Get your Career back on Track after being Laid-off

6 years ago | Posted in: Business | 684 Views

Finding yourself laid-off from work is extremely stressful, daunting, and feels overwhelming at times. If you have recently been laid-off, there are a few ways to rediscover your motivation and willpower to move forward professionally. With a bit of commitment and a dedication to making positive life changes, you’ll quickly land a new position in the job market of your choice.

Apply for Unemployment Benefits 

When you have worked at your former place of employment for any length of time, apply for unemployment benefits immediately after you are laid-off. Unemployment benefits typically last approximately 5 to 6 months, and provide you with a sense of financial stability while you maintain your residence during your job search. While unemployment benefits are not the same as receiving a traditional paycheck from your previous employer, they help with covering bills and expenses as you transition into a new position.

Take Some Time Off and Reflect on Your Past   

Taking a hiatus if highly advisable when you find yourself laid-off. If you are able to financially afford a week or two of downtime, take advantage of it while you get your emotions and career goals back in order and aligned.

Facing the reasons you were laid-off from work is extremely important before committing to a new job search, even if you feel ready immediately. Consider why you were laid-off and whether it was due to financial shortcomings or if you were simply not giving your all to your position. Are you interested in moving forward in the same position at your next place of work? Do you want to branch out and experience new career options that are more appealing and virtuous for you? Reflect on your past when brainstorming about new potential career choices that are ideal for you.

Reduce Bills and Minimize Expenses  

Losing a job entails a drastic cut in financial support, which can quickly lead to bigger debts if you are not careful with your spending. After being laid-off, work to reduce or eliminate unnecessary bills and expenses from your monthly spending. Avoid ordering takeout or going out for meals and instead, shop in bulk to cut grocery costs immensely. Cancel frivolous bills for entertainment services to spend more time focusing on rebuilding your professional career.

Hire Outplacement Services   

Search for low cost outplacement services available in your local area. Outplacement services help to find job openings that are most relevant to your skill set and the industries you have worked in. Work together with an affordable outplacement service to maximize the professional opportunities that are available near you regardless of the market you want to work in.

Maintain a Daily Routine  

Maintain a daily routine even when you are unemployed to avoid becoming apathetic or lazy when it is time to begin job-hunting. Implement a daily routine just as you maintained when holding down your job each day. Sticking to a daily routine and schedule is a way to remain focused when submitting job applications and scheduling interviews.

Update Your Resume  

Update your resume after you have been laid-off before you begin submitting it to prospective employers who are currently hiring. Research resume templates and consider condensing your resume to only include relevant skills and job experience. Tweak each section of your resume to appeal to prospective employers using keywords and phrases that are the most relevant to the job you are interested in.

Begin Your Job Search  

Sign up on professional social networking sites and join online job-hunting communities to begin submitting your resume and scheduling interviews. Create professional profiles for yourself to appeal to recruiters who are in search for new employees at all times.

Taking the time to reevaluate your career and professional opportunities is one of the best ways to get your life back on track of being laid-off. With the right tools and resources, begin seeking out new and improved job offers that are truly fitting for you.

Bio:  Jeremy is a tech and business writer from Simi Valley, CA. He’s worked for Adobe, Google, and himself. He lives for success stories, and hopes to be one someday.

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