You've been laid off – what now?

Over two million jobs have been lost already this year. And one of the biggest threats to financial security is job loss. Here are some ways you can cope if you've been given a pink slip:

1) First, get all the benefits you can from your employer. That means signing up for COBRA (if you can't get on a spouse's plan); asking for additional weeks of outplacement services if it's offered. And don't forget to grab that Rolodex and talk to HR about any outstanding bonus or vacation time you may be due before you go!

2) Second, now that you've lost one household income, you'll have to make your money stretch. Sign up for jobless benefits pronto - they take at least two weeks to get started. Go to servicelocator.org,which is sponsored by the Department of Labor, for more information. If you're strapped, cash out CDs for income. Think about part-time work if you think it will be awhile before you are employed again. Try to keep your paws off your 401(k). The average worker is unemployed for just five weeks - chances are you will find a job and it may be sooner than expected.

3) Finally, to make yourself as attractive as possible to hiring managers maintain your own online profile. Set up your profile at social networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook; and be sure to get rid of any embarrassing photos you or your friends may have already put on the Web. It's not a bad idea to create your web site, which you can do for $10 at godaddy.com or for free at WordPress.com.