Unemployed Due to COVID (or a lay off), What To Do Now?

COVID-19 has hit many industries financially, causing huge lay-offs across the country.  Many people have been waiting things out for the last few months and are now wondering what to do next.

Regardless of the industry you are in, the first task on your list should be to file for unemployment through your state government website if you have not done so already.  In some states, like Florida, this has been particularly difficult, so the sooner you file, the better off you'll be.  There are also funds available to Independent / Self Employed Contractors.  (Check out your state website for more info)

So, other than chores, what else can you do during this downtime?  Here are my Top 10 suggestions:

1.  Revamp your resume.  Make sure all those important industry key-words are on there.  For tips on how to construct an eye-catching resume, see my previous blogs posts on resume development (there are a few).

2.  Take a class!  Gain some credentials to add to your resume.

3.  Update your LinkedIn profile.  It should mirror your resume so Recruiters that are using LinkedIn to search for candidates can easily find you.  Make sure your profile shows you are actively looking for new opportunities in the "About" section and include your email address.

4.  Connect with Recruiters in your industry via LinkedIn.

5.  Put your updated resume on the Job Boards.  (Dice, Careerbuilder, Monster & other industry related boards)

6.  Reach out to people you've worked for and worked with in the past.  Let them know you're available & looking.  Ask if you can send them your resume to network for you.

7.  Sometimes finding a job is a full time job in itself, plan to spend at least a few hours each day marketing yourself.

8.  Consider moving temporarily to a different industry.  Whatever experience you have, there is potential it will transition.  For instance, if you are an Healthcare Technology Trainer, you could transition to a position in Adult Training anywhere.  Start searching via the job boards & LinkedIn for job openings that are a potential fit for your qualifications in other industries.

9.  Get your references in order.  If you don't already have a short list of people to use as references, get one together.  Ideally you should have 5 people, with at least one being a prior boss/manager, that a potential employer can call for a reference.  Speak with these people, ask if you can use them as a reference and make sure you have their best phone number & email contact info.

10.  Relax.  Easier said than done right?  Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair, you're doing something, but its not getting you anywhere.  Things WILL turn around!  In the meantime, treat yourself well, do things you've been putting off for a rainy day, and get prepared for your next adventure.

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