Downsized or reorganized out of a job? Get moving!

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You still can't believe it. After all those years of dedicated service, this is what you get-fired. It wasn't supposed to be like this; you thought that someday you would retire from this company.

When the shock wore off, you got angry. Fantasies about `how badly they would suffer without you' faded and now the cold reality is beginning to sink in. Looking for a job was for other people. What now?

Here's a game plan for anyone who's been downsized or reorganized right out of a job:

• Before the ink is dry on your pink slip, go back and negotiate your reference. Talk to your manager and find out what he or she is planning to say about you when a potential employer calls. Get it in writing. If you were a great employee, ask for a letter of recommendation. Also, ask former managers to act as references and make copies of any letters or documents that could sell you to a future employer.

• Visit your human resources department and find out what's in your personnel file. Pay particular attention to performance reviews and attendance records, since this is the typical information that is shared during a reference check.

• Lick your wounds in private. Bitterness, anger and self-pity will make things worse. No one will want to be near you and people will be hesitant to help you. Rant and rave to a friend, counselor or support group, but stay positive and confident around everyone else.

• Draft a plan. Once you're over the first emotional hurdle, it's time to get on with your life. Get a good appointment calendar with lots of room to write notes. Set some goals--when the first draft of your resume will be finished; how many calls you'll make per day; how many appointments you will try to set up per week...

• Come out of the closet. Tell everyone you know that you're looking for a new job. The stigma attached to being laid off has faded. Everyone has a friend or relative who's in the same boat.

• Resolve to network like crazy. Write lists of everyone you know and where they work. Include people from professional organizations, former vendors and suppliers, customers, former co-workers. You never know who might be the link to your next opportunity.

• Rehearse a graceful answer to the question, "Why did you lose your job?" Make sure your answer is straightforward and neutral. For example, "The industry has been hurting and we were having a hard time competing. Cuts had to be made and I was one of many people whose job was eliminated."

• Make sure you let people know that it wasn't your performance that was the problem. You can do that by talking about factors outside of your control or about how you were among many who lost their jobs.

• Talk to other people who have been laid off to find out how they conducted their search. You will learn shortcuts that will keep you on track.

• Ask contacts to critique your resume...but then listen to their advice. Recently, I gave some advice to a woman whose resume wasn't getting results. She said, "But that sounds like I need to re-do it. I've worked so hard on my resume, I just want to leave it." She doesn't realize the wisdom of customizing your resume and changing it as you learn better ways to market your skills.

• Consider doing consulting or freelance work in your field, while you look for full-time employment. You can use your clients are references and it's always easier to find a job when you're working. Temporary or part-time opportunities can also lead to full-time work in your field.
• Take care of your personal life. Stay physically fit, live a balanced lifestyle and don't forget to have some fun. It will keep you out of the dumps and refresh you for the self-discipline needed to stay motivated.