• by Beverly Weinstein , January 8, 2009

The unlucky person charged with telling you that you just lost your job probably feels pretty low for having to carry out that task--especially at this time of the year. But how does that help you? Read on.

Sure, your boss may offer up a heartfelt apology at the time that he or she delivers the bad news, but a simple 'sorry' isn't going to solve your unemployment problem. What you're looking for is something more tangible that will put you on the path to finding your next job. The time to ask for help is now.

Your ex-boss is probably feeling guilty or remorseful--or hey, just plain sympathetic. In another month, he or she is onto the next set of challenges and the window to ask for help may not be open nearly as wide.

Some things to consider:

*Ask for a simple letter of recommendation. Your ex-boss may agree to sign one for you, but chances are he/she doesn't have time to compose it--guilty conscience or not. Offer to write a draft that your ex-boss can edit. Keep it simple, short and to the point. The letter should be written on your ex-boss's letterhead and signed.

*Ask if your ex-boss is willing to be a reference. My advice is probe deeper than being satisfied with a yes. Find out if he/she would have any issues about giving you a positive recommendation. You want to have some indication of how you'll fare on the applause meter: enthusiastic endorsement or damning with faint praise.

*Ask other executives or peers in your company to be a reference. This is a good idea for multiple reasons a)you're not sure your boss will say the things a new employer will want to hear (positive words from others in your company will go a long way to balancing a lukewarm reference); b)your ex-boss is out of town and can't be reached when there's a deadline on your reference check; or c)your new employer may want multiple references from your most recent employer. Have them lined up in advance.

And finally:

*Ask for help. Your ex-boss (or possibly that person's boss) probably has a great professional network. Ask them to put it to work for you. Chances are, they'll agree.