Being laid off from a job can be a difficult and disorienting experience. Fortunately, there is help available, and this comprehensive guide will provide all the steps you need to take in order to move on from being laid off and find success in the future.
Filing for Unemployment Benefits
If you've recently been laid off, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. These are government-funded programs designed to provide financial assistance to people who are out of work. Unemployment benefits are a significant source of income and can cover a significant portion of your lost income. Therefore, it's important to file for unemployment as soon as possible after losing your job.
You'll want to start the process as soon as you are aware that you've been laid off. You'll also need to be careful not to miss any deadlines. After first applying for EI, you’ll have to keep completing reports every two weeks to show that you’re eligible to keep receiving the benefit. You can submit your report by internet or by phone.
Exploring Career Options
After you've filed for unemployment benefits and gathered your documentation, it's a good idea to take some time to explore career options. This will help you gain a better understanding of the labour market, discover new skills and interests, and determine where you want to go from here. This can be a stressful and exhausting process, but it's essential for moving forward.
There are a few ways to explore career options. You can talk to other people in your field, do an online skills assessment, read books and articles about various careers, and take personality tests. These resources will allow you to better understand your interests and skills, and they can help you identify new career options to pursue. You may find that you have a new appreciation for your current field. You may also discover that you want to start a new career in a different field. No matter what you discover, exploring career options is an essential step toward moving forward.
Setting Up a Budget
As you begin to handle the immediate aftermath of being laid off, you'll want to make sure you're setting up a budget. This will allow you to track your spending and make sure you don't go into debt. A budget will also allow you to plan for the future, such as obtaining unemployment benefits and applying for other types of financial assistance.
Because you’re no longer receiving any income, you’ll have to dip into your emergency savings for a while. Track all of your expenses and see if you can reduce them for the time being to help you make the most of your savings. Keep reviewing your budget and tracking your money while you’re applying for jobs so that you can get your finances back on the right track once you do land one.
Use Allevia’s online budgeting tool — it will help you build a comprehensive budget as well as come up with any solutions fitting to the financial goals you’ve indicated.
Updating Your Resume
Next, you'll want to update your resume. This will allow you to apply for new positions, and it will show potential employers that you are prepared and serious about finding a new job. You can start by organizing all of your current experience, skills, and education. You can then use this information to create a new resume that highlights your strongest qualifications.
You may also want to consider updating your resume for each position you apply for. You can do this by creating a tailored version of your resume for each job by using different sections or subsections. You can also add keywords that are commonly used in the industry and the job description. This will allow you to rank higher in the eyes of the hiring manager.
Once you've updated your resume, you'll want to start applying for new jobs. This will allow you to stay positive and show that you're dedicated to moving forward. You can begin by searching for job listings on websites like Indeed or LinkedIn. You can also network with people in your industry and ask for recommendations or advice. The most important thing is that you have to realize that landing a job takes time — don’t lose hope!
Taking Online Courses
If you have time on your hands, you can use it to take online courses. This can help you gain new skills and expand your resume, and it can also allow you to build a portfolio of work. You can take as many courses as you like, and you can choose from a wide variety of topics. Some popular topics include programming, marketing, business, health, and languages.
You can also choose from a variety of providers, such as Coursera, edX, Udemy, and Skillshare. Each of these websites offers a wide variety of courses, and they usually allow you to audit or take the courses for free. You can also use these websites to find course recommendations and see what topics best fit your interests.
Taking online courses can be a great way to expand your knowledge and skills while you're searching for a new job. You can also use the work you produce as part of the course to add to your resume.
Interview Preparation
Finally, you'll want to prepare for any potential job interviews. This will allow you to make a positive impression on your potential employers and show them that you're serious about the position. You can start by researching the company and the people you'll be interviewing with. You can then practice your responses to common interview questions. You can use sites like Interview Cake to find common interview questions and practice your responses.
Wear your best professional clothing, maintain proper body language, and be prepared to discuss your strengths. You may be nervous about interviewing for a new job, but don't worry. You've already come a long way and have overcome many obstacles. You've gained a new appreciation for yourself and have a newfound determination to succeed. You've also put yourself in the best position to succeed by following this guide and preparing for any potential interview.
Being laid off can be a difficult and stressful experience. But in the end, you may find that this difficult experience was exactly what you needed to move forward.
