Being laid off from your job can be very upsetting both on an emotional level and on a financial level. With the economy being in such dire straits these days though it is happening to people more and more. It doesn’t matter if you are new to the job or you have been with the same company for decades, if there isn’t money coming in they simply can’t afford to keep paying you and others.
Since none of us can be certain that our jobs will be there tomorrow, taking action now can help you to be able to survive it. If you are living beyond your means, now is the time to stop doing so. Sit down and write down all of your bills and all of your income. If you are spending more than you bring in you need to make some serious adjustments to your spending habits.
Get your entire family involved with this so that it is a team effort. For example instead of everyone going to the movies on the weekend come up with some low cost activities. You can also have pizza and a movie at home which will cost you much less. How much are you placing into savings each month? If the answer is none or very little you need to budget for a set amount to be placed into that account every month.
Your savings should be for emergency needs only so don’t get into the habit of reaching into it all the time. Ideally, you will want to have enough money saved up to cover six months of bills. That way if you do get laid off you will have some time to find a new job without being in such a financial crunch.
There are likely to be several people laid off at the same time, and that means more competition out there for any other jobs that are available. While it can be difficult to deal with what has happened you need to get yourself together. The longer you wait to get your resume out there the longer it is going to take you to find a job.
Creating a very professional looking resume that is clear and to the point is a great place to start. If it has been a while since you made one, then you will want to take some time to review the information and to make updates. There are plenty of styles of layouts for them that you can choose from. Look at
samples online
so you can find the perfect layout to share your information.
Make it a point to apply for new work every day. Network with your friends and family members too because they can point you in the direction of work that they know about. Register with job service so that they can contact you when work you are qualified for comes up. You also want to explore the internet and read the help wanted ads in the newspaper. With multiple streams of contact out there you will significantly increase your chances of getting work.
You also want to apply for unemployment benefits right away. Too many people that are laid off fail to do so. They have too much pride or they assume that they will be able to find a job very soon. However, the reality is that you just don’t know how long it is going to be. It can take several weeks from when you file your claim for you to start receiving benefits. If you wait until you really need the money then it can end up stressing you out.
Follow up with employers after you have submitted your resume and job application. This lets the know you are serious about the job. Keep notes of who you speak to and when. Take some time to do some mock interviews as well. It may have been a while since you have had to do one. That way when you are contacted for the job interview you will be ready.
Remember to dress the part when you arrive for any job interview. You need to show the employer that you are the right person for the job. Don’t be afraid to do all you can in that interview to sell yourself as the best candidate for the position they have available. Don’t forget to follow up with a handwritten thank you note as well.
If you don’t have money saved up when you get laid off, let your creditors know right away. Many of them will work with you if you explain the situation. However, if you avoid them or don’t tell them they aren’t going to be able to help you. Try to maintain a positive attitude and you will find work. It may not be your ideal job, but you can always continue to look for something better at the same time.
