So you got the PINKSLIP. Now what? After you have your pity party and sign up at your local employment security commission office, get up, brush yourself off, and move on. Look at the downsizing as an opportunity for a new beginning. When one door closes another one opens. You still have the same talents and qualities that got you hired in the first place. Don't ever sell yourself short.

Explore all of your options. Are you willing to work part time temporarily? What is your skill set and how can you build on these existing skills? Are you willing to learn new skills? Look at online and offline job listing sites (career builder, hotjobs, craigslist, and social networking sites such as linkedin, myspace, etc.). It is extremely important to network via every avenue possible. Don't give up. Keep in touch with everyone you know and don't pass up an opportunity to market yourself to strangers. Today the key is MARKETING yourself. What makes you stand out from the crowd? Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes and then market yourself accordingly. Try advertising yourself in your local newspaper. Don't wait on someone to call you. Be proactive.

Take advantage of every interview. The more you interview the more you learn about interviewing skills. Do your research on the company prior to interviewing. It lets the interviewer know you are serious about the job and it shows initiative. Be prepared to ask questions and take a paper and pen to write down the answers to these questions. Common questions you may be asked include:

a. Where do you see yourself in five years?
b. Tell me about yourself.
c. What are your your strengths and weaknesses?
d. Why should we hire you?
e. What would your former employer say about you?
f. How would you describe your dream job or the perfect job?
g. What are your hobbies?
h. What were some of your accomplishments at your past jobs?
i. What did you like most/least about your last job?
j. What would you do if a co-worker or boss was doing something illegal, unethical or asked you to do this?
k. What would you do if you felt your boss was unfair to you or constantly criticized you?
l. Why did you leave your last job?
m. How would you handle an irate customer/patient?
n. What are your salary requirements?
o. What were your job duties at your past jobs?

These are but a few of the many questions you may be asked and you need to be ready with an answer. Be prepared and dress professionally. Remember you are interviewing them as well. Be observant! Does the office look professional, clean, and how does the staff interact with each other and with clients/patients? Does the office meet YOUR standards? Afterall, the interview is to see if you are a match or not.

Your local community college(s) will be able to help you with your resume, cover letter, interviewing techniques and in getting your work readiness certificate. This is nationally recognized by employers stating that you have passed a skill set test which includes basic reading and math skills. You need to include it with your resume and cover letter. You may also check around your town for professional resume writing services and online as well.

Local community colleges are also offering various workshops on career choices and exercises that determine the areas you are best suited for. Check with your local community colleges for more information. Take advantage of every source available.

Look inside yourself. You know yourself better than anyone else. This is a good time to take a long, hard look at where you have been, where you are and where you want to go. It just might be time to think outside the box and start a new career. Maybe you dreamed of starting your own home business or opening a restaurant, or going back to school to prepare for a new career. Now is the time to step up to the plate. Stay positive, set your goals, and never give up!

jdraymer
www.writearticlesathome.blogspot.com

Additional information:

www.PongoResume.com
hotjobs.yahoo.com/resume
hotjobs.yahoo.com/interview
www.collegegrad.com/intv
jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm