WEB 2.0 AND RECRUITING

Thoughts on Layoffs

The national economy is in poor shape and the number of people laid off is rising. Can anything good happen from a layoff? What should you do if you are laid off?

First of all, know that if have been laid off that you are in good company. Many states are showing layoff percentages from 9.5% to as high as 20+% - so you are not alone. Don't get down on yourself if this has happened to you. You must look forward and not backward. Good things can happen, but just may take longer than you prefer. I have met many people who have landed better jobs with better companies after a layoff. You just never know where you will end up so stay positive.

What should you do when the axe falls? It starts during the meeting with your manager when you are being laid off. Be professional and don't say anything that will burn bridges. This person will be in a position to help you down the road so stay in his or her good favor. Ask this person for a written letter of recommendation. Also, try to negotiate anything you can while you have the chance such as a severance package, continued insurance, use of a laptop while you job hunt, and/or outplacement assistance. You may only get one chance to ask so be prepared.

Once you have been sent home contact your local employment office and apply for benefits. Remember that you will have to call in weekly in most states to continue to receive an unemployment check. Don't think it will be a lot of money (generally around $250/week) but it can help.

Start immediately notifying your family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you come in contact with that you are looking for work. Don't be ashamed. You will be surprised how people will reach out and try to help. Utilize all the technology that can give you broader distribution of your message such as twitter, facebook, linkedin, monster, yahoo, and careerbuilder. Post your resume on these sources so that recruiters can more easily find you.

If your resume is not up to date, get it ready as soon as possible, and have several professional friends review it before sending it out. Keep it from one to two pages. The purpose of the resume is to simply get your foot in the door. It is not a dissertation of everything you have done. Trust me - I've read close to 5,000 resumes and I assure you a recruiter is only going to look at it for 15 - 30 seconds unless something catches their eye that lets them know you are close to what they are looking for. Keep it simple.

Practice your "sales pitch" and be ready to give it on a moments notice. You need to be prepared to say what your looking for, explain your education and skills, and ask for their assistance. You never know who might be able to help, so get your message out there.

Get financial advise. You may be able to negotiate with your creditors until you get back on your feet. Don't just ignore the bills, but let them know your situation and that you are working on solving the problem.

These are just a few things you can point you in the right direction. Good luck in your search and if I can assist, feel free to contact me at martybrack@bellsouth.net.

Marty Brack, SPHR