This document provides guidance on coping with job loss and developing an effective job search process. It discusses the typical emotional stages of job loss, including shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. It emphasizes developing a growth mindset and healthy expectations. The document outlines seven effective habits for job seekers: being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand, synergizing, and sharpening the saw through self-renewal. It encourages writing an action plan with specific near-term, weekly and monthly goals to progress toward one's career objectives.

1. RENEW YOUR
PERSPECTIVES
A PART OF THE CAREER RECHARGER SERIES

2. An introduction
The process of finding a job can be challenging at
times. It is not uncommon to feel anxious or stressed
when there is no response or when an employer
rejects your job application.
You are not alone in this.
Get started with us to identify your stress factors and
develop a growth mind-set in your job search.
Let’s begin!

3. 01
02
03
04
Overview
Understand the emotional roller-coaster cycle of
job loss and navigate life’s transitions
Develop healthy expectations of the job
search process
Learn techniques to develop a growth mindset
Learn 7 effective habits for job search success

4. How does job loss look like?
Shock
Anger
Denial
Acceptance
Worry
Anxiety
Anticipate
Job Search
“Yo-Yo”
Stress due to job search
- Fear
- Anger
- Desperation
- Frustration
Job Loss
Internalise
Rejection
Job Search
Coping
Bridge
Support
Re-employment
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
HGives up.
Lack up support.
Barriers to employment
Reassessment
of self, goals
Adapted from The Working Centre

5. Stage 1: Shock and Denial
• It must be a mistake?
• How could this happen to me?
• How do I tell my spouse and the kids?
• Will I get another job at my age?
Job Loss Cycle
Possible Response:
• Give yourself space and time to accept the situation
• Find a safe and private place to clear your mind
• Find someone you trust to talk about your situation

6. Stage 2: Fear and Worry
Job Loss Cycle
• How will I pay my bills?
• Will my family leave me?
• Has my job led me to a dead end?
• Will everyone start to avoid me?
Ask yourself these questions:
• Is this worry realistic?
• Is this really likely to happen?
• If it is true, what are some steps I can do to overcome it?

7. Stage 3: Anger
Job Loss Cycle
• This is unfair!
• How could they do this to me!
• Why is it so difficult to find a job?
Can you think of a coping strategy?
Exercise Punching a bag Meditation

8. Stage 4: Bargaining
Job Loss Cycle
• I believe I will get another job soon,
because I deserve it.
• I can work on areas within my control, I
have to be realistic.

9. Stage 5: Depression
Job Loss Cycle
• I’m worthless
• I’m useless
• I will never get a job
• I cant sleep
Step outside your situation, and know that
unemployment is a temporary condition
Do all the things you had never had time to
do.

10. Stage 6: Acceptance
• It's time to move on.
• I can focus on things that I can change.
• I am accountable for my job search, and I can
partner with my career coach.
• I can take small steps to achieve my goal.
Job Loss Cycle

11. Expectations vs Reality
Where employers find talent
Employers Jobseekers
Internal Employee Hiring
Employee Referral
Talent Acquisitions,
Head hunters, Recruiters
Unsolicited
Resumes

12. Expectations vs Reality
What employers want!
What employers request
to see
• Education
• Linguistic Competence
• Work/volunteer experience and Technical
skills
• Communication skills
What employers really
look for
• Personal values
• Social and professional connections
• Maturity and self-awareness,
motivation and drive
• Ability to fit into the team
VS

13. No one will
recruit me
because of my
age
I used to manage 20
staff but this new job,
I have no one
reporting to me
I can still be a strong
contributor and I can
help to gel the team.
Do you have a Growth or Fixed Mindset?
Let me focus on
sharing with
potential
employers how I
can add value with
my experience

14. 7 Habits
of Highly
Effective
Job Seekers

15. Be Proactive
Listen to your language
Reactive
There’s nothing I can do
That’s just the way I am
He makes me so mad
I have to do that
I must
If only
Proactive
Let’s look at our alternatives
I can choose a different approach
I can control my own feelings
I will choose an appropriate response
I prefer
I will
1

16. Am I a proactive jobseeker?
• Do you network?
• Are you reaching out to your networks?
• Are you using more than 1 job search method?
• What are the companies in your targeted sector?
• What have you done to find out more about them?

17. 2 Begin with the end in mind
• What is your career goal? Visualise it.
If you are clear of your goals then you will
not wander into applying for jobs
• Can it be achieved?
• How can you achieve your career goal?
• Envision the outcome before you act.
Create and live by a Personal Mission
Statement!

18. 3 Put first things first
How much time do you spend on the following?
• Researching the company
• Researching the job description
• Applying for jobs
• Networking
• Exploring other job options
What is your priority now?
• Looking for your dream job? Survival job? Or an interim
job to tide over finances?

19. 4 Think Win-Win
• Survival
A job that supplement you day to day income
• Interim
A job that you are okay with it
• Dream Job
The job you ultimately want
Recognise that getting contract jobs is also a small win before
eventually getting a big win!

20. 5
Seek first to understand,
then be understood
• Research the industry and company
• What does the job require?
• What does the employer want?
• Skills
• Knowledge
• Attitudes
• Make sure these things are found in your
resume and interview answers!

21. 6 Synergise
• Be open to new possibilities,
alternatives & options
• Value the mental and
emotional differences in
others
• Aim for transformed &
improved relationships with
others

22. 7 Sharpen the Saw / Self-Renewal
Physical
Exercise, Nutrition,
Stress Management
Social
Service, Empathy,
Intrinsic Security
Mental
Reading, Visualizing,
Planning, Writing
Spiritual
Values & Commitment,
Study & Meditation

23. Embark on your action plan today!
Write down three things that you can do to bring you
closer to your career goal
1. _______________________________________________________
(in the next 24hr)
2. _______________________________________________________
(in the coming week)
3. _______________________________________________________
(in the coming month)

24. What’s Next?
• Visit Careers Connect online for useful resources on
coping with job loss, having a growth mindset and
journeying with your family through unemployment
• This is a preview of the Renew Your Perspectives
workshop. Strengthen your emotional and mental
resilience in this job search process by signing up with
Careers Connect!
REGISTER HERE