So I got laid off this week....

[frannn]

We are already having money issues, so I need to find a job asap. I wasn't happy where I was, so leaving will not be a horrible thing. My boss gave me a month's notice, so I have to report to work as usual. Then I get two week's severance. Officially, my position is being eliminated. Knowing the place was having major financial issues (I am in the accounting dept), I had already put my resume together and applied to a few positions. I started rereading Anthony Robbins motivational books because I have a confidence issue (though I'm considered intelligent). I've been looking on Craigslist, Indeed, CareerBuilder, Monster, Simply Hired and whatever they link me to. In 2011, I was lucky enough to find this job a month after my old company shut down. Not optimistic that this will happen again, but I'm going to do my best. Am I able to start the unemployment process, or do I need to wait for my severance to be done? What else can I do to turn this into an opportunity rather than a huge problem? I have also recently joined Linkedin, but not really reaping any benefits from it. I am limited to what I can accept by location because DH and I pay for aftercare that ends at 5:50.

 

[CanadianPaco]

I'm sorry this is happeneing. We went through this in 2010 when DH's position was eliminated. It was a tough road but things worked out.
Here's wishing you strength and lots of luck!

 

[Aliceacc]

I'm so very sorry.

What' I've found to be the secret wearpon in job hunting -- at least for teachers--is a killer cover letter. Not a generic one, downloaded from the internet, but one that reallly leaves the reader wanting to meet you.

The best of luck to you in your job hunt.

 

[shortbun]

Oh, I'm so sorry you are going through this. Are you able to pickup a part time job now so you still have some money coming in while you are looking? Unemployment isn't very much money and it's taxable so definitely not something you'll want to depend on at all unless you have to. If I were in your position, I'd be organizing and looking for ways of getting some extra cash to pay on my debts. Cost cutting, cooking from scratch, no soda, cancel magazines, cut back on cable and internet costs, sell extra televisions and electronics that other people might be interested in. Also, look for free training for other kinds of jobs...libraries, resource centers, some colleges, have this kind of training sometimes. Adding training classes to your resume shows you are willing to learn anything and everything new. Give yourself a makeover and find some ways to reduce stress...hot soaks with candles and music, meditation, learn some breathing techniques, tapping to reduce stress-all free. Good luck. Try to make this a positive turn in your life; it can happen.

 

[Kimberlyann11]

I don't know if things are different by state, but when I was laid off I collected severance and unemployment at the same time. I know it's only two weeks - but every little bit helps.

 

[disney1990]

In Maryland, they encourage you to file right away. I declared the severance andmy unemployment was delayed until after that, but then it started right away. Yes, unemployment is taxable - be sure to have them withhold federal & state taxes from the money you get.

Good Luck with your job search.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sorry to hear this, frann. Good wishes and prayers for a successful job hunt follow you. Things like this generally wind up being for the good. 's

 

[denisenh]

Oh, I'm so sorry you are going through this. Are you able to pickup a part time job now so you still have some money coming in while you are looking? Unemployment isn't very much money and it's taxable so definitely not something you'll want to depend on at all unless you have to. If I were in your position, I'd be organizing and looking for ways of getting some extra cash to pay on my debts. Cost cutting, cooking from scratch, no soda, cancel magazines, cut back on cable and internet costs, sell extra televisions and electronics that other people might be interested in. Also, look for free training for other kinds of jobs...libraries, resource centers, some colleges, have this kind of training sometimes. Adding training classes to your resume shows you are willing to learn anything and everything new. Give yourself a makeover and find some ways to reduce stress...hot soaks with candles and music, meditation, learn some breathing techniques, tapping to reduce stress-all free. Good luck. Try to make this a positive turn in your life; it can happen.

....... Everything shortbun said! I wish you luck!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

First piece of advice, tell everyone you know. No "woe is me" stories, just simply state that your employer is eliminating your position soon and that you are interested in finding a new position. A very high percentage of positions are filled on word of mouth.

I had a job for over 13 years because a friend of my parents knew about an opening and recommended me. I moved up several times within that company.

