“I just lost my job.”
These are words that nobody wants to ever have to utter. In the midst of the current economic downturn, however, this phrase has become an unfortunate reality for a significant percentage of the workforce. The natural range of human emotions that follow a layoff, from denial all the way through acceptance, will affect each individual to varying degrees. It is important to maintain control of your emotions so that you can devise a course of action for surviving your temporary setback and preparing to re-enter the workforce.
The staffing specialists at Kavaliro are here to help with some valuable tips to help you bridge the gap between jobs and get you back on track to continuing a fulfilling career.
- Request of your former employer payment for any unused vacation and sick leave play that you have accrued. Some employment contracts contain a provision to provide payment for these benefits.
- Request copies of your past evaluations. This information will be helpful when you go on subsequent job interviews, as it written by a third party and it will, in most cases, paint a picture of what you can offer another employer.
- Request a letter of reference for future employers. Again, this will be a valuable asset when you go on subsequent job interviews as it helps to establish your previous work history.
- Be sure to remove any personal property. Let your employer know that you have personal items in your desk and or locker and, if necessary, show them what you are taking.
- Don't forget about your 401(k) or 403(b). If you have a company sponsored 401(k) or 403(b) investment plan or pension benefits contact, ask the Human Resources department for information concerning the transferring of those funds to an individual investment product, such as an IRA or a Roth IRA.
- Return any company owned property, including keys, company computers, ID cards, and the like. In many cases, companies will have a detailed list of their items, and will give you a receipt for returned items. If they don't give you a receipt, request one, so as to avoid any future claims that could arise.
- File for unemployment coverage. The unemployment taxes that you have paid throughout your career entitle you to receive unemployment benefits. Rules governing unemployment vary from state to state, and most states have an agency website that will provide you with the necessary information to get started.
- Keep close tabs on all of your liquid assets, as they may be necessary to supplement your unemployment coverage during your job search. Keep in mind that a new job can take several weeks to several months to find. Make sure you are aware of the tax implications of drawing funds from your IRAs or pension plans before you do so.
- Update your resume. It may have been years since you have had to do so, so be sure to give it a thorough overhaul. Don’t overlook simple mistakes, such as outdated contact information. Keep things concise and accurate. It helps to have a friend or colleague review your resume so that you can get an outsider’s perspective on its strengths and weaknesses. See Kavaliro's resume writing tips for more details!
- Reach out to your network of friends, relatives, former colleagues, and associates. Re-establish lost connections with your alumni and/or professional associations. Often times, the best jobs are found via word of mouth, so your professional and personal networks work can prove to be invaluable in your search.
- Contact your local job assistance center, such as Joblink or other similar services. Most colleges have an employment center that can provide job search guidance for graduating students and alumni.
- Take advantage of computer job search sites like Monster.com or Indeed.com, as well as local newspapers and trade magazines. Use these resources to determine which industries are currently expanding their workforces, and then target your aforementioned network contacts accordingly for potential leads.
- Take notes! Make sure to keep a detailed record of your job searches, as this information might be required of and provide that information to you unemployment compensation office for proof of your job search efforts.
- Expand your horizons. If applicable, consider taking courses at your local community college or similar training institutions to enrich your job skills and improve your marketability.
The preceding tips and ideas could prove to be invaluable as you navigate the period between jobs. Many, however, find the task of identifying and attaining the perfect employment situation to be a challenging task. That is where employment specialists like Kavaliro come in. As a national leader in job placement and staffing services, Kavaliro’s professionals carry the experience and expertise to help focus your job search and guide you towards placement in the career of your dreams. From temporary contract work to full-time, long-term employment, Kavaliro’s job experts have the contacts and search skills to put you on the path to success.