I'd like to share with you a few gems from an article written back in 2002 that still rings true today. This article reminds us that while losing a job can be a traumatic experience, whether it was planned or unplanned, we must stay positive and keep forging ahead.

This article, titled "Steps to Take When You Lose Your Job", was written by Steve McCarthy, the President of McCarthy Strategies. In the article he reminds you that while you may feel many emotions, including anger, depression, and frustration when you first lose your job, you should not allow your emotions to hinder your ability to search for a new job. In this article, Steve offers the reader several suggestions he calls the three R's: Rethink, Research and Reach Out.

I'd like to offer up some additional gems I've gathered from my experience with working with battle weary job seekers. I present to you the three A's: Asking, Answering, and being Absolute.

Asking good questions is an essential skill for all phases of the job search

• Ask everyone you know if they are aware of any opportunities that might match your background. Ask them to let you know if any new opportunities come up in the future. Make a list of people to ask each week.
• Ask questions about the company and the position during your interview. But... do your research first and develop a list of good questions before the interview so that are prepared.
• Ask other people in job search mode what has been working for them and be willing to expand your comfort zone enough to encompass new job search techniques.

Answering other people's questions succinctly is a highly valued skill.

• Answering questions during an interview or a phone screen is obviously a skill worth perfecting. Remember that practice makes perfect.
• Answer other job seekers' calls for help. Not only is helping people extremely rewarding, but it's great to align with others who share your struggles. Determine what areas of the job search process you excel at and then teach other people your craft. Become a connector – connect people together who can help each other out.

Be Absolute. It's a state of mind.

• Be someone who exudes confidence and is completely certain of what he or she wants. This is your job you are searching for. Taking the time to know yourself and know what you really want is of utmost importance in a job search. I've met people who put more thought into what kind of car they want to buy rather than thinking about what type of career will be the most satisfying for them.