4Tests Blog

There’s no way to sugarcoat it – getting laid off is a tough experience. It can feel like the world is ending, and it’s hard to know where to turn for help. But don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Thousands of people are laid off every year, and many of them manage to find their way back to success. In this guide, we will discuss some steps that you can take to cope with getting laid off and moving forward.

This guide will be particularly useful at the start of your career. That’s because employers tend to cut their least experienced staff in times of a recession. So recent graduates and soon-to-be grads, take notes!

Don’t Panic

It’s only natural to feel a little panicked when your means of income is stripped from you. But we live in a time where there are more earning opportunities than ever before. For example, the gig economy has created opportunities for people to work remotely and on a freelance basis.

You can even take on more than one gig while you work other part-time or full-time jobs. So don’t panic. There are still options available to you. Just remember that it might take some time to find the right opportunity. It will take much less time, though, if you go into it with a clear, calm head.

File for Unemployment

Filing for unemployment in the United States is a relatively simple process, but there are certain requirements that must be met in order to qualify. First, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own.

This means that you cannot have been fired for cause, such as poor performance or misconduct. Second, you must have worked for a qualifying employer for at least 20 weeks. This employer must also meet certain criteria, such as paying into the unemployment insurance system.

Third, you must be actively looking for work. Finally, you must be able and willing to work, and not currently receive severance pay or other compensation from your former employer. If you meet all of these requirements, you can file for unemployment online or by phone.

You will need to provide basic information about yourself and your employment history, and you will be asked to provide an estimate of your weekly earnings. Once your claim is approved, you will begin receiving unemployment benefits on a regular basis.

Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Don’t get too comfortable with unemployment. It is only approved for a limited amount of time, and, as mentioned, it requires you to look for work while collecting it. That’s where your resume and LinkedIn profile will come in handy.

When it comes to updating your resume, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, make sure to include any new skills or experience that you have gained since your last update. Secondly, take a close look at the job descriptions of the positions you are targeting and make sure that your resume highlights your most relevant qualifications.

Finally, don’t forget to proofread your resume carefully before sending it off. Typos and other errors can give a potential employer the wrong impression. By taking these steps, you can be confident that your resume is up-to-date and ready to help you land your dream job.

As for your LinkedIn profile, it should be a professional snapshot of your skills, experience, and goals. Regular updates are essential to keeping your profile relevant and interesting to potential employers. When updating your LinkedIn profile, be sure to include the following:

• A recent, professional headshot. This is one of the first things that people will see when they visit your profile, so it’s important to make a good impression. Choose a photo that is well-lit and shows you in a positive light.
• An updated resume (see above). Your LinkedIn profile is a great place to showcase your work history and skills. Be sure to keep your resume up-to-date so that potential employers can get an accurate picture of your qualifications.
• Links to your online portfolio. If you have an online portfolio or blog, be sure to include links on your LinkedIn profile. This will give employers a chance to see your work and get a sense of your style and approach.
• A list of your skills and endorsements. Be sure to list any relevant skills that you have acquired, as well as endorsements from former colleagues or managers. These can help add weight to your qualifications and make you more attractive to potential employers.
• Recommendations from former colleagues. LinkedIn recommendations are a great way to show potential employers that you are well-liked and respected by your peers. If you don’t have any recommendations, reach out to former colleagues and ask if they would be willing to write one for you.

Reach Out to Your Network

Using your network of existing contacts can increase your chances of finding a new job. Here are some tips for using your network to find a job after being laid off:

• Get in touch with old colleagues and classmates. They may be aware of job openings that haven’t been widely advertised.
• Attend industry events and meetups. This is a great way to meet new people and learn about potential openings.
• Use social media to reach out to your network. LinkedIn (see above) is a particularly useful platform for connecting with professionals in your field, but it’s not the only one. Spread your net as far and wide as you can.

By taking advantage of your existing relationships, you can improve your chances of landing a new job after being laid off.

Consider Temporary Work or Freelancing

Being laid off can make it more challenging to find new full-time work. However, there are a number of different options for temp work or freelance work that can help tide you over during this difficult period.

For example, many companies are now hiring remote workers on a contract basis. This can provide a flexible and affordable way to continue earning an income while still having the freedom to look for a new full-time job.

Additionally, there are a number of online platforms that connect freelancers with businesses in need of their services. This can be a great way to pick up one-off projects and build up your portfolio. While being laid off can be daunting, there are many resources available to help you weather the storm.

