Job-Search Efforts After a Layoff.

1 in 3 May Sabotage Their Job-Search Efforts After a Layoff
According to Right Management research, one in three people may sabotage their job-search efforts by acting with haste after a job loss. Right Management is a provider of integrated human capital consulting services and solutions across the employment life cycle.

Two-thirds (66 percent) of 1,029 survey respondents recognized that people who are displaced from their jobs should initially take time off to re-evaluate and develop a plan. Thirty-four percent indicated they would immediately jump into a job search, potentially sabotaging the very goal they set out to achieve by being unprepared and reactive.

"You should avoid rushing into the job market," cautioned Douglas J. Matthews, president and chief operating officer of Right Management. "Don't panic. Take time to think about what you want to do next in your career. You may wish to explore career possibilities such as changing functions, industries, or even a range of work-life options such as part-time employment, entrepreneurial and retirement alternatives."

Matthews recommends what NOT to do immediately after a job loss:

1. Don't make calls and send e-mails to networking contacts asking for job leads.

2. Don't contact recruiters, respond to ads or post to Internet job boards until you've carefully reviewed and updated your resume, set clear goals and developed a plan.

3. Avoid making negative comments about your previous employer. Try to project a positive attitude.

Matthews offers this advice to employees facing a new job search:

1. Take time off to reassess your career and determine what you want to do next. Immediately following the loss of a job, many people are not completely prepared, are still too emotional and have no comprehensive plan to launch an employment search. Assess strengths, identify goals, focus on the future and create an action plan before moving forward.

2. Continually build and maintain professional relationships in your network. Successful networking means gathering and sharing ideas and information. A helpful attitude and a genuine desire to be a useful contact or resource for others will make you a valuable connector. Right Management research shows that more than 50 percent of new jobs are found through networking. Leverage online professional networking to expand the reach of your traditional network.

3. Be prepared. Most employees can typically expect to be displaced from their jobs at least once during their careers. Keep your resume up-to-date. It should describe you at your highest level of accomplishment, telling the story of your career, how you can help contribute to an organization and provide solutions to their needs.