Job hunting after a job loss can be tough. Maybe you loved your old job. Maybe you hated it. Either way, being laid off is a shock.

As a veteran, you can seek help from a Veterans Employment Respresentative at your local American Job Center. You can also find Employment Resources at the National Service Directory for veterans.

Also, follow the tips below to make your job search a success.

Be positive. Most of all, don’t feel ashamed or guilty. If you’ve lost your job, you’re not alone. Read these tips for helping you Deal with Stress after a job loss.

Make a plan. A successful job search requires planning and time. When you've been laid off, your first need is often to earn moeny.  Find out about any Unemployment Benefits you may qualify for, and learn about More Benefits and Assistance . You may also think about temporary work as you keep searching for a long-term position. Visit CareerOneStop's Creating a Job Search Plan for tips on planning a successful job search.

Know your options. When you're laid off from a job, you have experience in a particular occupation. You also have experience in a particular industry. As you look for a new job, you have several options. You can get advice about the best option for you at your local American Job Center . Laid-off job searchers have three basic options when looking for jobs:

• Same occupation, same industry. If this is your goal, you can begin your job search by following the rest of the tips below.
• New occupation and industry, similar skills.  You might decide to try a different type of job that requires similar skills as your former job . Explore this option at Change Careers . You can also visit mySkills myFuture to find new career options to explore.
• New occupation and industry, new skills.  Maybe the time is right to move to a whole new field and learn new skills. Explore this option at Change Careers or Get More Training . You might also want to visit mySkills myFuture to find new career options to explore.

Network, network, network. Talking to everyone you know is key. Read about how  Networking  can help you find and land a job.

Polish your resume. When you apply for a job, your resume is often the only information an employer has about you. Make sure your resume shows why you are right for the job. Visit CareerOneStop's  Resume Guide to get tips and see resume samples to help get you started.

Hunt deep for job leads. Even during a recession, businesses are hiring. But you need to hunt for openings in many different ways. You should use job banks, job fairs, American Job Centers, and your personal network. Here are some ways to get started:

• Learn about using online Job Banks.
• Visit the Employer Locator to look up local businesses. You can also get contact information to see if they are hiring.
• Contact an American Job Center for job search help.
• Visit your local library.

Brush up on your interview skills. Visit CareerOneStop's Resumes & Interviews for job  interview tips.