What You Should Do After Youve Been Laid Off

What You Should Do After You’ve Been Laid Off What You Should Do After You’ve Been Laid Off 18 What You Should Do After Youve Been Laid Off Talk to Human Resources Know where everything stands in terms of benefits and other issues once youve been laid off. According to Society for Human Resource Management HR Disciplines Panelists David Twitchell and Sylvia Francis, the following should be discussed with your former employer: medical coverage (when it ends, the cost of staying on through COBRA) life insurance (if it can be converted and at what cost) retirement plan (how it will be handled, such as by a payout or rollover) how long you have to make claims on your flexible spending account (FSA) payment for accrued sick days/vacation severance package (including how it was calculated) if you can expect a reference from the company if it is possible to receive a letter of recommendation from your boss if you’re eligible to still participate in the company’s employee assistance program (EAP), which can help in coping with job loss Take Time to Gather Composure While your instinct may be to find a new job as quickly as possible, stepping back to evaluate the situation may have a greater payoff in the long run. Might this be the time to go back to school, switch careers, or look for a more flexible arrangement? Assessing what you really want in a new position can make your next moves more profitable. (Don’t, however, put off filing for unemployment. Benefits can take weeks to kick in.) Update Your Resume and Online Profiles Be ready for opportunities that are bound to come your way by creating a resume that puts forth your best self. Though it is common to feel down about yourself or your situation, such a mindset is not attractive to potential employers. Instead, brainstorm about your outstanding qualities and what you bring to the table. “Go back through performance reviews to capture your most impressive projects and work,” suggests Tiffani Murray of Personality on a Page. “Try to focus on results and impacts that your work had on the team or organization as a whole (such as by highlighting how you increased efficiency or saved time/money).” Likewise, be sure your LinkedIn profile demonstrates that you’re a candidate to consider. As this Forbes article notes, stating in your professional headline that you are “looking for new opportunities in (name field)” or “actively pursuing a position in (specify industry)” alerts recruiters and employers who comb LinkedIn of your availability. Start Searching Finally, after youve been laid off and gone through the above steps, gather your confidence and look for suitable matches. Don’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking help; many workers experience periods of unemployment. The more positive you can be about the chance for new opportunities, the less uncomfortable others will be. Murray recommends reaching out to your own network first, including others who may have been impacted by the layoffs (they may have leads or information on who is hiring). Become active in alumni and professional organizations, and keep an eye out for companies that have announced hiring initiatives, are opening new offices, or will be relocating to your area. Applying to jobs listed on reputable online boards also can be part of your overall strategy. Above all, be kind to yourself if youve been laid off. A layoff is a life-changing event bound to stir up a range of emotions. Remembering your worth is essential- and bound to shine through to new employers. Readers, have you been laid off and found a flexible job in return? Share your story with us below!