Why determine your worth? So when you’re negotiating a salary for that new job in Everett, or ready to ask for a raise at your existing job, you’ll have the facts to back yourself up. Here are some places you can find out the going price for an employee like you:

Online BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has gathered comprehensive information for specific jobs and specific industries. The data provided offers information on median earnings, as well as outlooks for particular kinds of positions – for instance, whether or not hiring for administrative assistants will be on the rise, or the decline, over the next few years.

With that said, the information is based on national averages and doesn’t take into account your geographical location. So salaries for positions you are qualified for in Everett may be higher or lower than the national average.

Salary websites
There are lots of websites out there that specialize in salary information – just Google the word “salary.” You can do salary searches by job title, education, location, and years of experience.

Professional association websites
Websites for professional associations might be one of the most accurate sources for salary information. Many times, they conduct salary surveys and are able to offer a detailed breakdown of salaries for different positions within a certain industry. The only downside is that in order to access the information, you may need to become a site subscriber.

If you’re searching for a job in Everett and wondering what you’re worth, please contact Northwest Staffing. Not only can we help you determine the salary you should be asking for, but we can also give you access to a variety of rewarding job opportunities throughout Everett and beyond. Contact us today to learn more.

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?

So what can you do to stay employed? As a Northwest employment firm with more than 20 years experience, we know there are certain steps you can take to ensure that you have a job – today and tomorrow.

Step #1: Work in an industry that’s growing.

For instance, if you’re a bookkeeper, rather than accepting a position with a print newspaper consider taking a job at a healthcare or IT company. The latter are industries that are projected to grow significantly over the next few years.

And despite what you think, you don’t need to be a nurse, doctor, or technology guru to work in these industries. All companies need administrative assistants, accountants, and marketing associates.

On the flip side, accepting a job in an industry that is declining is a one-way ticket to the unemployment line.

Step #2: Anticipate trends in your industry.

Once you land a job, research the industry you’re in. Read professional journals and trade magazines. Then ask yourself these questions:

• Are there trends, ideas, or innovations that might produce serious change at your company in the next year? In the next five years?
• How will those trends impact your job?
• What skills will you need that you don’t have yet?
• How can you acquire those skills?

If you want to stay employed, you have to anticipate what could be expected of you down the road – and prepare for it now.

Step #3: Get advice from a pro.

If you have a question or idea, get advice from a pro in your business or profession – whether it’s your boss, a colleague you look up to, or a mentor outside your company. Many experts are willing to share their knowledge and experience with those who want to learn. Regardless of the field you’re in or how much experience you have, there’s always someone else out there who can teach you something.

Step #4: Prepare for the possibility of unemployment.

Many times, people who lose their jobs due to downsizing knew ahead of time that their position was likely to be eliminated – but didn’t do anything to prepare for it.

If you’re in this situation, make sure you plan ahead. Take steps to:

• Update your resume.
• Create a 30-second introduction that explains why an employer should hire you.
• Enroll in a class or attend a seminar to brush up on important skills.
• Network, network, network. (Wherever there are people, there is an opportunity to network.)

At Northwest Staffing, we can help you find a great position in a growing industry. As an employment firm based in Everett, Washington, our mission is to match talented individuals with temporary and direct placement jobs in the Northwest. Contact Northwest Staffing today to learn more.