Lost a job? Don't get down. Here are some tips for coping.

By Joyce Lain Kennedy

Tribune Media Services

Dealing with rejection is tough in any circumstance, but it can be especially hard when you’ve been let go from your job.

These suggestions on how to cope come from businessman, popular speaker and uber best-selling author Harvey Mackay, who says, “Lord knows I’ve had plenty of rejection over my career.” In his acclaimed book “Use Your Head to Get Your Foot in the Door: Job Search Secrets No One Else Will Tell You” , Mackay offers these wisdoms to jump-start your new life.

1. Don’t take it personally. Don’t consider yourself a failure if you are rejected. You’re a much bigger person than the way your last job packaged you. The sooner you think in terms of your breadth of skills and talents, the quicker you will find constructive ways to move on.

2. Leave the last door open. Don’t waste time with venom for the past. So what if the job wasn’t tailor-made for you? Consider the experience to be invaluable to get you to the next run. Visualize the day when you can visit your last employer and actually thank him or her for the opportunity that was opened up for you.

3. Never say no for the other person. Don’t anticipate rejection based on your immediate past experience. Indeed, you may have to polish up your attitude and credentials. On the other hand, you may also find employers who like you very much as you are. Test the market.

4. Analyze every failure, but never wallow in one. I always want to know why people say no. Me? Economy? Needs of the department or firm at this point in time? Be wide open to changing yourself, but be careful about trying to remake yourself to answer circumstances beyond your control.

5. Remember past achievements. Reflect on your past career and business successes. How did you feel? When did you shine your best? Be honest and up to date. Don’t spotlight the kinds of career successes that are no longer possible in an industry or market that has changed forever.

6. Take a break. If you’re feeling down, do something you like – exercise, read a motivational book, listen to a favorite song. Just don’t stay away too long. Never take a break when you’re on a hot streak, only when you’re in a slump. If a sudden streak of contacts and job prospects springs up, you may have already made the necessary adjustments in how you’re presenting yourself.

7. Misery is contagious. Mackay is a favorite author because, in addition to offering a book full of good advice, he lightens the learning load with smiles, laughs and jokes. Learn from his example.