A few years back, a friend dropped by work to ask if I knew of any work. He was losing his job - had a new one lined up, but it wasn't going to start for 3 months. So, I worked him as a temp on & off in my warehouse. Not a full-time position, but he probably earned about $1,000 at a time when every dime counted. I later hired his son for the same kind of work while he was in school.

More recently, I bumped into a friend at the grocery store who mentioned his son was looking for Summer work. I had him working part time for me the following week. He eventually found steadier work, but it was something for a while.


Just a few quick examples I know of first hand where this has worked, and I'm sure others can relay similar stories. You never know who might know of something that would fit. A lot of your casual friends may not really even know what you do or can do, so they may not be thinking of you if you don't put it out there. Best of luck to you. It's a scary time - I know as I went through it myself. Hang in there!!

 

[snarlingcoyote]

First piece of advice, tell everyone you know. No "woe is me" stories, just simply state that your employer is eliminating your position soon and that you are interested in finding a new position. A very high percentage of positions are filled on word of mouth.

I had a job for over 13 years because a friend of my parents knew about an opening and recommended me. I moved up several times within that company.

A few years back, a friend dropped by work to ask if I knew of any work. He was losing his job - had a new one lined up, but it wasn't going to start for 3 months. So, I worked him as a temp on & off in my warehouse. Not a full-time position, but he probably earned about $1,000 at a time when every dime counted. I later hired his son for the same kind of work while he was in school.

More recently, I bumped into a friend at the grocery store who mentioned his son was looking for Summer work. I had him working part time for me the following week. He eventually found steadier work, but it was something for a while.


Just a few quick examples I know of first hand where this has worked, and I'm sure others can relay similar stories. You never know who might know of something that would fit. A lot of your casual friends may not really even know what you do or can do, so they may not be thinking of you if you don't put it out there. Best of luck to you. It's a scary time - I know as I went through it myself. Hang in there!!

Amen. It's good for employers and employees too!

We are hiring for a position where I work and even though the job has been posted in various places, the best applicants have been "friends of friends." I would definitely let everyone know, even people in other parts of the country - you never know who might have heard of a job opening. I'm down in Louisiana, but once knew of a job that was going to be posted up in WA and happened to mention it to a friend in WA. The friend knew someone who fit the job description and was looking for work!

 

[Pakey]

Have you considered signing up with temporary agencies. I have hired more than half of my accounting positions through agencies. Temporary work will pay more than unemployment.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

You can also try joining LinkedIn and adding connections from work associates, friends, family, etc. I seem to get a job offer a month through LinkedIn

 

[Fueledbycoffee]

Not sure where you are located or your exact profession but I would search out BNI groups & start networking. www.bni.com will have a "Find a Chapter" option.

A couple of strategies for picking a chapter to visit (there are likely to be multiple chapters in your area) find one that has the exact genre you want to be hired in or find one that has companies that work with your dream job because they might have contacts in your dream job.

When you go, treat it like a job interview with some form of business cards (250 free from Vistaprint would work great) and resumes tucked safely in your briefcase in case members request it. Be ready to "sell" yourself, you never know who knows who. Know what you want very specifically. "Someone in a business that might do something like" won't help them but an "asking for an introduction to John Smith at ABC Company so I can offer my 15 years of experience as an Asset Protection Manager to their establishment" will. If you know a member in a local chapter ask if you can their visitor so they can help introduce you. Lastly if someone seems interested, ask if they want to meet for lunch or coffee.

If you want more information, please let me know! BNI is a key to our family businesses success & could help you too! GOOD LUCK!

 

[wiigirl]

 

[Disneybuckeye]

Just wanted to offer best wishes for a successful job search and I agree network, network, network. My previous job was cut to part time. I contacted an old boss who brought me in for an interview and I was hired on the spot. Good luck and hope something turns up soon!

 

[tcherjen]

I'm sorry.....

 

[njmom47]

I agree with the temp agency idea.
We've hired 3 temps to perm full time jobs at my office since I started working there 14 yrs ago.