe what is your circumstance is after a lay off, be encouraged.

Rather than dwelling on the negatives that come from being the victim of a downsizing, recognize that being the victim does not lead to positive outcomes. Think positive. Think "I will be a success."

Rather than dwelling on feeling ashamed because you suffer the loss of identity that comes from not having a job, grieve, and move on. While you think that it is a shame to tell people that you are looking for a job, that is precisely the proper thing to do. You are the customer and you need to promote customer service. The customer needs a job.

Be good to yourself. Take time to exercise. Direct yourself towards others.

To find a job is a job in itself. You need to maintain the discipline that came with reporting to your job. Get up every day. Keep a schedule. Make a plan. Work the plan.

Part of your plan is to network. If you are interested in a particular company you will want to network to get close to someone who knows the company. These people are out there and you can find them. Use 'Linked In' to find that person who knows the people in the company where you want to work. Use your customer service skills to positively state your skills and aptitudes. Know your own story. Practice telling it so that you have five impressive sentences in a row that accurately describe you. Emphasize and build on the positive. Work to put yourself in the presence of someone who is with the company and to whom you can impress with your self description. Remember, you are only between jobs.