Layoffs used to be temporary in nature. This meaning has changed now because, for a long time, this term has been used for referring to the permanent elimination of employees as a part of the cost-cutting measure. One of the most difficult situations in an employee’s life is when the main source of income comes to a full stop.
However, it is essential for you to keep cool and create strategies to overcome it.
Here are some tips that can be incorporated in order to survive a layoff or downsizing:
o Define your network: The first step towards surviving a layoff is to define a network of friends, co-employees, and professional associations that may be of some help.
o Approach the HR department: You may ask your former HR department to help you get a job. The HR department is one of the powerful departments in an organization and has a lot of contacts.
o Update your resume: The resume is one of the most essential marketing tools while searching for a job. Make sure that your resume is clear and concise and is written specifically. It serves as one of the best ways to market your talents. With this fact in mind, make sure that your resume is written according to the company’s requirements. Try to present a brief overview of your qualifications to the interviewer.
o Scan classifieds for potential employers: Scanning for potential employers is important as it will give you an idea about which companies require employees with the kinds of skills that you possess. The main idea behind scanning through the classifieds is to check for those companies that are well-established and are not facing any losses.
o Reorganize your finances: Make sure you organize your finances as soon as you have been laid off. Try to save more money than ever before and sell things that you are likely not to use in the near future.
o Contact the unemployment office in your state: As soon as possible, contact your state unemployment office, as it helps in getting the waiting period out of the way.
o Submit your updated resumes to different job portals: In order to get a job faster, submit your resume to as many online job portals as possible. Highlight your skills and qualifications and approach a number of employers simultaneously. Be sure to use cover letters that are specialized for each company and job opening.
o Contact references: You may also contact references and let them know that you are back in the market. They may be able to help.
o Request a recommendation letter: Recommendation letters help people get better opportunities in life. In order to get a good job, you may ask your former employers to draft a recommendation letter for you and if it is convenient and not too busy, mention what has happened to your previous employer.
o Practice mock interviews: To present yourself in a better way, you should practice mock interviews so that you can confidently deal with the interviewer.
Losing a job is never easy; the tips above can make it easier to make your way through.