10 Things to Do After Getting a Pink Slip [Job Search]

“Pink Slip” courtesy of stillthedudeabides on Flickr via Creative Commons license.

The Success Reporter at The Citizen compiled a list of the first 10 things you should do after losing your job. It’s hard to get geared up for a job search after getting kicked in the gut, no doubt. But this article contains some practical advice and we throw in two bonus tips for good measure.

1. Assess your finances: Figure out what kind of shape you’re in. Think like a startup by figuring out your “burn rate” and determine what expenses you can shed and whether or not you need to jump on a part time job pronto.
2. Update your resume: Think in terms of keywords that will be picked up by talent management software systems.
3. Network: This is still the number one channel for new job opportunities.
4. Relax: Take a step back and look at the big picture. The average person changes careers seven times in their lifetime. Maybe it’s your turn.
5. Keep in touch with coworkers: Referrals are powerful and recommendations are solid gold.
6. Get healthy: Look better and feel better for that interview. You’ve got some time on your hands so that excuse is out the window.
7. Do volunteer work: This can help build new skills and keep those unseemly gaps off of your resume.
8. Re-open that family farm or business: This one’s not an option for most people but if you have the means…
9. Apply for employment benefits: Hopefully you don’t need a blog to remind you of this.
10. Stay positive: Easier said than done, but nobody wants to hire Eyore.

You can read the entire article on The Citizen website.

Bonus Job Search Tips:

As promised here are two bonus tips:

1. If you haven’t done so already, grab a copy of the free #CareerGravity Blueprint and get started post haste.
2. If you need a little – actually, a lot – of inspiration from fellow pink slip recipients, check out Lemonade.