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On Layoffs

On Layoffs

I’ve written before about how to prepare for a layoff, but maybe it’s time to write about ways to handle things if a layoff does occur.

First, try to keep calm during the process. Don’t yell or scream or do anything that might reflect badly on you if the people involved are ever contacted by prospective employers. Ask for severance if they aren’t offering it, and ask for more severance if they ARE offering it. It can’t hurt to ask. Ask about COBRA as well, although you should get a letter explaining your options with that.

If you’re allowed to talk to people on your way out, be sure to get contact information from those who might provide you with references. Many places have a policy of escorting people out immediately after they are told, so don’t feel like you’ve done something wrong if that happens. If you can’t talk to people on your way out, just email them later at their work addresses to ask about references. Most people will be happy to help, and may be able to help you start networking. (They and their spouses or friends may know people that are hiring.)

Try not to take it personally. This is probably the hardest thing to do, but chances are the layoff was not at all personal, so there’s no reason to act as if it was or to beat yourself up over it. I know that’s easier said than done, but try. Give yourself a little time to get over the initial shock and to go through the gamut of emotions that are likely to hit you. Wait at least 24 hours before making any important decisions. Talk to people that are likely to be helpful or sympathetic to you, and take a little time to weigh your options.

One thing I wouldn’t wait on is filing for unemployment. If you qualify, you should use it, and it may take some time for your benefits to kick in if you are eligible. Often the unemployment office has services and information you can use in your job search as well, so it can be a helpful place to go. Spend some time going over your finances as well fairly soon.

Once you have recovered a little from the shock (and it can still be a shock even if you suspected it was coming) spend some time making a list of your skills and experience. Brainstorm different jobs you could do in addition to your previous job, and list ways that your experience relates to those types of jobs. Make up a resume for each type of job that you intend to target, and get them posted on sites like monster and/or talk to recruiters in your field. Try to focus on the positive. Maybe you didn’t like your old job that much anyway, and this is the blessing in disguise to help you make a change for the better.

View Comments (2)
  • People are being layed off where I am – I am a contractor, though, and have a finite contract that will end next year.
    I’m actually finding that being a contractor in this market is actually advantageous because people like the idea that they know they don’t have to hire me.
    Ironically, it’s making me more marketable.

  • We just found out today that the remaining staff in my office have been spared the axe for now. What a sigh of relief! I feel so sorry for those folks who have been laid off. Such a stressful situation. Thanks for addressing this in multiple posts. It’s much needed!

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