This edition of Assist In Your Community will focus on
opportunities and dealing effectively with change in the current economy.

1. Think About Your Brand

• After a job elimination, it is a good idea to maintain a healthy personal brand, especially if you worked hard to build it
• Ensure that your team is set up for success for when you leave
• Thank and/or treat your colleagues that you have learned from. This helps to maintain strong relationships

2. Own It

• There is nothing to be embarrassed about
• Share what you are going through with the people you love and trust - finding that you can be honest can make you fell more confident that your situation is okay
• Ask for the support you need; don't try to shoulder the stress of job loss alone
• Keep your family in the loop

3. Reconnect With Yourself

• Revisit the things you like about yourself, including skills, personality traits, accomplishments, and successes, to remind yourself of your strengths
• Surround yourself with like-minded people, who build you up and support your plan

4. Plan; Don't Panic

• Think about what you want to do, not what you feel comfortable doing
• Start small: Start with one job-search activity a day, and build it up
• Tip: Create a spreadsheet with names of people you would like to meet with, and fill in notes and details
• Click here for networking tips

5. Practice Your Pitch

• Don't hide that your job has been eliminated, and instead use this as an opportunity to tell your story with confidence (because of the economic downturn, job eliminations have touched most everyone in some way)