UNEMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Taking certain steps after getting laid off can make it easier for you to secure future employment. Here are 10 steps you can take:

1. Take time to process the layoff

Before restarting your job search, take some time to process the layoff and decompress. Consider spending additional time with your family and friends and engaging in your favorite hobbies. Remind yourself that you're capable of finding and excelling at another role in your industry and that your employer may have laid you off for a variety of reasons unrelated to your direct job performance. Practicing positive thinking can help you optimize your free time. Once you accept the layoff, you may feel more mentally prepared to begin the job search again. 

2. Ask about your health insurance coverage

When you get laid off, you might still be eligible for health insurance benefits for a certain amount of time. For example, if the company performs layoffs at the beginning of the month, it still may offer coverage for laid-off employees until the end of the month. Your employer may inform you of your health insurance status and options when the layoff occurs, but you can also inquire about it on your own or ask for clarification shortly after your employment ends. 

3. Find out when you're getting your final paycheck

Ask the employer when you can expect to receive your final paycheck. You may receive a paper check in the mail or a direct deposit to your bank account. Contact someone in the human resources department to find out if you're entitled to additional payment for the vacation days, sick leave and overtime you may have accrued as an employee. Knowing when to expect your final paycheck can help you plan your budget so you can better support yourself during your job search.

4. Meet with your employer about severance pay 

Some employees receive severance pay upon getting laid off. Severance refers to the pay and benefits you may receive when you leave a company unwillingly, and it may help you pay your bills for a few weeks or even months while you search for employment elsewhere. Though employers don't typically have to provide severance packages, if you've worked for the company for a long period of time or you worked in a high-level position, they may be more likely to offer you one.

5. File for unemployment

If you meet certain requirements, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. These benefits can help you fulfill your financial obligations after the layoff, and some states can offer you resources to aid in your job search. Sign up to receive payments as soon as you can. The eligibility requirements, the amount of money you can expect to receive, and the length of the benefits depends on the state where you live. To determine what benefits, qualify for, contact your local unemployment office.

6. Save your important work

You can use the files and documents from your work computer to promote your qualifications to your future employer. Collect information about projects you're proud of and tasks you completed so you can add them to your resume and cover letter. In addition, collect samples and screenshots to save and add to your work portfolio. 

7. Collect references

Consider asking for references or letters of recommendation from your manager or colleagues so you can further showcase your qualifications to potential employers. Having two to three references can be useful when applying for jobs that require them. These references can also show prospective employers that you continue to have a positive relationship with your former manager or employer even after leaving the company. 

Related: FAQ: How Many References Should I Have? (With Tips)

8. Begin your job search

After determining which types of jobs you want and considering your professional goals, you can begin your job search. You can use job boards to locate vacant positions in the areas in which you qualify. You can also use search engines to identify the jobs that interest you. For example, if you want to work in marketing, you may type in "marketing specialist" or "marketing coordinator" in a search engine. Consider practicing your response to employers who ask why your previous employer laid you off. This can help you answer more confidently during an interview. 

Related: How To Answer Why You Left Your Job If You Were Laid Off

9. Update your resume

Whether you're searching for a similar opportunity or a job in a different industry, make an effort to update your resume and revise it based on the particular position to which you're applying. Ensure that your resume describes your relevant skills and experience accurately. It can also be beneficial to use data and numbers to showcase your specific contributions as an employee. Quantifying your achievements can help you demonstrate your value as an employee. 

10. Create a cover letter template

After updating your resume, it's useful to prepare your other application materials. You can use your new resume and your work portfolio to prepare a detailed cover letter template. In your cover letter, elaborate on the details you included in your resume and provide examples of you how you used your skills and made positive contributions to previous employers. You can also use your cover letter as an opportunity to further explain your layoff and address any employment gaps it caused.