What to Do When You Get Laid Off
Sometimes there are tell-tale signs layoffs are coming at a company. But often, the announcement seemingly comes out of the blue.
Being fired is a tough career experience many people go through, and one in which many people also bounce back from. The important thing is not to panic and not to take it personally.
You’ll want to handle the specifics of the termination as coolly and calmly as you can, such as asking about severance pay and continuing health insurance.
After that’s settled, and you’ve taken a day or two to process things, it’s time to dust yourself off and begin looking for work.
Here are some crucial steps Empire Resume says you should take after being fired from a job:
Update your Resume
If it’s been a few years since you’ve looked for work, the trends for resume writing may have changed. That’s why it’s important to study recent resume trends and update your resume according to the new expectations.
Another good idea is to create a resume template with all your basic information, such as name, address, LinkedIn profile, etc. You’ll want to tailor each resume and cover letter you send based on the job, so creating a template saves time.
Speaking of customizing your resume, Empire Resume advises carefully reading and identifying keywords in job descriptions several times before you apply to . It’s best to include keywords from job descriptions into your resume, without going over the top.
Including keywords is important for two reasons. First, some companies use applicant tracking systems that filter out resumes that don’t have enough keywords. Secondly, a customized resume with keywords will show a hiring manager you put time and effort into the application.
Use a Professional Resume Writing Service
Using the tips detailed above should improve your resume and help you with your job search. But it’s also a smart idea to get help from a professional resume writing service, such as Empire Resume.
A word of caution: Not all resume writing services are created equal, so you’ll want to be careful during your search.
Make sure the company has resume writers that are Certified Resume Writing Professionals (CRWPs). CRWPs must pass several examinations from the Professional Association of Resume Writers, and the credential is the global standard for the profession.
A reputable resume writing service should also offer free resume reviews. It’s best to avoid companies that charge for reviews since free reviews are like free estimates you would get from reputable contractors in other professions.
Know How to Apply for Jobs
It’s very important that you you know how to apply for jobs today, since nowadays nearly every job you apply for will require an online application. If you haven’t looked for work in a while, this can be frustrating.
Empire Resume has found that LinkedIn is especially important for your job search today. LinkedIn is essentially your online resume, and not having a profile significantly hurts your chances of landing an interview and finding work.
The other top places to look for jobs include Glassdoor, Indeed, and Google for Jobs. It’s smart to create accounts on the main job boards after being fired so you can quickly apply for multiple positions on each one.
It’s also a good idea to apply for positions directly on a company’s website, even if you’ve applied on one of the various job boards. By doing this, your application will be immediately included in the company’s applicant tracking system and you’ll be able to monitor the application’s progress.
Learn How to Nail Your Interview
The next step: nailing the interview. If you’re lucky enough to get a foot in the door, be prepared so you don’t waste the opportunity.
Begin preparing for the interview immediately after you get the invitation. Start by re-reading the job description, paying close attention to how your skills and qualifications match up with what the employer is looking for.
Think of how you’ll present yourself as a good fit for the company based on how your unique skill set matches the job description.
You should research the company thoroughly, which will increase your confidence levels and help you make the case why you’d be a good fit. Good research also helps you prepare a list of questions you’d like to ask at the end of the interview.
Make sure you dress appropriately for the interview, as the right outfit will make a good first impression. Ask the recruiter how the company’s workers typically dress and then try to go one step above that.
If you don’t have anyone to ask, check the company’s website or social media pages to get a sense of the culture and dress code.
Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early for the interview. Tardiness will likely be taken very seriously by the employer and could lead to immediate disqualification.
After the interview, send a follow-up letter to the hiring manager. Remain positive in the email and show gratitude for the opportunity. It’s also smart to mention something discussed in the interview to make a personal connection.
Being fired is tough for anybody, and it can be a disorienting experience. Following the steps Empire Resume has listed in this article can ensure you can get your career back on track and turn the negative into a positive.
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Maria Gold is a Content Manager/Writer for Empire Resume. She is dedicated to helping educate and motivate people with the latest career articles and job search advice. Her interests range from writing to programming and design. She is also passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.
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