Have you been laid off recently?
With companies increasingly laying people off, you might already have found yourself among those who have been negatively affected by the downturn in the economy. I’ve been laid off twice in my career – one company went bankrupt and the other downsized and moved most jobs overseas – so I know the feeling.
As the number of displaced people increases, the harder it gets to earn the attention of hiring managers who are actually hiring as you’re probably going to find yourself competing with more people for fewer jobs.
I recently read an article that profiled a professional who went from earning $100,000 per year to being out of work for 7 months and having to rely on government assistance. He has managed to get back into the workforce part time to start with and mentioned three things that he suggests people who are out of work need to do:
Stay positive: This is a very important point for sure. Although it’s difficult and it probably seems obvious, remaining positive and motivated is key to getting back into the workforce in a timely fashion.
Try to stick to your normal schedule when you were working. Get up at the same time, shower and dress and pretend you’re still working. If you get out of schedule at start getting up at 11am and bumming around the house, it won’t be hard to get demotivated and depressed.
Don’t sit in front of your computer all day firing off resumes to nameless, faceless email addresses either. Get out and meet people.
Think about what you like to do and figure out what you’re best at: Use this time to figure out what you’d like to do next in your career and if you’re in the right industry.
Consider taking training classes or attending self-help classes if your budget allows for it. Keep busy and meet new people.
Network as much as possible: As mentioned in the previous point, meeting new people is important not only to expand your network but you keep you motivated and active. Attend local networking events – check out your local chamber of commerce, board of trade and job centers to start with – and you might find yourself meeting up with people who are not only in the same boat as you are, but who might be able to point you in the right direction of people who can help you find a new job.
