What to do after a Layoff
Unfortunately, this question is becoming all too real for many of us in the uncertainty of the coming weeks and months. Here is a rundown of tips and tricks for what you can do right away to get back up on your feet after a job layoff.
In the initial days, it’s okay to wallow in your sadness, fears and frustrations; but after a day or two it’s time to pick yourself up off the couch and start grinding. There may be many things out of your control right now, but that doesn’t mean that everything is out of control. Stay positive and take charge of your future!
Before saying the final sayonara to your job, there are a few items you will want to follow up on from your employer:
1. Request your final paycheck so you don’t have to wait two weeks to receive the money (if it wasn’t discussed, check with HR on severance pay, unpaid vacation time, health insurance and any other benefits)
2. Request a letter from your employee stating that you were laid off. This can be helpful to have for future jobs to prove you weren’t fired.
File for unemployment. Each state has individual application processes. You will need to check your state’s website for all necessary information needed.
4. Set your sights on finding a new job.
Reflect on your last role and employer. Do you plan to stay in the same field and are you looking for a similar role? Think about what aspects of the position you enjoyed and the aspects you didn’t like. Were there any red flags you should look out for this time around? Think about this as an opportunity for a clean slate and the ability to start new!
The first area of focus should be your resume. If you have updated your resume in the past six months to a year it might just need a few tweaks. If not, take the time to revamp your resume so it reflects the great work you’ve done and creates the first impression you are hoping to give.
Once your resume is complete, it will be a lot easier to update your LinkedIn profile. Pro Tip: Your LinkedIn shouldn’t be a replica of your resume. This platform allows for more creativity, individuality and less formality. Let your personality shine here!
After your resume is ready—network, reach out to friends, previous colleagues or acquaintances in positions or companies that are of interest to you (Not sure what friends do or where they work? Search their name on LinkedIn!). Through LinkedIn you can directly message them. Let them know you have recently been laid off and are looking for a new job. Include what interests you about the company they work for or what you could bring to a specific role. If it’s a friend/close colleague, you can always text or email them. Use the connections that you have, you never know what doors may open up.
Next, jump on the job search (our favorite job sites are LinkedIn or Glassdoor). Set a reasonable goal for yourself of applying to a certain number of jobs a day. If it’s a job that really interests you, take the time to write a personalized cover letter. If it’s an Easy Apply on LinkedIn, we recommend having a combined resume/cover letter to submit.
Stay persistent and stay positive! If they don’t respond, don’t take it personally. Applying for jobs is daunting and at times feels never ending, but you have to keep your spirits up and stay true to your goal that you previously set.
ResumeHub offers a number of services to help you through your job search process and shorten the amount of time and effort needed to find a new job. Let us know how we can help!