Loosing your job really feels terrible to many people. Everyone deals with a job loss differently, however, eventually some type of feeling will erupt or emit from your character. This is very NORMAL so don’t sweat it; recognize it for what it is. Accept you didn’t make the cut and find a way to move on. You can do it; you WILL do it. Others have done it, are doing it and you will too.

Now you have two options:

1. Trudge along by yourself and locate a new job.

2. Find a Job Loss Service to help.

Remember one thing…if you hire someone to help you will STILL be tackling all the tough activities. Hiring someone or a team to help you won’t relieve you of the basic duties you might be shying away from such as the uncomfortable introductions, rejections, hiring managers and recruiters with no time to give you or potentially a resume that doesn’t work and interviews that are poor.

These can and will still be a part of your job search unless you do something about it. The difference in working with a Job Loss Service is you will be working with someone who has experience daily with job search activities. Most people don’t manage a perfect job search. Professional job searchers or Job Loss Services such as resume writers, coaches, advisers, and counselors think about how to job search better each and every day. This is THEIR profession so expect them to know what works better than the average job seeker.

How do you find a Job Loss Service that will put you first? There are many good ones out there and amongst them are a few bad apples. The bad apples get all the publicity. The good ones just keep getting better and better with little or no acknowledgement. Use the following do’s and don’ts to determine what you are getting from a Job Loss Service:

Don’t:

• Don’t pay a large fee up front. Some counselors/coaches request $3,000, $5,000 and I have even heard up to $25,000. If you choose to work with one of these firms, ask to pay at certain milestones. The Job Loss Service should be open to this. If not, reconsider strongly. Remember, we want them to put your best interest first and paying everything up front is not in your best interest.

• Don’t pay anything if your gut is telling you something is wrong. There are plenty of good Job Loss Services out there and you can find one you “click” with.

• Don’t let them try to manipulate you. Ask the tough questions and listen to their responses. If they respond with answers that don’t answer your questions, run for the door.

• Don’t let emotion take over at ANY point.

• Don’t feel rushed to make a decision.

Do’s:

• Do bring someone else with you to an in person meetings who you respect for their strong personality and wisdom.

• Do ask the tough questions such as: “Can you provide me specific tools and techniques you will use in your search for job opportunities on my behalf” and “Can you provide me a few past clients who have had success with your service and one who has not?” They might not provide you the references but listen intently on how they answer.

• Do respect their experience level.

• Do be strong because it is your job search.

• Do ask the “sales person” to speak with the operations people who will be working on your search. Do make sure you feel confident in their abilities.

• Do interview at least 5 if not 10 different Job Search Services before narrowing your list down to a couple finalists.

Many Job Loss Services are around in various forms and fashions. What is the best way to find one for you? Determine what your job search is lacking most in and find someone to make you better. For example, if your resume is not getting much attention, find a resume writer. If you are getting interviews but no offers, find an interview coach. If you scared to cold call your network or prospects at companies, hire a networking specialist to help build your confidence and comfort.

These are all examples of specific Job Loss Services who can help you where you are at. You probably don’t need a high cost package but one or two specialized services to help with your Job Loss. Find the right service for you and you will find the right job.