Things You'll Need:
- Budget
- Communication
- Computer
- Internet
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Step 1
Apply for Unemployment: The first thing to do after receiving that severance letter is to file for unemployment benefits. Perform a Google search for your state's Employment Development Department (EDD). Once you find the site, search for the online or telephone filing instructions. If your state does not allow Internet or telephone filing, you may have to go into the office to fill out the paperwork. EDD benefits take approximately 2 weeks to start, and they are not a large sum of money, but may help tide you over until a new job can be found.
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Step 2
Budget: That same night you need to sit down together with all of your expenses and income, and formulate a strict budget. Using a spreadsheet from a program like Microsoft Excel or Open Office (a free Opensource version of Excel you can find online), indicate every bill you have with minimum payments and total owed. This will give you a distinct picture of how much money you will need to get by.
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Step 3
Update your Resume: A Resume will be essential for any job search. Make sure to immediately update the resume via Microsoft Word or Open Office or any sort of resume building program. If the position requires certification make sure you have multiple copies of the resume, reference list and certification verifications for any prospective employers. Make sure you include updated address and contact information, and use a professional e-mail address (such as yourname@hotmail.com).
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Step 4
Start Applying: Look for the companies you want to work for online- do a general Google search or search major job-search sites such as Monster, Snagajob or Yahoojobs (among others). Find out if the companies require online applications or in-person applications. If the company requires you to fill out an application in-person make sure to dress to impress. Men should wear a suit and tie, and women should wear a coordinating pants or skirt suit with jacket. You never know who you will be meeting when you first fill out your applications, and dressing to impress is a sure-fired way to keep the attention of your prospective employer.
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Step 5
Networking: Talk to friends, family and acquaintances about your situation. You never know who will have a job opening, or if any of your connections might know of an opening. Always keep open the lines of communication, because although not having a job may be embarassing, getting a job is essential to your overall well-being.
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Step 6
Keep Applying: In a slow economy where unemployment rates are soaring, the availability of jobs is not ideal. Make sure to go out every single day and submit as many applications as an 8-hour workday will allow. The greater your exposure, the greater the likelihood is that someone will respond to you. It may take weeks or even a month to get a response, so do not give up hope!
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Step 7
Temporary Agencies: Many temporary employment agencies will conduct testing (typing speed, accuracy, etc.) and can help place you into a temporary job to tide you over until something more permanent becomes available. Many temp jobs can actually transition into permanent positions, so make sure to put your best foot forward with all temporary employers because you never know where the position may lead!
Comments
xtraordinary said
on 8/10/2009 Great article on a very important topic! 5 stars~
Kilogramm said
on 9/21/2008 Great step by step breakdown of the whole process, this is surely going in my favs section!
coralin said
on 9/19/2008 It's a excellent suggestion, i will tell them to my friends:)
vallain said
on 9/16/2008 Such a scary time, to be unemployed.
krazigirl79 said
on 9/16/2008 Awesome point Susanh! Networking is essential, and who knows what friends or family members know of openings or at least know people who might be hiring! Thanks for the great comment!