Usually holiday parties are a wonderful time to re-connect with colleagues and also meet new people. However, this year is different. You’ve been laid off but your spouse has not. Their office party is on the horizon and you are not enthusiastic about attending. Holiday parties are difficult enough but attending while unemployed can seem like being punched while you're down. You may be dreading it but instead, use the opportunity to broaden your network, expand your personal brand and find potential job leads.

The first thing you need to do is to get on the same page as your spouse since it is there office party you will be attending. They can give you insights to who is in charge, who is friendly and who will be your best lead. Once the two of you agree that this event is about trying to expand your network, you’re ready to prepare.

Prepare

• Do your homework about the guests who will be in attendance.

• Get to the party early. Being one of the first in attendance, It helps you feel comfortable. It allows conversation with as many people as possible to help ensure that you spread your name and feel comfortable.

• Remember that the party isn’t a networking event, it is a tool to help you build your network. The work is in your hands. So you need to be talkative.

• Start conversations, don’t wait for people to talk to you.

• Prepare business cards with name, email and telephone number & update your linkedin profile.

At the Event

• Do not dwell on the fact that you are unemployed, even if the other guests know about your situation. Be positive about what is going on in your life and your outlook for the future. The last thing anyone wants to do at a holiday party is to hear “sob stories” about unemployment.

• Use common openings to enter conversations, “I’m the spouse of so & so, what is your connection to the company? or Ask their opinion on food, that’s an opening too.

• Do not say you’re unemployed, say you're in career transition. If asked about your career talk about work experience, your field and mention you’re looking for a new position in 2010.

• Discuss your old field, talk about what you enjoyed and where you see the future of the field.

• Know how to get out of conversations because time is limited and you’re there for a purpose. Have standard exit statements: “Ask for a card and say it was a pleasure to meet you and hand them one of yours.

• If they don’t leave the conversation say, “It was nice to meet you but I want to give you time to meet other guests.”

• Roam all over the room. Make friends, smile and be polite. Because commonly people clam up when nervous, you need to combat that. Unless you notice you’re boring those in the conversation, then slow down and listen. They can’t get to know you if you're not talking but they can't feel completely comfortable unless you listen. It's a special balance.