If you haven't lost your job, but suspect it might
soon happen, plan for it now.
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Ascher says, "We should be thinking
about these things every single day, not just when we're on the
edge of a cliff."
Bankrate talked to six job hunters, from an IT guy
in Florida to a top-level executive living in Dubai, to see how
they're handling being out of work and looking for employment. They
shared their concerns and approaches to finding work.
Linda Murphy, of Beaufort, N.C., spent 14 years at a Fox TV-news affiliate, working her way up the ranks to program
director. Prior to her television career, Murphy had stints in desktop publishing and real estate. She lost her job
in February and has been looking ever since.
Search strategy:
Murphy is looking for a position as an office manager, clerical worker or receptionist. "I can live on $1,000 a month," she says. "It would be nice if it had retirement, but I'd take one without it. I can always put
a little aside for that."
Murphy's main focus has been getting her resume out to as many employers as she can. She doesn't
want to work more than a 30-mile radius from her home because of high gas prices.
"I'm kind of shy, which doesn't help when you're looking for a job," she says. Nevertheless she
attends events at the local chamber of commerce and introduces herself to members. She's had business cards made and
hands them out. She spends at least one day each week personally applying for jobs. And she checks the online job
sites daily.
Coping status:
Maintaining. Murphy lives in a home her father owns and is paying considerably less for rent. She has always been
frugal. "Generally I spent about $25 to $45 for grocery bills every two weeks, and when I had a little extra, I'd buy
extras and throw them in the freezer." She's cut or whittled down every expense she can. Murphy recently learned she
will start drawing unemployment at a rate of $214 a week, before taxes.
What's right:
In a smaller town with fewer jobs, Murphy is doing a good job of working local resources. Attending the chamber
events is smart.
How to pump it up:
Murphy should consider volunteering. Neece says: "There's no shortage of opportunities. Go to town hall or the
library. You'll be able to demonstrate new skills and make a whole bunch of new contacts." Ascher says also to put
the word out in churches and synagogues in the area.
