Losing your job hurts. There are no two ways around it. So when you get called into the office to be told that the company is downsizing and you are losing your job, you are going to feel pretty beat up. But before you start panicking, work your way through the tips on this list. Here’s what to do when you lose your job.
Sign up for Jobseeker’s Allowance
The first thing you should do is sign up for Jobseeker‘s Allowance. This might not be the proudest moment of your life, but it’s an important step to finding new employment. Jobseeker’s allowance will provide you with some money every month. It might not be much, but it should cover some of your bills. Either way, it will take the pressure off slightly.
Figure out what to do with your pension
If you are getting towards the end of your career, it’s time to get some pension advice. You might find that you can take your pension early and have enough to not start working again. However, you might find that a couple more years in employment will give you a huge boost to your pension. So you need to get clued up about your pension now.
See if you are eligible for redundancy
Most companies will have a redundancy consultation before they start letting people go. However, you might still be eligible for redundancy. This is something to talk to your employer about, and you might need to hire your own legal assistance. You will have to look for reliable employment lawyers who can provide the right advice and assist you on further action to be taken, so look for trustworthy referrals or search online for firms such as Eatons Solicitors and others.
Work on a personal budget
Chances are, money’s going to be tight for the next couple of months. That’s why it’s important to work out a personal budget early. Put aside money for bills and food. Then, work out how much you can spend on top of that. You might have to cancel a few subscriptions and cut down on your social activities. But you’ll only know that if you work out a personal budget.
Google yourself and clean up social media
Before you start applying for new jobs, you should Google yourself and see what comes up. Most hiring managers and employers will check you out on Google and take a look at your social media accounts as well. It’s important to make sure there is nothing incriminating or unprofessional on the internet.
Revamp your CV
This is one of the most important steps in your new job hunt. You need to revamp your CV and make it up-to-date. If you’ve been in a position for years, you might not even have a CV. Well, now is the time to create one. Follow a simple structure for your CV and focus on accomplishments instead of duties. Three of four bullet points per position works well because it invites hiring managers to ask questions about your experience. You don’t want to tell them everything on your CV.
Update your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is super important when you’re hunting for a new job. If you don’t have a profile, create one now! If you already have one, it’s time to update it. You need to add your work experience, connect with as many people as possible, and stay active on the job listings.
Connect with your network
Now might be a good time to call in that favour. If your friend owns a business or you have contacts in the industry, see if you can help out. Even if it’s some part-time work to keep you ticking over. For example, if you’re searching for a home health aide job in Philadelphia, PA, reaching out to your network could lead to valuable connections or opportunities within the caregiving field. Connect with the people in your network and see if anyone can help you out.
Get references
References are powerful when you’re hunting for jobs. They show a new employer that you have succeeded in previous roles and don’t burn bridges. If you have been let go from a position, make sure you ask for a reference. Your boss will likely feel bad about having to let you go, so they will give you an awesome reference.
Check job listings
Now that you have everything in place, you can start applying for jobs. You need to focus your job hunt on the positions you really want. You can cast a wider net if you feel like you just need any job. However, it’s better to keep it focused. You should check job listings every day and keep a detailed spreadsheet of the jobs you have applied for.
Write targeted cover letters
If you want to stand out from other candidates, you need to write targeted cover letters. They don’t have to be overly long (500 words is plenty), but they should be personalised to the job listing. This shows the employer that you are specifically interested in the position.
