The first thing moments after getting fired feel immensely devastating, like the definite end of life as you know it. Truth is, that’s really not the case. Losing your job is a very common thing that everybody goes through. However, this can be a very confusing time. There are so many things to do, most people don’t even know where to start.
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, millions of Americans have found themselves unemployed. The economy is at an all-time low, and the slight improvement in the job market these last months has come crashing again. During these trying times, knowing what to do right after you’ve lost your job is vital to ensure that you find a position quickly and that your finances don’t take a huge blow.
Ask Questions
After you get the news of your lay-off, try to get all the facts you can. Why did this happen? Remember that it’s not a matter of placing blame or regretting past mistakes. See this as an opportunity to learn either about your flaws as an employee, or the state of your industry in the face of a pandemic.
Knowing the reasons behind your termination is important to determine your next step. If you were laid-off due to structural changes, this is a sign that you should think of other positions for the future. If personnel cuts were needed, your industry was negatively impacted by the pandemic. If that’s the case, you should consider looking for opportunities in industries that have done better during these times, like tech or e-commerce.
Make sure to ask if there are other positions available that you’d be right for. Mention the possibility of doing some freelance for the company, if they need it. Don’t forget to ask for a recommendation letter right away; you don’t know when it could come in handy.
Start Networking
Along with applying for posted jobs, your network can be a great source of leads and opportunities. Reach out to former colleagues and people in your industry, telling them about your situation. Make sure to mention your skills, qualifications, and past experience. Express what type of positions you’d be interested in, but let them know that you’re open to other offers.
If you’re uncomfortable with sharing that you’re unemployed, you don’t have to disclose it to everybody. You can tell people that you’re looking for new opportunities, but be clear about your search. If somebody asks for specifics, present the situation as a learning experience, rather than a tragedy. You have the power to decide how to reframe the facts.
Work On Your Resume
Your resume is your number one tool in your work search, so get working on it right away. Add details on your last job, as well as new abilities you acquired from it. If you last updated it a long time ago, or it no longer represents you, think about starting over.
The job market has changed tremendously since the beginning of the pandemic. Things like tech literacy and experience in remote work have become vital. Find out how the current situation modified work in your industry, and use your strong points to make your resume more attractive to potential employers.
Use Online Tools
Even if you are not done at your current job, hit the ground running. Start looking for options right away, to understand the market in your area. While you probably don’t have time to immerse yourself completely in the search, you can use job alerts to find out about interesting offers.
Besides job alerts, lots of websites offer tools to help you stay on top of your search. Browse through sites and set up accounts. It’s important that you set up filters, so you don’t get bombarded with offers that don’t interest you.
Conclusion:
Things may look bad right now but look at this as an opportunity to reevaluate your career and what you want to accomplish. Your former job probably wasn’t perfect, so assess what you liked and disliked about it. With this information, set about finding a new one that’s perfect for you. These times of change can be an opportunity for growth if you have the right mindset. Have faith in yourself and be patient. You will get back on your feet.
Note: Guest Post