Northwest Staffing Blog

Feeling panicked, unlucky, or depressed over a job loss? Those are all completely normal reactions – and you’re definitely not alone. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate currently hovers around 10%.

So if you’re one of the unemployed masses in Everett, Seattle, or beyond, what can you do to survive a lay off and secure a new job? Here are six ideas:

Idea #1: Think before you act.

If you are granted an exit interview, be honest, yet tactful. Don’t put down the company and be sure to get answers to important questions, such as:

• Will I receive a severance package?
• How can I continue my health care coverage until I find another job?
• Can I get a letter of recommendation?

Whatever you do, don’t send a nasty email or message to your former employer or go around bad-mouthing them. Burning bridges is never a good idea, no matter how badly you’ve been burned.

Idea #2: Avoid jumping into a job search immediately.

Even though you’re probably feeling panicked, you may want to hold off on jumping into a job search right away. Going on an interview while your mind is reeling and your emotions are in turmoil isn’t usually a good idea. So wait a few days to calm down and get your emotions under control.

Idea #3: Sign up for unemployment.

One thing you will want to do immediately is contact your state unemployment office because there’s typically a waiting period (usually about two weeks) before you can start receiving unemployment checks.

Idea #4: Create a survival budget.

Write down all of your regular monthly expenses and rate them as either “essential” or “non-essential.” Now consider canceling some of those non-essential expenses. (Essential expenses are rent/mortgage, food, gas, electricity, and car insurance. Non-essential expenses are gym memberships, cable, and lawn care or maid services.)

Idea #5: Keep up a normal routine.

Be sure to keep a normal schedule. Get up at the same time in the morning as if you were going to work. Also, dedicate a few hours each day to your job search, whether it’s:

• Tweaking your resume;
• Practicing your interviewing skills;
• Attending seminars to update your job skills; or
• Contacting colleagues and friends at other companies to let them know you’re in the job market.

But don’t spend your entire day looking for a new job, otherwise you’ll burn out quickly. Simply set aside a block of time (say from 9 am to 12 noon) for your job search.

Idea #6: Consider working for a temporary employment firm.

Working for a temporary employment firm is a great way to sharpen your existing skills, learn new skills, and keep your foot in the job market. And you never know. If you do well, you may get an offer for full-time employment.

If you’ve been laid off and are looking for a job in Everett or Seattle, contact Northwest Staffing. Whether you’re interested in temporary employment or want to find a terrific full-time opportunity, we can help. We work with some of the leading employers in and around Everett and Seattle, and can give you access to a variety of job opportunities you may not otherwise know about.

Have you ever been laid off? If so, what advice would you share with unemployed individuals?