You thought it would never happen to you. You thought you were immune to it. You thought everything would stay constant, comfortable, an easy-to-manage routine.
But then, the unthinkable happens. What you’d never expected.
You find yourself sitting on your couch on a Monday morning, thinking to yourself: “I lost my job, what do I do now?”
In a world that puts such a heavy emphasis on work, it’s no surprise that losing your job is a jarring experience. We base a great deal of our self-worth on our jobs, as well as our security and life satisfaction. It’s the reason most people get up in the morning, and what allows them to care for their families. So, losing that source of stability is huge, that we don’t even like to think about it.
You may find yourself with no other choice but to think about it, if you’re unlucky enough to have reality slap you in the face.
When the unthinkable becomes reality, we have no choice but to face it head-on. Luckily, you won’t have to face it all by yourself. We’ve put together a handful of tips for you to lean on if you happen to find yourself stuck between jobs. Get ready to make a game plan. Prepare yourself to get back on track and find your next big gig, whether you’re figuring out what to do when you lose your job at 50 or 15.
1. Firstly, let the dust settle.
When you find yourself without the consistency of employment, you’ll probably also find yourself with feelings. A whole lot of feelings.
Our natural inclination in this busy world is to push our feelings down. They’re inconvenient, sometimes a little too painful, and dealing with them and their causes can be time-consuming. However, when you’re not at work all day, you may have no choice but to feel your emotions and process them.
You may also find yourself scared. Scared for the future, scared for paying your bills, scared for your family. Or you may sink into a depression. You’ve lost something important - and even if you hated your boss and your coworkers drove you insane, it’s still a rejection in a way. Like they didn’t want you. Like you weren’t good enough.
Having all these feelings is okay – even if you know they’re not based on facts. It’s okay to be filled with apprehension. What isn’t okay is pretending that you don’t feel that way, pushing it down, or powering through.
Give yourself a moment to feel it. Allow yourself to mourn what really is a type of loss. Process those emotions and know that they are a totally normal reaction to what’s happening. And that, just like a bad breakup, you’ll get over it and move on to greener pastures.
Emotions have purpose. Don’t force them into unemployment as well – let them do their job, and use those bad feelings as motivation for change.
Everything can, and will, get better.
2. Check in on your finances.
Now’s a great time to make sure you’re not about to end up on the streets, if you haven’t made sure already. Reviewing your finances and determining what you need to do to get through this rough patch isn’t just the responsible thing to do – it’s also a great activity to add some purpose to your day and avoid falling into a couch cushion for the next seven hours.
First, make a budget. List out all your essential expenses per month, like rent, electricity, and groceries. Peruse your statements for anything you could stand to live without. Do you need that magazine every month? Would you die without that latte every morning?
This doesn’t mean you’ll be removing all the joy in your life. You’re just pruning away the extra for the time being. Knowing your bare minimum, and sticking to it is a great exercise for financial health in the future. Just remember, it won’t be forever.
Next, pull up your bank accounts and see how far your money is going to go with your new budget. You’ll need to figure out how much you’ve got, and for how long. Can you afford a week’s worth of expenses? A month? A year?
If your savings aren’t going to cut it – or you just haven’t had the luxury of being in a position that has allowed you to accumulate savings – you’ll need to create a Plan B. Maybe you’ll need to get a low-wage job for the interim, even if it doesn’t line up with your career goals. Consider if freelancing is a possibility with your line of work. If you’re in the UK, you can also see if you qualify for Job Seeker’s Allowance while you’re on the hunt for your next big break.
3. Get your CV in tiptop shape.
Your CV is going to be your new best friend. You’re going to be showing it off to a lot of people (however, hopefully it won’t come to wiping the sweat from your brow as you pass them out in the streets to whoever will take it), you’ll need to showcase what you can do so when it falls into the hands of the right person, it catches the eye and holds attention long enough so you can bag an interview and get your foot in the door.
Giving your CV a face lift may feel a little daunting at first. Don’t be ashamed to seek out some guidance when putting it together. Research what a CV for your desired industry should include, and make sure you’re measuring up to the competition. Have it laid out in a way that is easy to read, without blending into the background. And if you need a little help, there’s plenty of professional CV templates out there to help you get started.
