Layoff Worries? Here Are Five Things You Can Do Today

In this economy, you hear more and more about layoffs. What if your job is axed? What can you do to find a new one as quickly and painlessly as possible?

Here are five suggestions.

1) Tighten your financial belt.

If you're laid off now or about to be, cut back on your expenses by at least 15-25%.

Reason? You don't want to feel pressured to take the first job that comes along if your savings dry up after 10 days. Because the only thing worse than having no job is having the wrong job.

2) Recognize that you have value. Lots of it!

Avoid the mindset of many job seekers, who think: "Why won't someone give me a job?" Instead, think: "Other companies need the solutions I provided for my last employer. I'm now wiser and better. Which employers are worth my time?"

This paradigm shift will produce a tremendous amount of self-confidence within you. And, all things being equal, employers are more likely to hire a confident candidate than a desperate one who's practically begging for a job. Try it and see!

3) Recognize the value of your personal and professional network.

Remember: networking is how most jobs are filled. Sure, the Internet is an easy way to apply for 248 openings in 10 minutes, but you'll have FAR LESS competition if you apply for a handful of jobs through people you know. Never forget this!

4) Write a resume that's heavy on achievements.

I recommend a mix of 70% specific achievements and 30% duties. This will immediately set you apart from most job seekers, who do the opposite. After reviewing more than 5,000 resumes and writing an additional 2,000+ myself, I can tell you this is an eternal truth.

5) Realize that your job search is a job in itself.

It requires nothing less than 40 or more hours a week, every week. Don't fall for the "e-fallacy" of posting your resume to 10 Web sites, applying by email to 7 job postings ... and then calling it a day.

You must commit to getting on the phone with decision makers who can hire you. Start with your network and go from there, always asking for referrals along the way. Set hourly, daily and weekly goals for networking calls, in-person visits and resumes sent out. Then, get going!

Best of luck to you!

-- Kevin Donlin is the author of "Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed," a do-it-yourself manual that will help you find a job in 30 days ... or your money back. For more information, please visit http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com/1dayresumes.html