The most important thing to do is to stay positive. I know that is extremely hard, especially if you were sacked from a job you loved (like me) but I find that by thinking it is the loss of your old company it does do something to help your self esteem.

Also try to set yourself a regular routine for each day, the same as when you were working. Make sure that you get up at a set time and try to avoid sleeping in the afternoons. You will probably feel quite low or depressed to start off with and sleep will seem like the best thing, but this will really alter your body clock and make it harder to get back into the routine at a later date.

Try and set yourself a plan for each day and if you have a pc make sure you register with online job sites. Some of my favourites are www.reed.co.uk, www.monster.co.uk and www.totaljobs.com. If you do this and add your cv to as many sites as you can your ideal job might just find you.

Whlle you are looking it is important to register with local temping agencies - they may only be able to provide you with four weeks work at a lower salary but this it better than no work! Although the agencies may not be able to find you the most ideal work, they will offer you a variety of opportunites and you never know where these things may lead, often companies get in temps who become permanent members of staff, rather than spending money on advertising and training someone else. By temping you also get to work in a wider range of organisations and with lots of different sorts of people.

Use your free time to update your cv so that it is professional and suitable for the jobs you wish to apply for. Spend time thinking about all the roles you fulfilled on a daily basis, not necessarily just doing work time. You may have some transferrable skills from your family life which would impress future employees or could be used to illustrate a skill competence on an application form.

If you have worked in the same job or organisation for a long time, it may be a while since you had any job interviews so it is essential that you practice and prepare to improve your chances. The local careers office or job centre will be able to assist you with this.

If you left your previous job in negative circumstances, it is best not to mention this on your cv or any application forms. However I would always make a point of discussing it at interview if you are successful. Future employers will usually appreciate your honesty and

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to beat the job-hunting blues?
We want to hear your view. Write now!