Download this - Professional Resume Example.
Download this Creative CV Template
Use your friends’ expertise here, as well as any former colleagues that might be able to provide insight. Request their feedback on your current CV, and see what they’d do differently. Remember, you don’t have to take the advice. Just consider it a team brainstorming session.
Thought: A strong CV or Resume provides clarity around your career and will also provide you with the confidence to go forward and apply for suitable roles. You will find that the act of re-creating a CV or Resume from scratch helps to realise what you’ve achieved and accomplished already. This action reaffirms your past and will afford you confidence going forward and making decisions.
Get your CV right and the interviews will fall into place.
4. Leave no stone unturned.
Once you’ve got your CV in order, it’s time to pound the pavement in search of that next big gig. Your future could be hiding behind doors you haven’t even thought about, so don’t hesitate to apply any and everywhere you think could present an opportunity for you.
We’ve included 20 of the top job sites below, these will give you a great starting point…
Don’t apply for only your first choice – apply for your second, third, or even fourth, and explore those options thoroughly. They may not all line up with your immediate goals, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be a job you’ll end up enjoying – or at the very least, learning from. Be as willing to welcome new opportunities as you hope employers are, and perhaps that energy will come back to you in the form of your dream job.
You’re not the only one out there submitting applications, so use any means necessary to stand out among the rest. A popular, underrated way to do that is with a strong cover letter. It sets you apart, while still giving an honest showcase of what you’ll contribute if you’re so lucky as to secure the gig. Plus, it gives the employer a feel for what kind of person you are.
If you need help on how to write a cover letter, check out our guide for some tips and tricks that will set you apart. Once you’ve got it written, make sure to read it out loud a few times. If it sounds like you – but better – you’re in great shape.
5. Make sure everybody knows.
Your instincts might tell you to feel ashamed about your recent pitfalls, to keep them a secret and pretend nothing is wrong. But nobody will think any less of you by being honest and truthful. In-fact if you think about it, taking the opposite strategy can only benefit you.
Those conversations are hard to start, and opening up to others about what you see as your own failures isn’t comfortable or easy. But in the long run, letting everyone know that you’re available and looking can only do you good.
When people hear about your situation, you’ll be at the forefront of their minds if they become aware of any opportunities. And if you really milk your network, they can spread your name far and wide. Let that net go wide enough and you’re sure to catch something.
Update your LinkedIn profile paying close attention the Headline field. If you possess some creative ability update your LinkedIn Banner to highlight your key values. The headline field is searchable, therefore don’t just use a generic #OpentoWork or “Seeking new opportunities”, combine these terms with your skills, qualifications and experiences, something to make you stand out from the crowds.
Connect and message me here if you’d like further advice on creating the perfect LinkedIn profile.
6. Use our printable check list.
To help you further we have compiled a list of 21 activities you should follow from the moment you find yourself out of work. With the right attitude, and a bit of luck you’ll be back on your feet in no time!
1. LET THE GOVERNMENT KNOW YOU ARE UNEMPLOYED
Inform the government that you’ve found yourself out of work and you’ll be eligible for benefits and support, in the UK you can claim unemployment support and in American they also offer unemployment help.
2. CHECK INSURANCE POLICIES FOR PPI
It’s possible that you have Payment Protection Insurance without knowing it, many bank accounts and finance providers include this product. Check paperwork and find out.
3. ASK FOR A MORTGAGE HOLIDAY
Speak to your bank and ask for a payment holiday, most banks will be understanding, explain your situation and ask what financial support is available. Most will offer up to 3 months holiday on mortgage payments.
4. START BUDGETING
According to Indeed it takes the average person 9 weeks to find a new job, so get your finances in check, track every penny, make cutbacks and get organised.
5. GOOGLE YOURSELF
Your reputation is important, 90% of employers extend their due diligence to social media and Google, so get there first and understand what your reputation might look like from the outside.
