Laid off? Now What?

I've just been laid off...Now What?

By: The Job Seeker's Newsletter

2023 has come in ready to be seen and heard. Many people are ready to send it back with a return-to-sender sticker. Unfortunately, we have been hearing about layoffs nonstop in the past few weeks. Companies such as Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Twitter, and many more are finding ways to "restructure" their company to save an excess of money. What is behind what they deem as excess? People. Real-life people like you and me trying to figure out what is next. Here are 5 helpful tips on what you should do if you ever find yourself laid off.

1. Get it in writing. Just like when someone offers you a job you want to see the fine print. The same goes for getting laid off. Have the manager send you an email with the details of the decision. This email should not only say that they had to let you go, but it will also discuss your severance package and any other benefits and when they expire for you.

2. Understand your Severance Package. If a company decides to lay you off due to restructuring, they usually will give you a severance package. This severance package is a package that includes a lump sum payment, but it may also include certain benefits such as medical or unused vacation or sick days. This package is a good-faith effort from the employer to help bridge the unemployment. It is noteworthy to mention that sometimes accepting a severance package may make you ineligible to claim unemployment compensation. The best thing to do in this case is to read the package completely before signing. If you can, consult a professional to look over the terms of the severance package. 

3. Apply for Unemployment Compensation. Apply online through your State for unemployment. When you were working, you paid taxes. These taxes included unemployment compensation. It is now your turn to use it. Do not assume that you are not eligible for unemployment benefits. At the very least, apply and let them review and decide yes or no. You have to remember that while you are job hunting, every little bit of steady income is helpful.

4. Update your Resume. This may seem like common sense, but make sure your resume has been updated. In addition it needs to be tailored to the job that you are applying to. Let me say it again! Each job needs a customized resume just for that position. Use free websites such as www.skillsyner.com to see how your resume matches with the job description before you hit the send resume or application button. Tailoring your resume will help you stand out amongst the sometimes hundreds of other applicants.

5. Network like your life depends on it. Update your social media accounts. Let your friends and followers know that you are looking for a job BUT be detailed and specific. They need to know what industry and type of job they are looking for. Most jobs are found through who you know, so take advantage of this. Update your LinkedIn account. If you have an old one, make sure it has an updated picture of you, a Headline to include the industry you want to go into, and fill out your About Me and Experience sections too. Your LinkedIn should match your resume as much as possible. LinkedIn is sometimes your first connection with a recruiter or employer, so make sure it is a good impression.

6. Bonus Tip. Being laid off is scary. Remember self-care. Set a schedule of when you will job hunt and try not to let it overcome your every moment. Remember your days off when you were working? Give yourself days off too.

Best of luck to you!  Remember, YOU are important and will continue to do good things.  

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