How to find a job after a layoff

It came as shock to Brenda Paradise when she got the news the marketing company she was working for would no longer need her services.

""It was four o'clock the week before Christmas and I was told I had until five to clean out my desk. I was devastated. I have two kids at home, I am a single mom, I am my only means of income, said Paradise.

With no time to sulk, Paradise quickly updated her resume, got online and started applying for jobs. She even put up an ad on Craig's List to network.

"I guess at this point I am at the mercy of exposure, if I can get my face out there," said Paradise.

With only one interview under her belt, she hasn't found a job and she's desperate. Paradise does not have the money to pay her January mortgage and her car payment. So she got some advice from Marilyn Logan, money expert and life coach to help Paradise.

"Everyone should walk into their employer everyday and assuming it's my day for a pink slip, it's going to be," said Logan.

Logan says that was Paradise's first mistake: she didn't prepare an emergency fund in the event she lost her job. The extra money could come in handy while she is job hunting.

"Brenda is frantic now because she did not prepare for the pink slip," reiterated Logan.

Now that Paradise is unemployed, she's been using the opportunity to find the perfect job, but Logan says it's not the time to be picky. During these tough times, you should look for several jobs that can help you pay your bills.

"A lot of people are looking for the job or a job, you just need to be looking for jobs, said Logan.

She also suggests Paradise follows the money. For example, Logan says that banks and credit unions are swamped right now with customers modifying their home loans, while law firms that handle bankruptcies are booming.

"So if I were you I would hit every law firm and say you are specifically wanting to work in the bankruptcy department," said Logan.

Finally Logan advises Paradise to not shy away from jobs that don't pay as much as her old job.

"That $10 an hour job can quickly go to $13 and six months it can quickly go to a supervising position," Logan added.

Her advice did not fall on deaf ears. "I am going to change my focus. I am going to be the employee they are looking for," said Paradise.