Are you getting laid off? Have you been fired. Now What?
Losing a job – it happens to the best of us.
Maybe you’re angry that you’ve been fired, or you’re worried about finding another job. You might even be sad about the loss of your work environment. No matter what you’re feeling right now – you don’t have to feel powerless.
A Positive Approach to Finding Your Next Job
It can be quite a shock to be let go of your job unexpectedly. While it’s understandable to feel shocked and surprised, don’t let it keep you in a state of limbo.
There are ways to cope with getting fired and there are important actions you must take.
Getting fired doesn’t have to mean failure, it can mean opportunity.
Remember, being unemployed is not the end of the world.
First Initials to Help you Move Forward
If you find yourself in this situation, here are four things you can do to help you move forward:
1. Introspect
Take some time to reflect on the situation. It’s important to understand why you were let go and come to terms with it. This will help you move forward with a clear mind.
2. Relax and rejuvenate
After spending so much time working, take some time to unwind and enjoy your free time. Relaxing will help you clear your mind and allow you to approach your next job search with renewed energy.
3. Learn to cope
Getting laid off can be a difficult and emotional experience. Try not to dwell on the past and instead focus on your future. If you find yourself struggling to cope, seek out support from friends, family, or a therapist.
4. Organize and strategize
Once you’re ready, start preparing your resume and make a list of potential companies to apply to. Prioritize the list and plan your actions for contacting each company.
When you’re ready to interview, be sure to come up with a sound explanation for being laid off.
The Job Loss Survival Guide:
Taking Actions and Moving Forward
It’s natural to wonder what to do next after getting laid off.
Rather than dwelling on the past, focus on taking the first step towards your future. If you do the latter, you are sure to be a success.
Approach Unemployment like a Job
1. The First Step
Any job, project, or situation begins with a first step.
The first step you need to take when you’ve been fired is to find out if you qualify for unemployment benefits and apply for them.
This is important because it will allow you to focus less on your financial situation and put the focus on looking for a new job.
2. Think About It
This is your chance to steer your career in the direction you desire.
What is it that you want to do?
Perhaps you want to make a big change? Let’s say you’ve always worked in an office but have been interested in jobs in healthcare. This is the perfect time to do that! Look into necessary training and education. You’ve been given an opportunity to think about your goals.
View your job loss in a positive way, rather than a negative way.
Even if you aren’t pursuing a career change, a positive attitude will show through to potential employers.
Having a good attitude to your interview is as vital as wearing professional attire.
3. Talk About It
Right now, you’re on the open market.
You’re a product looking to be sold. The more people who know about you, the better your chances of getting scooped up. Don’t hide your unemployment status from family, friends, and business contacts.
Your best chance for getting a job is through a personal recommendation!
4. Keep Working
Be sure to keep working every day.
Looking for a job is a full-time job. Looking at unemployment this way is not only the best way to get back into the workforce quickly, but it is a necessary step for coping with being fired.
Here are several tasks that should be on your project list:
- Update and perfect your resume (consider professional resume help).
- Customize your cover letter to potential jobs.
- Register with online job boards (search for jobs and post your resume).
- Update your social networking sites (such as LinkedIn) and connect with others.
- Read industry publications and stay current with industry news and topics.
- Prepare for interviews (research companies, anticipate questions, acquire proper attire).
- Make temporary/necessary adjustments to your lifestyle (keep your finances on track).
- Better your skills and knowledge with classes (online, seminars, on campus).
- Get out and interact with others as much as possible (stay active, make connections, keep a positive attitude)
You’re Coping with Job Loss, but Not for Long
These important job-seeking tasks will not only help you cope with job loss, but you may also find that you barely have time to notice that you’re unemployed.
The good news is, if you’re this dedicated to your job search, you won’t be unemployed for long.