Next Five Steps To Take After Losing Your Job
Losing a job is something that can happen to anyone, especially in these unfortunate times. We know it can be very stressful to the point that you question yourself – what could you have done better? That concern may stay in the back of your mind until you replace it with a better question: “What now?” You need to plan out your next move. I used to be a contractor, in a state of “At will,” so I’m used to preparing for the inevitable. This is not something I take pride in, but throughout the journey, I’ve learned some things that have helped me along the way. With that in mind, here are Five Next Steps to Take Once You Lose Your Job:
1. File for Unemployment
Unemployment is intended to provide temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers who meet the requirements of state law. For some, unemployment may not cover all weekly/monthly finances. You may have received your last employment check, but you want to keep the money coming in NO MATTER HOW MUCH IT IS. Everything counts now, so get online or call to receive your benefits. For some states, the process can take a few weeks for you to get in the system, so don’t waste time. Also, due to COVID-19, if you lost your job due to the recent pandemic, there are other programs available (e.g., rental assistance).
2. Take Some Mental Time Off
Some say that you should give yourself time to mourn the loss. No matter what the situation may be, taking mental time off is important. For comfort, some find it helpful to go out and have a nice meal along with dessert. (That’s up my alley with EVERYTHING CHOCOLATE!) While others will binge on their favorite TV show (Uhm… “Game of Thrones”). Whatever you choose to give your mind a break, remember, you have to give yourself time to have a mental break without guilt. I wouldn’t judge and no one else should. However, it is imperative: DO NOT OVERINDULGE IN YOUR BREAK. Too much time can keep you from getting back to your most critical focal point: Looking for a job. Also, long gaps in between jobs on your resume may lead to questions. So after you take a mental time out… take the covers from over your head, put the lid back on the pint of ice cream, shut off Netflix… and get back in focus on your plan ahead.
3. Take Up Training
Now that you have a little time to spare, use it to do some professional and personal enhancement. Consider learning a new skill set, which you have your choice of home study and taking exams. Earn new certifications or degrees by taking online classes. For career development training, sites like www.Groupon.com and www.Alison.com offer discounted and free courses. If you are looking for advanced courses, sites like www.Coursera.org, www.EDX.org, or www.Lynda.com (learning platform for LinkedIn) provide certifications, college credit, even degrees, for reasonable fee packages. Depending on your state, there may be benefits to assist with paying for school and training. However, be mindful of your state’s criteria for attending classes while unemployed. For the duration of a previous moment of unemployment, I took Cisco training classes. Once I completed the courses, I added the training to my resume. It was significant help because I received more calls than I expected especially for having that skill listed. It is important in every opportunity to invest in yourself and your career…even while unemployed.
4. Update your resume
As I stated in my recent blog post I spoke of the importance of having an online presence. To be successful, you need a resume to expose your skills and experience to the recruiters and HR reps that are looking to fill their open positions. All that you’ve done since your last resume update needs to be added. Remember to add and modify your resume to be relative to the position to which you’re applying. No matter what you’ve done during your duration, now is the time to insert more skills and experience… even overall revision. This is the time to boast about your accomplishments (don’t go overboard). If you were fired, list the experience, but be mindful during the interview. I do not advise speaking negatively of your former employer or boss. The interviewers will change their perception of you – “…negative, unprofessional, and problematic.” Also, it can come back and bite you in the… well you know. So, don’t burn your bridges in your effort to make new ones.
5. Start spreading the news
No, I’m not talking about Frank Sinatra, but you do want to get the word out that you are looking for new opportunities. You never know if your friend of a friend of a friend of a friend (you get the picture) may know of an open position or a good recruiter that has something that is just a perfect fit for you. Also, most companies have referral programs that may benefit both parties. Regarding moving forward from the lost employment, the most detrimental challenges can be holding on to your pride and underestimating the importance of networking. Harboring these issues can sabotage your process of moving on. I had a friend that lost his job but didn’t tell me until six months later. Immediately, we worked on his resume, I had him post it online, and within a month he was employed. He attained employment not only with his great skills and experience, but he let down his pride and networked through me. Never disregard the power of network and friendship in your job search. Folly, it is, to consider otherwise.
Final Note….
Losing your job (either lay off or other means) is usually a hard pill to swallow. However, there are always lessons in losses. You can learn a lot about that situation and yourself. Take a moment to reflect, identify what you’ve learned, and determine what you’ll change next time (to prevent termination or better prepare for a layoff). Afterward, you can either sit and sulk for months, or get back on your feet, update your resume, and post it online. Only you can make the greatest effort to take over your unpaid bills and get you the next ideal job. Remember, in the sport of baseball….no one makes a home run by sitting in the dugout.
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