• Losing a job can happen to anyone, young or old, single or married, and can be a terrifying experience.

In Chinese, the word crisis means, "opportunity." Most of us cannot wait until we find that dream job. This job is the vehicle to provide for our family, pay bills, and fulfill talents. It's a time to believe in ourselves, overcome the difficulties, roll up your sleeves, dust off the boots, and get after it. Now what?

1. Make a Plan of Action Organize your routine. Assemble a plan of action to replace the job you lost. Find companies that have consistent opportunities to match your profile. This requires discipline with an assertive attitude. Establish a schedule with deadlines and goals. You will prove to yourself that you are a highly organized professional.

2. Plan your expenses.You do not know how long this will last, it is best to be prepared. Cut unnecessary spending to stretch your resources. Unemployment insurance has limits; it is wise not to rely solely on it. Face the possibility of finding small jobs during the period that you are looking for a new job.

3. Appearance and health.Do not neglect your appearance. Dress for success. Stay healthy, physically and mentally. Do not give in to laziness. Exercise and take care of your personal relationships. Stress and tiredness can hinder your performance in the process, or even undermine chances of interviews or good jobs, which may come along where you could be the ideal candidate.

4. Update your resume and your area. Review, summarize, show objectivity, brevity and clarity. Send it to all the people who may have an interest in your professional profile.

• Do not forget the head hunter companies in your state, and company websites.

• Send customized resumes for each job opening.

• You can use Resume.com or Resume Monster to assist you with this task.

• You definitely need to have a profile on LinkedIn. Connect with past employers, colleagues, family and friends, ask for references and update it often.

• Today, most companies have a website where you can apply online or just send your LinkedIn profile. Search for the careers or employment page.

5. Contacts network. Put together a list of people that can help you, and contact them. Show yourself.

6. Interviews.

Prepare yourself. A few tips:

• Study your resume, the content posted will be useful.

• Be prepared to answer questions such as, listing your strengths and weaknesses, why you left the previous job, or why you think you are the best candidate for the job.

• Research the company before the interview: know it's organizational culture, how it communicates with the market, benefits and career details.

• Collect important information for the selection process.

• Above all, be honest. The best way to pass psychological hiring tests is being as honest and clear as possible. If not, you enter into contradiction, if hired, skills and experience will be proven later.

7. Be flexible

A popular saying, "a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush" applies to this. Be flexible when negotiating. The company may offer compensation below the desired rate but gives you opportunity for growth and good benefits.

Perhaps, you will start with temporary or part-time jobs but will acquire additional knowledge and experience. This may not be the desired position for now, but it is still better than being unemployed.

Now that you know what you need, get going and good luck!