Finding a Job: Employment Search After a Layoff
Layoffs linger in the air like a bad virus. On the nightly news, on the radio, and even around the watercooler the "L" word is heard daily. Learn how to prepare, cope, and still remain victorious.
The initial jobless claims report tells the story; weekly first time claims are up over 40% from this time last year. Yet with over 380,000 workers filing for unemployment benefits each week, many of them casualties of the recent round of layoffs that have blanketed corporate America, the U.S. unemployment rate remains at around 4.5%.
Many firms, in particular mid-sized companies and those in less cyclical industries, have continued to grow during this time of transition.
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Seem contradictory? Well it isn't, really. While the first-quarter layoffs statistics for 2001 are staggering, the economy has shown incredible resilience. Many firms, in particular mid-sized companies and those in less cyclical industries, have continued to grow during this time of transition. In fact, many lesser-known companies, after enduring years of a super tight labor market, are finally able to find the talent they seek. This is good news for those who've recently been let go, and could be great news for our economy in the long term.
Survival 101
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Keep the event in perspective. Organizations agonize over layoffs and typically enact them only as a last resort. Maintain your professionalism while serving out your remaining time with the company and don't allow your relationship to sour. It is not uncommon for downsized employees to be rehired at a later date as conditions change.
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Properly wrap up loose ends. Record the contact information of your peers and supervisors. If transitioning open assignments to a coworker or supervisor, take the process seriously in order to leave a positive final impression with them. Also, obtain a letter of recommendation if possible.
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Have a recovery plan ready. Likely the most frightening part of job loss is the swirl of uncertainty about "what to do next" that you might experience after the event occurs. You can lessen that feeling by being prepared at all times. This simply involves keeping your resume and reference list up-to-date, keeping abreast of employment opportunities and trends, and maintaining any leads you may have for future opportunities through occasional phone calls or e-mails.
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Keep a rainy day fund to assist you financially in case you lose your job. Severance pay, when offered at all, may be insufficient to tie you over until you secure new employment. Social Security benefits may help, but you should have additional funds on hand to augment these checks as payment amounts typically decrease as time goes forward. Having extra savings on hand, ideally one month's salary, will allow you to focus your efforts more clearly on finding new employment as you will not be as worried about your immediate financial needs.
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Act quickly to find new employment. Gaining a new job can be time-consuming. Spend your first day off the job orienting yourself and gathering leads. Talk to friends immediately and broadcast your availability. Strongly consider partnering with a recruiter as they can often expedite the hiring process dramatically. Some companies offer transitioning services through their HR departments; use these services, if provided, to help cast a wider net.
Start Your Job Search Today
Search through our exciting job opportunities now.
If you’re looking for more permanent employment – TEKsystems has permanent positions on our staff both in recruiting and sales and other internal jobs.
If you haven’t already: Submit your resume, and be part of our network when the perfect job becomes available.
Not sure how to begin this process? If it’s your first time working with a staffing firm, we can help walk you through things. We can even help you with your resume and give you lots of other career advice in our career tools center.