6 Steps to Help You Land a Job Once You’ve Been Laid Off

Resume Advice

So you’ve just been laid off, how do you find a new job? Here are six steps you to help you with your job search.

1)     Reflect.  Although you might be nervous and stressed about not having a job right now, it is important to first take some time to reflect and figure out what you want in your next job and the next phase of your career. Don’t just jump on Indeed or ZipRecruiter and apply to the first thing you see.  Reflect on what you liked and didn’t like about your last job. Do you like working with others or alone? Do you like working with your hands or working at a desk all day? Find out what makes you enjoy doing. You will spend one third of your week working so you want to make sure you pursue a job and career that you enjoy.

2)      Learn from your past. Often times lay offs are completely out of your control. Maybe a company has acquired your company or the company didn’t hit their numbers and has to re-evaluate talent. However, if you did make a mistake, learn from your mistakes.  Be honest with yourself and figure out how to become a better employee for your next employer. Figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are and learn from your weaknesses.

3)      Update your resume. Often times when you apply on a company’s website, it will utilize an Application Tracking Systems which will search your resume and see if the words match the job you are applying for. Make sure you have the right key words in your resume to get through the filter. For more details on how to update your resume, check out our resume blog.

4)      Update your social media. More than half of employers said they have turned down an applicant because of their social media. Make sure all of your public facing social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) is updated and professional. Even if some of your accounts are private, make sure your profile picture and cover photo is appropriate. Update your LinkedIn and turn on the button that says ‘Interested in Careers’ so that recruiters know you are looking for a job.

5)      Utilize your network. There is definitely some truth to ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.’ Also, according to an article by NPR, 70% – 80% of jobs are not advertised. Brainstorm and think about your connections. Even if your network doesn’t include any hiring managers, everyone knows someone and that someone might be able to get you the interview. Make calls or send a mass email to your network letting them know your situation and the types of opportunities you are looking. Take a friend to coffee or lunch and explain to them your situation and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

6)     Last but not least, don’t give up. Be consistent and persistent. Keep applying for jobs utilizing Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Career Builder, LinkedIn Jobs, Monster, Glassdoor, etc. If you don’t have a job, your job is to find a new job. Dedicate several hours every day to applying for your next job.

Another way to find a job is to utilize a staffing agency. Recruiting Solutions staffs for full-time, part-time and direct hire opportunities. To learn more about our opportunities or to apply for a job, visit http://www.recruitingsolutionsonline.com/job-seekers/job-opportunities/.

 

About Recruiting Solutions

Founded in 1992, Recruiting Solutions is a WBENC-certified staffing and recruiting company with offices located in Greenville, Columbia, and Florence, SC. Recruiting Solutions provides a comprehensive array of staffing, recruiting, and human resource management services to diverse organizations in South Carolina and beyond.  For more information about our services, please visit www.recruitingsolutionsonline.com.

Back to Blog