- Apply for unemployment benefits/See if you are entitled to receive any sort of compensation while you are out of work (See government resources links at the bottom) There is a two week waiting period, however, you do get back paid for any time after that once EI kicks in.
- Reduce Expenses immediately:
- Make a budget listing monthly essential and non-essential expenses
- Cut out extra expenses like eating out and entertainment
- Look into services with your bank that allow you to take a “mortgage vacation” for a month as well as lowering credit card interest amounts.
- Assess the reason for which you were let go, decipher if this is truly the right career path for you or if your existing qualifications are best suited in another role. Explore additional training or courses in the interim that could improve your chances for success in the chosen career path.
- Prepare your resume and cover letter.
- Secure as many references from co-workers, clients or vendors you worked with
- Work with a professional agency/recruiter for your particular industry to get an idea of existing opportunities in the market. Discuss the reasons why you were fired and how you will address this with a potential employer.
- Be proactive and do your own research – Look into job posting forums specific to your line of work or other online resources such as; Workopolis and Monster
- Network! – Leverage connections on professional networking forums such as LinkedIn to reach out to past co-workers you feel comfortable approaching as well as scouting recruiters and Human Resources personnel
- Treat job hunting like a job. Set your alarm, make a to-do list and give yourself blocks of time devoted to job hunting. Create a spreadsheet that includes; companies that are of interest, contacts within those companies, identify the hiring managers, and open positions that are relevant to what you’re looking for.
- Most of all, STAY POSITIVE! Job hunting isn’t easy and can be filled with rejection. Often times the reasons why you didn’t get that job are subjective and not at all reflective of your ability to do the job. Maybe the other candidate knew someone in management or has a kid that goes to the same school as the hiring manager. Regardless, you WILL find a job that’s right for you, just keep your head up!
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated, reflective of your existing experience and that it is typo-free.
- Government Resource Links:
WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER LOSING YOUR JOB
17 November, 2018
by
Brendan Kraft
Brendan Kraft
17 November, 2018