Tips On Bouncing Back After Losing Your Job

Tami Cannizzaro has a bachelor of science in engineering technology and a MBA, both from Texas A&M University. She worked in engineering for close to two years before starting the MBA program.

She is also the author of several books, including the “Adventures in the Discom fort Zone,” and the head of her own pubic relations firm. Recently Cannizzaro participated in a Google Hangout on “How to Bounce Back After Losing Your Job.” Here are some of the highlights, in a question and answer format.

What’s the first thing I should do after I’ve lost my job?
First, do not crawl into a fetal position and cry. It’s okay to have a brief pity party—maybe a day or two – but that’s it. A job loss and subsequent job search need to be treated like you are starting a new job.

It’s your job to find a job. So what does that mean really? Start networking—contact everyone you know. Make sure you have your “talking point” ready. Mine has been as simple as “I’m making a change and am looking for a new job in marketing, preferably at the director level. Would love to tell you more over coffee or lunch; what day works for you?” Or something like that.

Is it okay to take some time off or do I have to start looking right away?
Depending on your financial situation, it is okay to take a little time for yourself—not many people will admit that this is acceptable. The key here is not to take too much time.

My opinion is that it’s best if you do a few things immediately, prior to taking time off:
• Update the resume, if you haven’t already/
• Update LinkedIn
• Begin contacting those in your network and at least peruse a few job boards
• Order business cards
• Then take your vacation

In other words, get all your ducks in a row so you are ready to hit the ground running when you get back from time off.

I’m going on interviews but I still feel sort of “lost”—any ideas as to what I should do?
If you haven’t already, develop a strategic plan. It’s business 101. Start at the top: what’s your end goal? Then set your strategy and the tactics you need to achieve that goal.

Be specific, too. Your end goal should not be just “find a job,” but something like “land job as director of marketing by XX date.”

Goal: Land job as marketing director by XX date.
Strategy: Three-pronged approach: Network through existing contacts. Meet new contacts. Leverage online job resources.

Tactics: Contact X number of people in my network each week. Meet X number in person each week. Join at least one networking group and attend weekly meetings. Join local chapter of professional society (i.e. PRSA or Am. Mktg Assoc). Participate in alumni meetings.

REPEAT. Sort of like shampooing your hair. Lather, rinse, repeat.

What's the one piece of advice you give to all job seekers--no matter their age or status?
Presentation is everything. You have one chance to make a first impression—make it a good one. That includes your appearance as well as your attitude.

For “mature” workers, this includes being relevant. We hear a lot about age discrimination and older people not being able to find jobs. Sometimes it’s about attitude and energy. Dress age-appropriate, but up to date. Cover that grey hair! Men, come to grips with your hair loss and lose the comb over—you’ll look way younger.

Presentation also includes social media. First, make sure you’re on social media. It shows that you’re relevant. Second, make sure that your social media isn’t hurting you—no questionable photos, no political rants, no cussing, etc.

What value do you place on networking? Can it help you in advancing or changing your career?
Networking is invaluable! I cannot tell you how important this is. And this is something that we need to do all the time—not just when you get laid off. Networking is a journey, not a dot on the map.

I’ve always been good at staying in touch with people, and that’s all networking is. Whether I’m working or not, each week I’ll reach out to a few people, some maybe that I haven’t been in contact with recently. Just a “hi, how are you? What are you up to these days?” kind of note.

That way people always know where I’m working and what I’m doing. Many times people send job opportunities my way, even when I’m not looking for them.

When I was laid off, networking was a lifesaver. I immediately started contacting people in my network, and those people started passing on job opportunities. It was because of my network that I landed clients for my consulting business. And one of those clients offered me full time work. You never know where your next opportunity may be.

What is your best advice for just “going for it” if we are starting a new career?
Be like Nike and just do it. Get out of your own way.

We are our own worst enemies, thinking of a million reasons why we shouldn’t do something. We need to think of the reasons why it could work instead.

Bottom line, what have we got to lose? Regret that we didn’t try something?