The unemployment rate is higher than it’s been in more than 26 years. If you’re not already laid off, you may be concerned that your job isn’t as stable as you’d like. Most of the time, you can’t prevent being laid off, but there are some things you can do after you get laid off to help you until you find a new job:
Don’t Burn Bridges
You’re probably going to be angry or upset if you lose your job. The stress can sometimes cause people to freak out and maybe even fight or yell with their boss. Don’t burn bridges with your employer – they will be giving you references when you apply for new jobs and you want them to remain on your side. There’s always a possibility circumstances will change and your employer could bring you back to work, too, but you can be sure that won’t happen if you cause a scene when you’re laid off.
File for Unemployment Benefits
Even if you think you won’t be unemployed for long, make sure you file for unemployment benefits. Usually you can do this online or by phone. File as soon as you are laid off, since receiving benefits can take several weeks. If you happen to land a new job before then, even better.
Prepare Your Resume
Make sure your resume is updated to include the skills and experience you’ve gained from your most recent employer. Update the entire resume as it is the key to getting interviews with potential new employers. Make sure it’s a reflection of who you are as a person and your abilities as an employee.
Apply for New Work
Don’t just sit back and collect unemployment, hoping someone will come to you with a job offer. The increased number of people unemployed means higher competition for every job opening. Start applying. Use job search sites like careerbuilder.com, and your local newspaper. Apply to anything you are qualified to do. If there are particular companies you would like to work for, check their website to see if they have any job openings advertised on it. Many times, they will list job openings on their website long before they advertise them on job search sites or the newspaper, so you increase your chances of being hired if you apply to them early.
Reduce Living Expenses
Even with unemployment pay, you’ll want to make every effort to reduce your living expenses until you are employed again. Turn off or reduce your cable television package, avoid eating in restaurants or getting take out, avoid using credit cards or taking on new debt. The more you do to live within your means, the better you’ll be once you’re employed again.