Here's how you can maintain resilience and handle rejection during a job search after a layoff.

Emotions run high during stressful times but we're giving the meaning to our experiences. A rejection by one person could feel like a devastating blow to their ego with fear raging because they're projecting a future of more rejections. While another person could look at the rejection knowing "rejection is protection" because a better and more suitable opportunity is waiting. If they weren't rejected by the last opportunity, they wouldn't be able to accept the one that's better for them. So, check how you're interpreting the rejection and consider that it's because a better opportunity awaits.

The most effective way to acknowledge/process emotions is to get out of your head and into your body. Feelings need to be felt. When we get caught up in what the feelings/emotions we're experiencing 'means', it can soon turn into a spiral. Try this: breathing in through the nose, breathing out the mouth, as you continue that pattern, start to scan your body for discomfort, tension, breathe into those areas. Journal your thoughts and practice gratitude shifts your focus to the positives. Lastly, practice a lot of self-compassion and prioritize self-care to navigate this challenging time!

Losing our job due to a layoff, business closure, or reorganization ignites many emotions including a sense of powerlessness. We are reminded that much of what happens to us is beyond our control. As we work through the grief, fear, anger, and other emotions, it is important to remember that while we cannot control external circumstances we can control how we respond to them.

While the outcome may be to secure a job, you can use the job search period to focus on smaller goals to build habits or refine skills. You could set a goal of securing 10 interviews in industries that you are not familiar with, to help you improve your interview skills when dealing with uncertainty. By the time you complete 10 interviews, you will have more confidence and competence with uncertainty. Or you could set a goal to reach out to 25 people on LinkedIn in your network to practice your communication skills. While you are building skills and resilience, you may land a job in an industry that you never even considered or made a connection with someone who can offer you your next position.

Self-care is so important during times of transition. Consider taking this time to learn meditation. Meditation has many benefits including Stress Relief, Calming the Mind, helps you Work Through Negativity, Gain Perspective on your Goals. Meditation can also feel like a vacation because you will be refreshed after meditating. It is not complicated, you can take 5 or 10 minutes out during the day and just sit quietly and breath in and out, then just let the thoughts come and go. Eventually, you'll be able to sit for longer periods of time. It also helps to have a journal handy to write down any thoughts that come up during meditation.

In times like a job loss due to a layoff people are kinda forced into looking at their life and values and take stock. This is a real positive out of a negative. Learn to take time every day to enjoy those things that lift your mood and energy levels.

In addition to adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and mental relaxation I recommend energetic self-care. As an energy healer trained in Healing Touch, I have videos on my YouTube channel, Intend Well with Carolyn Pitts, for techniques like Intentional Breathing, Tapping, the Infinity Technique, and guided meditations.

Rejection is an unavoidable part of job hunting, but it doesn't have to derail your search. Instead of viewing it as a personal failure, see it as a learning opportunity. Each "no" can offer insights for your next application or interview. Remember, every rejection brings you closer to the job that matches your skills and values. Responding to "Why do you want to change jobs?" 1) Instead of "I wasn't paid enough," say: "I learn quickly and seek an environment that allows professional growth." 2) Instead of "It was a toxic environment," say: "I value collaboration and work-life balance in a company culture." 3) Instead of "My former boss micromanaged," say: "I am independent and look for leadership that inspires and motivates."

Remember this: YOU were not made redundant. YOUR ROLE was made redundant. Reframe it like this and it'll feel less personal.

Straight up - I do not like the word "rejection" as it is being used here. I have been in the hiring seat many times in my career. Sometimes there were several qualified candidates, but I could only hire one. I had to select the person who I thought would be the best fit (for the role, the team, and our corporate culture) but I wasn't "rejecting" the other candidates. Receiving a job offer is as much about the qualifications of the other applicants as it is yours. Keep in mind that while a potential employer is interviewing you, you should be interviewing them as well. Don't be in a hurry to accept a position that you won't enjoy in the long run.

This is a great time to expand your network as you'll have more time to meet new people. Many communities have job search support groups, as do churches and career centers. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, stay busy and give back to society. It's a feel good moment. Lastly, look into part-time work. It gets you out of the house, brings in extra money and you never know who you will meet or where it an lead in terms of a new position. The key is to stay busy, so that you have a plan of being out meeting people to expand your network.

I agree that networking can be a powerful tool. In my personal experience, the best career moves resulted from my relationships. Tell everyone you know that you are in the job market as you never know where those personal connections might lead. When I was hiring, I would pay closer attention to candidates recommended by someone I knew.

Many successful people can point to a crisis in their life as the turning point for even greater success. There's a quote from Marilyn Monroe, "...sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

It helps to keep a daily gratitude journal as you move through this transition. It may seem counter intuitive to give thanks for what can at first be perceived as negative experience. However a gratitude practice can shift you away from a negative mood into staying more positive. Remember that these transitions are not by mistake, they are all part of our life's journey. You never know who you will meet and what direction your life will take. Had I not been downsized during my career, I would have never met some treasured friends that I have to this day!