6. CLEAN UP SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
If you discover contentious tweets, posts or comments then it’s likely employers will too. Clean them up! Update social profiles, post valuable content relevant to your career path and interests. Don’t be overly opinionated.
7. UNDERSTAND YOUR NEXT CAREER STEP
What does your next career step look like? Are you looking to secure the same position, progress your career or take a career change. Understand what positions you need to apply for and on what terms.
8. UPDATE YOUR CV / RESUME
Use CV mirroring techniques to update and modify your CV to target the roles you are applying for. Create a stand-out CV that puts you head and shoulders above the competition.
9. UPDATE YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE
Make sure your CV and LinkedIn profile work as one. Consistency is the key here, if the two feature different key words, skills and experiences an employer will become put off. Also, ensure that you use a professional profile picture.
10. REQUEST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LINKEDIN CONNECTIONS
Get personal with the people that know you, ask them for references, and skills requests. Ask in advance if they can recommend you based on the skills you will need for your future career path and not obsolete skills that have surpassed you.
11. WORK OUT YOUR SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Work out the minimum salary you are prepared to accept, this will help you decide with confidence what positions are right for you. Vacancies that do not list a salary are often overlooked by candidates, this can provide you with additional opportunity. Include your salary expectations in a cover letter when applying, if they are interested, they will reply.
12. RESEARCH THE RIGHT RECRUITMENT AGENCIES AND REGISTER WITH THEM
Don’t just register with any / all agencies, be selective, choose the agencies based on the types of positions they work and the feeling you get when you speak to them. A good agency will work tirelessly for your cause, a bad one will do nothing.
13. REGISTER WITH JOB BOARDS
Don’t just use LinkedIn and Indeed, go deeper, search for job boards relevant to your industry and skills, register across a range of different websites, complete all the information required and complete profiles.
14. SEARCH FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES DAILY
Searching for a new job is a job in itself, you need to be spending a huge chuck of your day searching for opportunities, connecting with Recruiters, liaising with HR Managers and more. Put simply, the more you put in the more you’ll get out.
15. SETUP VACANCY ALERTS
Let Google Alerts do a lot of the work for you, by establishing alerts for key content it adds another dimension to your job hunt. Get notified every time a new matching position comes online.
16. WRITE A TAILORED COVER LETTER
Get personal, tailored cover letters will massively increase your chances of a call back. A targeted cover letter shows an employer that you have done your research and that you want to work for them. Many candidates do not do this so for those that do, big advantage!
17. UPDATE ZOOM / SKYPE / TEAMS ETC.
Make sure that you have the latest virtual meeting software installed. Make sure that your name is clear and correct and that you use the same avatar image as your CV, LinkedIn and other touch points.
18. PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS (OUTFITS, PLANNERS, CRITERIA)
The call could come at anytime so be organised! Make sure that you have key information quickly at hand. Update your wardrobe if necessary.
19. PRACTICE YOUR INTERVIEW TECHNIQUE
Record yourself answering touch interview questions, it will provide valuable insight into body language and how an employer might see you.
20. PREPARE YOUR INTERVIEW PRESENTATION
Not all employers will ask for an interview presentation, that doesn’t mean not all employers would want to see one. Go the extra mile and really showcase your skills with a professional interview slide deck.
21. STAY OPTIMISTIC
Job searching can be hard work and stressful, and at times it may feel like you are getting anywhere, but stay positive, stay strong and if you need help don’t be afraid to speak out!
Download the What to do when you lose your job PDF checklist.
Final thought.
The world turns, things change and global pandemics happen. But normality will return (3.9% were the last reported unemployment rates according to the ONS - November 2019 to January 2020), it’s likely you’ve made it this far in life without stumbling upon the trap of unemployment and losing your job, so you’ll have another long stint again without it happening again, just remain positive and motivated.
Now that you’ve got this guide for the future, you’ll have a game plan for overcoming that chapter, and starting new, beautiful, bountiful one. Unemployment isn’t the best case scenario by any means, but know that if it happens to you, there are resources to get you out of it. It’s not the end of the road. And you may just find it opening doors that you never dreamed possible.
Article updated 16th March 2021