In an ideal world, layoffs are performed as part of a large-scale plan to eliminate the dead weight and retain top talent. As a professional resume writer during the 2008 financial crisis, and as we’ve seen countless times during mergers, corporate takeovers and again with COVID-19, this doesn’t happen.
While there is strong reason to be hopeful that many of the jobs will return, whether you’ve lost your job or preparing just in case, below are 6 things you can do NOW to survive and come out on the other end:
#1 Don’t Ignore PJLD
If you’ve just found out your role has been eliminated, the first piece of advice I can offer you is the analogy of what you might do on a flight when the plane loses pressure . . . put on your oxygen mask.
This means it’s OK to catch your breath and let the run of emotions and shock run through it. Share on XPost job-loss disorder or PJLD may not be an official diagnosis but anyone who’s been through it before knows it’s 100% real.
If you haven’t lost your job but are constantly worried – that’s OK too – those feelings are equally valid and require oxygen masks from time to time as well.
#2 Take a Look at the Money
As soon as you are no longer employed, file for unemployment immediately and see if you qualify for any part of the stimulus package. The Department of Labor’s Career One Stop can get you to your state’s site and contains additional job search research.
Next, do a budget that encompasses all your finances – including the must-haves and the nice-to-haves. Figure out what can be paid in installments, what can be put on credit, and what can be cut out ASAP until cash starts coming in again.
#3 Get Your Career Marketing Collateral Ready to Roll
As a professional resume writer, I’m sure this PSA won’t come as a surprise: Make sure your resume and your LinkedIn profile are current in content and fresh in format.
If you haven’t needed to job search in the past 5-7 years, it’s important to note that while networking remains key, you’ll need to make sure both your resume can be read by Applicant Tracking Software or ATS, and that your LinkedIn is rich in keywords as the platform is a go-to site for hiring managers and recruiters searching for talent like you.
When it comes to resumes and LinkedIn, here are a few articles that can help.
- 4 Quick Fixes for Resume Don’ts
- How to Transform Your Resume from a Brochure to a Blueprint
- 6 Ways to Improve How Well You Rank on LinkedIn – Algorithm Hacks
#4 Figure Out Who is Hiring
Certain sectors have had to ramp up their hiring to support those hardest hit by the virus. While networking still reigns as the best way to land fast, job boards can give you a solid idea of who has hiring needs.
Another great resource was created by Candor’s founder. This 100% user-generated list contains names of companies hiring by sector.
#5 Re-Engage Your Network
Once you know who’s hiring, the next step is to figure out who you know, and who you need to know, who works there.
At this point, if you’ve been slack about getting in touch with people, don’t beat yourself up or be embarrassed about connecting. People get it – and may welcome the opportunity to talk and commiserate.
Now is the time to reconnect and get conversations going.
#6 Make Sure You Are Ready for A Screen Debut
As you’ve no doubt heard – Zoom has become a part of our everyday vernacular thanks to COVID-19.
While many large companies had embraced video interviewing as part of the hiring process, thanks to the virus, video and phone interviewing have replaced ALL of it at startups and established companies alike.
Make sure you’re ready for your screen debut by practicing. The good news is that practicing on these sites (Zoom, Skype, UberConference, WebEx, FreeConferenceCall) is free – which means you can record and see how you look and sound, and play with lighting to help you put your best foot forward.
In need of some career advice, guidance about how to write an executive resume or a rebranded LinkedIn?
As the founder and chief professional resume writer at Virginia Franco Resumes, offering customized executive resume and LinkedIn profile writing services, I’d be happy to chat! BOOK NOW for your free resume consult.
VAFrancoResumes@gmail.com | VirginiaFrancoResumes.com | Call/text 704-771-8572