Layoffs Are On the Rise: How to Effectively Rebound from Being Let Go

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a year where 1.3 million jobs were added to payrolls in the United States, 2008 has started off on a much weaker note, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting 80,000 job losses in the month of March for an estimated total of 232,000 job losses in the first quarter of the year. Key industries such as financial services, construction and manufacturing, which have been hit hard by the recent subprime mortgage and credit crises, continue to make global headlines by announcing layoffs, indicating that job security isn't as secure as its been in recent years. Being laid off can be a traumatic and stressful experience, but Lee Hecht Harrison counsels displaced workers everyday on how to go from out of work to identifying their next career opportunity quickly and effectively.

Having helped thousands of individuals get their careers back on track after a restructuring event, Lee Hecht Harrison has the following advice:

    -- Don't panic. Often the first reaction to a pink slip is to go into a
       state of alarm and emotional distress, which can lead to quick, non-
       strategic decisions or even missteps.  Let the news set in and take the
       first few days to gather your thoughts and develop a plan. You should
       approach your job search like you would a project at work, with plans,
       timelines, targets and deliverables clearly mapped out.
    -- Refine your resume. There are three common mistakes people make with
       their resumes: too long, too wordy and unfocused.  A resume should
       indicate who you are as a professional, what skills you possess and
       most importantly how you would add value to a company.  And, it should
       utilize achievement statements to demonstrate how you have helped
       previous employers achieve their goals.
    -- Network, network, network.  It's times like these that your
       professional and personal network can be the most helpful. Get out
       there and let people know you're looking for a new job, because your
       neighbor, a former classmate or colleague could be the reference you
       need or could know the person who will ultimately help you land your
       next career gig. In fact, networking today is easier than ever with
       social networking sites -- both personal and professional -- that you
       can use to update people on where you are and what types of
       opportunities you are seeking.
    -- Be open-minded.  As you pursue a new opportunity don't just limit
       yourself to one industry or functional area.  Think about your
       transferable skill set and where else you could apply your experiences.
       This open-minded thinking helps you to expand your options.  Also,
       while looking for permanent work, think about pursuing a temporary or
       project assignment in the interim.  Temporary and part-time positions
       often serve as paid auditions for permanent, full-time opportunities.
    -- Look and research before you leap.   Before jumping into your next job
       be sure to do your homework on the company and industry.  Is this the
       right cultural fit?  Does the company/industry seem stable enough to
       withstand the economic slowdown? Does your background enable you to get
       the job done successfully?  Putting this level of thought and
       consideration into the equation will help to ensure you're not looking
       for another job anytime in the near future.

For a free copy of Lee Hecht Harrison's 2008 Job Market Report, which provides an overview of the U.S. Job Market in 2008, please contact Anthony Guerrieri at anthony.guerrieri@adeccona.com .

LEE HECHT HARRISON

Established in 1974, Lee Hecht Harrison is a global leader in creating and delivering customized and fully integrated human capital solutions including leadership development and career transition services. With over 240 offices worldwide, Lee Hecht Harrison is dedicated to partnering with organizations and individuals, enabling them to maximize their performance and achieve success.

Lee Hecht Harrison is the flagship brand of Adecco Human Capital Solutions, a division of Adecco, S.A., the world leader in workforce solutions, with over 6,600 offices in over 70 countries and territories around the world.

For more information, please visit: www.lhh.com.