Lost your job? After the initial shock wears off, the following strategies will help you reinvent your career.
1. Take a time-out
Ask yourself: What am I good at? What are my values and passions? What environments allow me to shine? Read and work through career books, such as What Next? Find the Work That's Right for You (DK Publishing, 2006) by Barbara Moses or The 2006 What Color Is Your Parachute? (Ten Speed, 2005) by Richard Bolles.
2. Find help
Career-transition services offer sessions on self-assessment, résumé writing and job-search strategies. Some employment resource centres offer free career-exploration programs. Consider hiring a career coach to help you discover what matches your values, personality and lifestyle. Ask friends to recommend coaches or try the free referral service at www.coachfederation.org. Cost is approximately $50 to $150 per hour.
3. Scan the horizon
Explore changes in your occupation, industry and local economy. Find people who are doing work that interests you. Meet with them to discuss what their jobs are like. Identify the knowledge, skills and attitudes that contribute to their success, advises Roberta Neault, a career-management specialist. How do your own skills compare? Based on that gap, set personal and professional goals, such as a specific computer skill. Volunteer for organizations that interest you.
4. Be prepared
Make and carry a transitional business card so you don't have to carry around a résumé in your purse. Include your name, address, e-mail and a professional identifier, such as "marketing specialist."
5. Network
Join a networking group for people in career transition. "It's a great place to expand your network and get leads," says Mark Swartz, career coach and author of Get Wired, You're Hired (Centor Media, 2006).
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