Some websites for finding remote work include Remote.co, WeWorkRemotely.com, and FlexJobs.com. These websites are a great place to start your search for remote work. For freelancing, some popular websites include Upwork.com and Fiverr. Many subreddits on the Reddit website can point you toward meatier choices as well.

Take a Coursera Course

Coursera is an online learning platform that offers courses from a variety of universities and organizations. It can be a great resource for people who are looking to improve their skills or learn new ones.

There are a number of courses that can be helpful for people who are looking for a new job, such as “How to Write a Resume” and “Interviewing for a Job.” Coursera also offers a number of courses that can help you develop new skills that may be relevant to your field.

Taking a Coursera course can be a great way to improve your chances of landing a new job after being laid off. Not only will you learn valuable skills, but you will also be able to add the courses to your resume.

If you’re looking for a new job, Coursera can be a great resource to help you find one. With a variety of courses available, you’re sure to find something that will help you in your job search.

Exercise and Eat Healthy

When you’ve been laid off, it can be tempting to let your healthy habits slide. After all, you’re not going to be going into an office every day, so what does it matter if you eat a few extra bowls of ice cream or spend all day lounging on the couch?

However, there are actually several good reasons to continue eating healthy meals and exercising even when you don’t have a job. For one thing, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help improve your mood and give you the energy you need to job-hunt effectively.

What’s more, staying in shape will make it easier to transition back into a busy work schedule once you do find a new job. So even though it may seem like there’s no point in taking care of yourself when you’re unemployed, making time for healthy meals and exercise can actually help improve your chances of landing a new position.

Indulge in a Hobby or Activity You Love

After being laid off, it can be tempting to spend all your time looking for a new job. But while job-hunting is important, it’s also crucial to find time for activities that make you happy.

Indulging in a hobby or activity you love can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your confidence. It can also provide a much-needed sense of structure and routine during a chaotic period. And who knows?

Pursuing your passion may even lead to a new career opportunity. So if you’ve been laid off, don’t despair. Take some time to explore your interests, and who knows what you might discover about yourself in the process?

Spend Time With Loved Ones

After being laid off, it is more important than ever to spend time with loved ones. This is because they can provide the emotional support that is needed during this difficult time.

Being around loved ones can help to take your mind off of your worries and can remind you that you are not alone. In addition, they can offer helpful advice and suggestions for how to deal with the situation. Their support can make a big difference in how you cope with being laid off, so make sure to take advantage of it.

Don’t live around any friends or loved ones? No problem! There are plenty of online communities full of people who understand what you’re going through. Check out forums, social media groups, and subreddits for potential meetups.

Seek Professional Help If Necessary

Being laid off can make you feel like you’ve lost your identity, and it can be hard to see a way forward. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and there is help available.

When considering whether to seek professional help, it’s important to consider your needs and goals. If you’re struggling to cope with the emotional fallout of being laid off, or if you’re having difficulty developing a plan for your next steps, professional help can make a world of difference.

There are a variety of types of help available, including career counseling, financial planning, and emotional support. Once you’ve identified your needs, you can begin to explore the different options available to you. With the right help, you can take control of your life and start moving forward again.

Have Faith in Yourself

Being laid off can be a blow to your self-esteem. It can be hard to believe in yourself when you feel like you’ve failed. However, it is important to have faith in yourself after being laid off.

You need to believe that you can find another job and that you are capable of being successful. Otherwise, you will never find the motivation to keep looking.

There are a few things you can do to restore or strengthen your self-belief. First, talk to other people who have been laid off. They can understand what you’re going through and offer support and encouragement.

Second, take some time for yourself. Do something you enjoy or that makes you feel good. This can help remind you of your worth outside of work. Lastly, make a plan.

Having a concrete plan for what you’re going to do next can give you a sense of control and purpose. Don’t let being laid off destroy your faith in yourself. Remember that you are capable and resilient. You will get through this.

Getting Laid Off Is Not the End of Your Story

Getting laid off can feel like the world is ending, but don’t worry – there is light at the end of the tunnel (and it’s not just an oncoming train). Thousands of people will experience it annually, and it’s very likely to touch us all sometime in our careers.

Being prepared ahead of time is the key to surviving and thriving in the aftermath. Any questions or comments? We want to hear from you. Sound off in the comments section below!

[Featured Image by Flickr Creative Commons License]