The one best job search tool? Networking

The last few weeks have seen a complete upheaval in the UK job market. At least 490,000 are scheduled to lose their jobs or not be replaced when they retire. And this will have a ripple effect on other parts of the employment market. it is definitely a bitter pill to swallow although many will have absolutely no choice.

So what to do if you find yourself mid-career and having to pick up and start again?

You lost your job and you don't have the first clue where you should start looking for another one? Happens all the time. People are often so ill-prepared to start over again. While you may not have been happy in your previous job, you were probably comfortable there. The old saying "Better the devil you know ..." didn't come from out of the blue. It's true. You may also still be angry at your ex-employer for putting you in this position to begin with and it's probably reasonable to guess that you are probably in shock.

Coming to terms with your new reality is an important starting point. But only a starting point. There are some things you can do to undertake an effective job search and find new employment. First, you have to surround yourself with people who are positive and help you feel positive. The same is true of placing yourself in a positive physical environment. You cannot afford to slip into the doldrums right now. t's also important to realize the even if you do these things, the path will not likely be straight or simple. There will be lots of ups and downs.

But the most important thing you can do to help yourself is to get out there and see people. Call your old business contacts, join professional associations and go to the monthly meetings. Smile a lot and speak to people. The easiest and most comforting thing to do at these times is to stay home and turn on your computer, but you have to fight the urge to do that too much. If you find it difficult at first, set modest networking goals for the first week or month. But you have to continue to add to those initial goals. Set up lunch dates. Go to parties. Call people you haven't talked to in a while. The best way to find a new job is through your contacts.