“I’ve lost my job. Now what?” When you suddenly have no job, no income, no future plan, life seems pretty bleak. Losing a job is scary, stressful, and can be debilitating to one’s confidence. However, even the best can fall down. Steve Jobs was fired in 1985 from Apple, the company he helped to start. He was re-hired in 1997 to later become CEO. Challenging times happen. The focus should be how we can recover from those times and use them as learning opportunities to optimize our existing career goals and enhance our skill sets. Whatever the reason is for your job loss, get back on your feet and rebound with these 9 Steps to Find a New Job.

1. Boost Your Confidence. Before pitching yourself, make a list of job successes and career contacts. Identify at least 15 achievements and accomplishments. In addition, make a list of at least 15 people you know who you can contact for industry advice, resume reviews, references, or potential job connections. You’ll realize how many people you know who can help you and who support you.
2. Dream Job List. Write down what you enjoy doing and begin to explore future job opportunities. This will help you fine-tune your resume and your job search. NutritionJobs Dietetic Resume Guide has a worksheet to use to decide your next career destination.
   
3. Revamp Your Resume. Your resume is the first contact recruiters and hiring managers will see. It has to be impeccable and stand-out. Use NutritionJobs Dietetic Resume Guide to revamp your resume. Remember to have someone proof-read it, too.
   
4. Update Your LinkedIn Profile. Most job applications include a link for your LinkedIn Profile. Your LinkedIn Profile should match your resume. If you have different job experiences listed on your LinkedIn Profile, recruiters and hiring managers will be confused. Fill out your profile completely including all key sections, such as Headline, Summary, Skills & Endorsements, and Recommendations.
5. Compile References. Reach out to at least 5 people to see if they would be willing to write a job reference for you on request or be listed as a reference. Provide them with a list of your strengths, accomplishments, and areas of improvement so they know what to write or how to answer the questions if they are contacted.
6. Plan Your Daily Routine. Schedules help maintain focus. Organization helps with efficiency and getting tasks completed. Make a daily to-do schedule to keep you working towards finding that dream job. Break down the schedule by hours of the day to organize what needs to be done during your 8-hour job search day.
   
7. Conduct Your Job Search. Implementation stage. Allocate time to search for jobs online, apply for jobs, research desirable places to work, network with others, build leads, write cover letters, etc.
8. Spread the Word. Tell your family, friends, professional colleagues, clients, customers, vendors, service workers, dentist, hairdresser, and social media friends the skills you have and the type of job you are looking for. If anyone has a lead, they should contact you. Word-of-mouth is extremely valuable.
9. Practice Job Interview Questions. Be prepared for the hiring manager to reach out for an interview. Use the Job Interview Question Worksheet to provide answers to common questions asked. Practice those answers out loud so they become natural.

For more resume and interviewing tips, check out these must-watch webinar resources from the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics:

Dietetic Career Hacks Part I: The Complete Networking and Resume Guide

Dietetic Career Hacks Part II: Interviewing Tips & Tricks

Additional interviewing resources:

Successful Virtual Job Interview Strategies for Dietitians

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of MIJA, a superfood supplement company, and Haumea Health, a fertility wellness clinic. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.