The Ultimate Layoff Survival Guide

Unemployment Insurance

4) Take the government handout. You pay into the system, so you might as well reap the rewards of unemployment insurance while looking for a new position. And although those unemployment checks won't match the salary you had at your job, some money is better than none, right?

You can find out how to apply for unemployment benefits in your state on the site CareerOneStop funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. (Most states let you file a claim by phone or online.) To estimate what your weekly unemployment benefits might be, see this Economic Policy Institute calculator.

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"It's important to apply right away," as your unemployment benefits won't kick in for a few weeks, said Emsellem. "Most people who get laid off should be eligible."

And if Hurricane Ike or any other natural disaster cost you your job, Emsellem said, you may be eligible for disaster recovery benefits, even if you're self-employed. For details, see the Disaster Recovery Services page of CareerOneStop.

5) Put a positive spin on it. Moan all you want behind the scenes, to your friends and family. But how you talk about your newfound unemployment within your professional community could affect your ability to land your next job. If you reach out to past clients or business partners -- or cross paths with them at a networking function -- a simple "I'm no longer with the company" is all you need to say.

"If you are pressed for details," Scarborough Civitelli said, "it is fine to say that your position was eliminated as part of a larger layoff."

During job interviews, too, keep your explanation of your job loss short, sweet and upbeat. No one wants to hire a candidate with a chip on their shoulder the size of Wall Street. Remember, the goal is to win employers over with your sparkling personality and unmatched talent, just as you did the last time you were hired.

This work is the opinion of the columnist and in no way reflects the opinion of ABC News.

Michelle Goodman is a freelance journalist, author and former cubicle dweller. Her books — "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube" and "My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire" (October 2008) — offer an irreverent take on the traditional career guide. More tips on career change, flex work and the freelance life can be found on her blog, Anti9to5Guide.com.