Job losses can be very traumatic – they hit you emotionally and financially but they also have an impact on your family. Here are some ways to deal with the immediate aftermath of job loss.

Seek out support

It’s easy to feel that you are alone, or that it’s best for you to keep a ‘stiff upper lip’ and hide your feelings, but this doesn’t help anybody – take to someone who can offer you support: if you’re being made redundant, this might be a service provided by your employer, if not, seek out a friend who can listen to your worries, and remember that you’re not a victim unless you let yourself be one.

Take care of you

The way you look is a great indicator of how you feel – depressed and miserable people tend to choose darker clothing, stand badly and don’t make eye contact. On the other hand, healthy positive people choose lighter colours, take care of their clothes and appearance and have a confident air. The amazing thing is that changing your appearance can actually change your mood – if you choose a bright shirt, shine your shoes and smile as you walk down the street, you will feel happier and more confident than if you wear a tatty sweatshirt, old trainers and stare at the ground. In interviews, 40% of the decision is made in the first ten seconds, so getting that first impression right is vital.

Master the art of networking

Your gym, church, social club, pub, allotment site … there are dozens of places that you can network to find another job, whether it’s the career move you’ve always dreamt of or just a stop-gap to keep you in work until the right thing comes up. Don’t tell people you’ve lost your job, tell them you’re looking for a new one. Don’t say you’re unemployed, say you’re looking for new employment. And remember the previous point – you need to look like an employable person, so even in casual situations, make sure your T-shirt is fresh and ironed and your jog pants are tidy and well fitting because the old chap you’re chatting to over the allotment fence could turn out to be the dad of your next boss!

Clothing for job loss and getting back into work is a post from: Polo Shirts Blog