Fired or lost your Job? 10 Things You NEED To Do NOW!
Tony and Joe are on notice and will lose their jobs pretty soon if they fail to deliver on their new budget promises, according to Dennis Shanahan from the Australian. Of course, that’s no consolation if you‘ve recently lost your own job, or feel like the writing for imminent job loss is on the wall.
At Perth Airport two weeks ago, I witnessed firsthand the effects of a mass redundancy as Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (FMG) Australia laid off 200 Mining staff with the stroke of a text message.
Given less than 12 hours to pack their bags to fly home, the employees were literally kicked out despite many clocking up five or more years with the mining giant.
FMG has since announced further layoffs – as much as 700. The scenes at the airport were shocking.
It’s emotional and traumatic to be laid off, and even worse to be fired. You’re out of work, you’re out of money soon, and you will lose far more than just a job. While it’s painful, the faster you get a job search up and running, the faster you’ll be thinking about your new job instead of the one you lost.
10 Things You NEED To Do NOW when you lost your job
# 1 File for unemployment.
If you lose your job through no fault of your own, you should be eligible for unemployment benefits. Depending on the circumstances, you may even be eligible if you were fired. Here’s what you need to know about filing for unemployment.
# 2 Check on health insurance options.
Check with your manager or the human resources department who laid you off on options for continuing health insurance coverage, or investigate options for getting a new policy to cover you while you’re out of work.
# 3 Work out your budget.
Your unemployment money is going to be less than your last job pay, so think about how you can save some money. Share it with your family and ask them to help you through this tough period.
# 4 Google yourself and clean up your social media accounts.
Search for your name on Google to see what potential employers will find when they check you out. Make sure everything coming up in the search results is appropriate. Be sure that all your posts are fit for the public to see. If not, clean them up and adjust your privacy settings.
# 5 Revamp your resume and update your LinkedIn profile.
Before you start applying for jobs, take the time to update your resume. Your resume will be read by the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that employers use as well as by hiring managers. Be sure to include your most relevant skills and match your qualifications to the job. That will give you the best shot at getting selected for an interview.
If you’re applying for professional positions you’re going to be checked out on LinkedIn. Update your LinkedIn profile, making sure all the information matches what is on your resume. If you need help with your resume or LinkedIn profile contact us, we can help.
# 6 Connect with your network and organise references.
This is the time to connect with your network. Use LinkedIn, your co-workers, university networks, and any other professional or personal networks to help along your job search. Ask your connections to let you know if they come across jobs that would be a good fit.
Line up a few references now, so they can expect a call when you start interviewing. We can help you and coach you how to ask for an employment reference.
# 7 Get an interview outfit and get ready (get in shape).
Expect to have at least a couple of interviews for every job you apply for. Some may be over the phone. Others will be on-site, so be prepared to dress appropriately for the job and company you’re interviewing with.
# 8 Focus your job search.
Use the advanced search options to focus on job listings that match your interests and skills, and in a place where you want to work. Don’t waste time applying for jobs that aren’t a good fit. This is a competitive job market and if you’re not qualified, you won’t be considered.
# 9 Start the job search and don’t get discouraged. Say thank you and follow up.
Good manners are important. In fact, they can be the difference in landing a second interview or job offer. Take the time to follow up and thank your interviewers. Don’t get discouraged. Expect your job search to take a while. Remember, that you’re one of many hundreds looking for new work in the same capacity.
You are probably going to not hear back from more employers than you expected. Unfortunately, many companies don’t bother to notify applicants who weren’t selected.
The interview process may be much longer than you anticipated. You may be asked to interview three or four, or even more times, before a hiring decision is made.
# 10 Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Finally, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Friends and family will be glad to assist, but they can’t if they don’t know you need assistance. Whether you need a loan, a ride, a babysitter, someone to proof your job application materials, or an outfit to borrow to wear to an interview don’t hesitate to ask, just always remember to hunt wisely!
Uli
P.S. Share this blog post if you know someone who recently lost their job or if you have any other good insights or tips. Feel free to also comment here in our comments section.
