In an era when downsizing can occur often without warning it is critical to have assistance in the job search.I would suggest that when this happens it would be beneficial to request friends or relatives to become part of a search team. The purpose is not to find you a job themselves, but to lend support,guidance and direction throughout the process.It can be quite a shock to lose a job especially if it has been years since you last were in that position. Knowing that you are not alone is critical, and the wealth of experience that your team brings to the search can be the difference between drifting and securing a new position.