The days after a layoff are difficult, but don’t delay setting the right wheels in motion.
Whether you saw it coming or not, a layoff plain old stinks! Shock, anger, frustration, and other emotions are normal, so be ready to work through them.
The key to securing your next job after a layoff is to get yourself moving forward as quickly as possible. These tips will help get you on track!
1. Talk To Your Family
Have an open discussion with your family, including your children, and explain the facts about what has transpired and how this will impact everyone.
Ask your family for their help and support over the upcoming months and maintain open lines of communication about what is going on with your search.
The fear and anxiety you are experiencing is normal and your family feels it too! When you talk openly and honestly about your job search, you help everyone understand their role and the progress you are making.
2. Build Lists
Creating lists may not be your preferred style, but do it anyway. You will need to refer to these lists to keep on track.
- Make a list of 100 people you know well.
- Create a list of 25 accomplishment stories (learn more here)
- Identify a list of the top 50 companies you would like to work for or who could potentially hire you for the work you want to do. Learn how to find target companies.
Now reach out to the 100 people on your list with a positive tone and request help, advice and information.
Please do not say “help me I am looking for a job!” Learn how to network without a resume instead.
3. Cut Unnecessary Expenses Immediately
Your family can help eliminate unnecessary spending. Ask each family member what they will do to reduce their expenditures.
Another way to cut your expenses is to evaluate other health insurance options. Your employer will offer the option to continue your health insurance at your cost, also known as COBRA. This is extremely expensive and will drain savings quickly. Begin investigating other health insurance options immediately by talking to colleagues, business owners, and anyone who is unemployed to learn what health insurance options they are using.
Your frugality now will enable you to endure the long job search process.
4. Create An Weekly Plan
You want time to recuperate from the shock of being laid off, but often the best way to overcome this is by setting a daily agenda.
Create a new routine similar to your work schedule. Set your alarm, take a shower and get your day started. I know this sounds silly, but it does help!
More importantly, have specific actions identified during your day. This should include networking events, meeting with past colleagues, occasionally volunteering, investing in your professional development through formal or informal learning opportunities, and an hour or two of “you” time when you can indulge in your favorite pastime.
This Job Search Checklist will help!
One last reminder- do not spend all your time behind the computer! Get out of your house and meet people!
5. Learn To Say No
It’s not unusual after a layoff for family and friends to begin calling on you for your help once they find out you are no longer working. However, your new full-time job is looking for a job. Learn to decline requests which would take away from your search.
Just say no to the “honey-do” list and household chores. Fulfilling these duties may provide a feeling of accomplishment in the short term, however, when you procrastinate on your job search efforts, you will extend the time you are unemployed, and no one wants to be in that position.
6. Accept It Will Take Awhile
Inevitably, your job search will take longer than you want. Incorporate a healthy balance: exercise, eat right, get enough sleep, and remember, everything in moderation. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
If you are looking for more help for your job search after a layoff, read 10 Steps You Should Have Taken When You Were First Laid Off
This post originally appeared on US News & World Report
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
