How To Recover From A Job Layoff

Losing your job, especially when it's due to no fault of your own can be devastating. Related:How To Answer, 'Have You Ever Been Fired?' I've experienced it and it hurts. You feel a sense of betrayal as if the company 'had it in for you.' After you wipe your tears away and pack up your belongings, don't get mad. Get motivated, because today could be the best day of your life. You can recover from a job layoff by doing the following:

---

1. Rebuild your resume

As soon as you lose your job, the very first thing you need to do is rebuild your resume. You need to make sure it's formatted properly for both human beings and job posting site robots. Most people don't realize it, but before your resume ever slides across the desk of a hiring manager or a job recruiter, it goes through an A.T.S. (which stands for Applicant Tracking System). Every job posting website uses an A.T.S. It allows employers to filter and screen out candidates based on keywords. If your resume isn't formatted properly, the A.T.S. will not display it to employers for all applicable keywords and search queries. You could be losing dozens of job opportunities.

2. Gather a pile of reference letters

Reference letters are your best friend, and the more the merrier. Since your last boss laid you off to no fault of your own, they shouldn't have an issue providing you with a glowing reference letter. You should also reach out to former managers, colleagues, and anyone else you've dealt with on a professional level, including agencies and vendors.

3. Conduct a salary analysis

If you worked at your previous employer for more than three years, it's likely that you'll be able to earn more at your next job. Find out by conducting a salary analysis at salary.com, payscale.com and/or glassdoor.com.

4. Look for a new job

This seems obvious, yet many people take it easy after getting laid off, especially if they're receiving unemployment benefits. Don't let time get away from you. After you've lost your job, immediately begin looking for a new one.

Related Posts

How To Create An Effective Resume Even If You Were FiredHow To Turn 'Fired' Into 'Hired!'Quick Tips: What To Do After A Layoff

About the author

Michael Price is the author of What Next? The Millennial's Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the Real World, endorsed by Barbara Corcoran of ABC's Shark Tank. He is also the founder of Conquer Career Course, where he teaches students how to increase their salary, build a career with longevity and become unemployment-proof. View the trailer below: Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert.