Article by Willie Hayes
Many companies unfortunately have to lay off their workers. This is something that will on average happen to everyone at one point or another during their careers. When you are laid off, it’s time for action versus self loathing about what went wrong. Find out what you should be doing once you are laid off so that you can get back to your normal routine again.
You need to pull out your resume and get it updated. Update all your contact information, recent job skills, accomplishments, and references with their new contact information. This will be needed to find a new job.
Get out your business contacts and start making some calls. Let them know that you are looking for something as you were recently laid off. This might open a door to a new opportunity.
The day you leave your work once laid off, try to get a recommendation from your boss. Many times your boss will feel guilty about letting you go especially when it’s not their choice but someone above them making the decisions. You will generally get a great recommendation that day.
It’s best to try to get a letter as proof that you were recently laid off. This makes it easier to get unemployment. This won’t pay you much money at all, but it certainly does help.
Find out as soon as possible if you qualify for COBRA insurance. This is a bit more expensive, but it’s something that will tie you over from one job to the next. Don’t take too long at this else the offer will expire.
Cut your expenses at home. You need to preserve whatever savings you have as long as possible because you don’t know how long it will take to get a new job.
Consider the next option that you have. You might have jobs you can take or might consider doing something different and going back to school.
About the Author
Willie writes frequently on career advice. He also freelances for a couple of Halloween websites, including scarecrow masks and turtle costumes, which are popular costumes ideas for Halloween and other times of year.