Certified Career Management Coach and Trainer Madelyn Mackie is an incredible resource for administrative professionals who are interested in advancing their career. Through her keynote presentations, workshops, and resume writing coaching, she shares her knowledge on how you can set yourself apart in today’s competitive environment.
Madelyn has offered this blog post to help you or someone you know during a sudden lay off.
Did you recently get a pink slip in a company layoff? Don’t panic. Follow the steps below, and you’ll be well on your way to your next career opportunity.
Get clear. Read all documents you receive from your employer, and be sure you understand each and every term of your severance agreement. Your agreement may even include career outplacement services, so scan it with an eagle’s eye.
Get unemployment. Apply for unemployment assistance ASAP—that’s what it’s for! Act quickly to take advantage of all the available unemployment benefits, trainings, counseling, and programs.
Get lean. Immediately sort out your personal budget and don’t make any expensive purchases. Don’t know how to budget? Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps are a great resource for getting your finances in order.
Get creative. There are lots of other programs that can help you supplement your income. For example, Keep Your Home, California can help you pay for your mortgage. Look for other resources related to health care, job retraining, and more.
Get help. Take advantage of any outplacement services that might be offered as part of your severance package. Some programs include career coaching, resume writing, and special hiring and networking events. You might also want to hire a resume writer or career coach to help you brush up on your self-promotion skills. You’re going to need them!
Get real. Make sure to tell those close to you about the layoff. Your loved ones can’t help you if you’re not honest. Help them understand how they can help you.
Get up to speed. Think of your layoff as time in which you can catch up with your industry and supplement your skill set. Need new skills? Sign up for a class at your local community college, or try an online resource like udemy or edX.
Get support. Find an accountability buddy to help you stay on track as you look for a new job. It’s likely that some of your former coworkers are in the same boat, so reach out or look for a job hunters’ networking group in your area.
Get out of the house. Since most new jobs are found via networking, not job boards, commit to networking once a week. Need ideas? Look into groups related to your favorite professional associations, your alma mater and your favorite conferences, or hit MeetUp for other networking opportunities.
Get balanced. It’s tempting to spend all of your time looking for a job, but be sure to balance your job search with personal activities you enjoy. Cut stress by working out or meditating regularly.
Need more help on figuring out how to get going after a sudden job loss? Madelyn Mackie, Career Activator and speaker at EFAM and the IAAP California Division Conference is offering a complimentary career consultation for all readers of A Great Day’s Work. To schedule your appointment, click this link Scheduling Your Complimentary Career Consultation.