Dr. Lynn Joseph: Welcome. This is Dr. Lynn Joseph and I’m looking forward to supporting your job search by answering your questions today!

McLean, Va.: Dear Lynn, how would you cope with rejection letters or emails? They hit very hard and could be very demoralizing. Thanks.

Dr. Lynn Joseph: I’ve always believed that the role of the job seeker is one of the most challenging and demanding “jobs” you’ll be called upon to do, mainly because of the resiliency needed to overcome rejection and stay motivated to perform well. I recommend two avenues of support--one internal and one external. Internally, I suggest a visualization exercise called Future Self. Hundreds of studies have confirmed that people who imagine future success outperform those who imagine future failure. Visualization, if you aren’t familiar with it, is a thought process that directs and focuses the imagination to create an experience in the mind. Take it from Michael Phelps, winner of eight Olympic Gold Medals and world-record times in seven events, “You just have to dream it, believe it, work at it, and go for it.” Golf great Tiger Woods also visualizes his entire golf game while he’s on the driving range prior to a tournament. The exercise is easy to do. Simply take ten minutes daily to relax, close your eyes, and imagine having your ideal job. Imagine it as if you have it now, in minute detail and with all the excitement and satisfaction you can. Mentally celebrate with your family and friends. We conducted a study with job seekers using this and other visualization techniques, and five times more participants landed jobs within two months compared to those in a placebo group. Go to www.JobLossRecovery.com for more info.

The external avenue I recommend is to organize or join a group of job seekers that meets regularly to support one another and share information. Even if it’s one friend that you have coffee with once a week or connect with by phone, this can help considerably to stay positive.

Chevy Chase, Md.: How long is too long to be unemployed? I was laid off in December and worry that employers may frown on the length of time not working.

Dr. Lynn Joseph: Given the current recession, with its massive job losses and fewer companies hiring, you can be unemployed for longer periods and not be penalized by prospective employers. Since you were laid off in December, you shouldn’t have any problem in this regard for at least a couple of more months. It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact number of months because it depends on factors such as your level of compensation and responsibilities. The higher level positions typically take longer.

Austin, Texas: Can you offer suggestions for dealing with the anger following a layoff?

Dr. Lynn Joseph: Anger is a critical issue in the job search. During my years as an executive search consultant, I noticed that job seekers who ignored feelings of anger related to their job loss unconsciously sabotaged themselves by taking these emotions into the interview setting. A healthier approach is to take the following four steps designed as a complete process to help you achieve resolution and closure.