Keeping a positive attitude key to finding a new job

The jobless rate is one figure we wish would stay low. Unfortunately, this important index of the economy's health is rising. In late December the number of laid-off workers receiving unemployment benefits rose to 4.5 percent. Unfortunately, more Americans are expected to fall into the unemployed category in 2009.

What's a person to do when suddenly downsized or let go after years of successful employment? It's not only a blow to the family budget but also to the personal ego.

I talked to Marianne Rowe-Dimas, owner and manager of The Image Factor, and frequent instructor on a range of human relations, career building, and communication topics here at the North Suburban Library System, Harper College and other venues.

"First, keep a positive attitude," Rowe-Dimas advised. "There are always jobs out there and your new job is to get one of them. Specifically, your 9-to-5 weekday assignment is to work at job-seeking."

"Use your new freedom as an opportunity to change and really grow," Rowe-Dimas, continued. "Did your old line of work really delight you? Did you feel good about what you did every day? If not, use this employment hiatus as an opportunity to research other jobs, professions or lines of work that might be more fulfilling. Visit the library and peruse books such as 'What Color Is Your Parachute? 2009: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers' or 'The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success' by Nicholas Lore. Whether you decide on a new career or want to continue with your old one, you'll need enthusiasm to carry you through your job search."

"Next, the job seeker must pursue several courses of action at once," Rowe-Dimas advises. "It's the job of getting your basic resume in order and launching a number of resource and networking initiatives. For the resume, know that styles of resumes have probably changed since you last updated yours. Again, go to the library and ask for help. Consult books such as 'Resume Magic: Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer' by Susan Britton Whitcomb for new styles of resumes."

"As a first resource step, visit the Illinois Department of Employment Security by calling (847) 981-7400 or visit the Web site at www.ides.state.il.us. This state agency has a wealth of free information to share including help with that resume. If you have $100, consider contacting the Career Resource Center, a nonprofit organization providing professional assistance to individuals in employment transition. They're located in Lake Forest, Illinois and will help you with your resume, job search and interview until you have a new position. Call (847) 295-5626 or visit www.careerresourcecenter.org."

"Start networking by getting yourself some interim business cards either by creating them yourself on your home computer or going to a print shop. Tell everyone you know you're looking for a job and give cards to everyone who expresses a desire to help. Get visibility by being active in service clubs, alumni groups, neighborhood associations and join online networking groups such as LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). Be specific about the kind of job you want."

"As you search for jobs, make use of traditional job ads in newspapers, but also use Monster.com (www.monster.com) or Career Builder.com (www.careerbuilder.com), and perhaps sites focused on your particular job specialty."

"Make use of the library for free high-speed computer access and that powerful, knowledgeable person called the librarian. He or she can help you research companies so you'll be prepared for your interviews."

More hot tips from Rowe-Dimas are available in my interview with her at librarybeat.org.