It is common for these workers to ask basic questions such as "What did I do wrong?" "What will I do for a living?" "What am I going to do for that car payment?" or "What I tell my family and friends?"

For the purposes of a job search, these questions must be put aside. Instead, a worker should focus on learning about what assistance the company offers during the first days after a layoff.

Some businesses provide help through outplacement firms or career management consultants. Others offer resume writing clinics and networking opportunities. Still others may provide job listings or contact other firms in the field.

Take full advantage of all help available including information and career workshops.

If no assistance is offered, the worker should keep the job search process moving forward by using this time constructively - examining personal career goals, assessing skills, weighing educational needs or goals, and exploring all possible career options.

It is a waste of time to wonder what went wrong or mope around the house asking, "Why me?" These feelings are natural, and should be addressed with the help of friends and family. The most important thing is to work through these feelings and look toward the future.

Personal reminders of self-worth also are an important part of the adjustment after losing a job. Spending time reliving "horror stories" or focusing anger at a former employer will sabotage self-esteem.

Use this time for productive activities. List the answers to probing questions such as:

• What is the ideal job?
• What are my personal strengths and how do they relate to the "ideal job?"
• How can I use these strengths as transferable skills -and how can skills be of value to the next employer?
• Are there any roadblocks to actually finding and wining that ideal job?

Review the list several times. Then, use the answers as a starting point. Do not panic and take the first job that comes along. Focus attention on the action required. Use all energies and resources to plan a timeline and develop a network to implement a job-search plan.

Time spent worrying about the circumstances of a job loss won't help landing "the perfect job." View the transition time as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Think of it as a positive investment that ultimately will yield professional rewards.

Pat Goodwin, CPC, is senior vice president with Reedie-York & Associates, a career transition management firm and affiliate of the Texas Association of Personnel Consultants and the National Association of Personnel Services.

Published in Houston Chronicle

Pat Goodwin, CPC