Lost Your Job? Keep your Edge.

Yesterday my phone blew up as the news of a layoff at my former company impacted my friends and many of my former teammates.

As crushing as the news is---even to me having moved on prior to the reduction in force--it's no time to rest in the rubble.

Having survived two layoffs by age thirty-five (does that qualify me for a t-shirt or anything?) I can share this bit of advice to help anyone through this time:

1) Keep moving. While it's natural to be in a state of shock, don't let your feet get frozen where you stand. While rest and reflection is necessary, moving physically will propel you forward in unspeakable ways, not to mention it gives you something else to focus on. I started training for a 10K each day in-between sending resumes and networking. (Note: I had never run in my life, even when being chased.) Physical activity keeps the mind and body sharp and let's face it: time is no longer an excuse.

2) Reach out to friends and family. Of course keep posting to jobs that are interesting (and of course for which you're qualified) & network as much as you can, but don't overlook the plentiful group of familiar hearts and minds that are next door, at the bus stop, at the grocery store.

3) Create a 30-second elevator speech about your strengths and desires. It's helpful to those trying to help you if you provide a clear, concise story of you and where you want to go. "I am an experienced marketing manager who has a specialty in branding for national companies and campaigns, interested in consulting and full-time positions in the Richmond area."

Boom.

4) If your elevator speech leads to longer conversations, tell your story using the Rule of 3. State three big "wins" in your professional career you're most proud of and how you drove those wins to the finish line. No one else knows your rockstar capabilities like you do.

5) Cast the net wide. It's always easier to turn down a position that you're not interested in than to have no choices at all. What may not seem like the perfect fit on the outset may transform itself into the best job--or contact, or referral--you've ever had.

Now get out there and get 'em, tiger.