So you just got downsized. Depending on who you talk to, it was going to happen to 4-12% of us in this economy. That’s quite a few people. Here’s what it’s doing and what you’ll need to know as you approach finding a new job.

#1 -Register with your state for unemployment benefits as soon as possible.

It may sound like a no-brainer, but with the numbers of people who are seeking benefits today there is likely to be a backlog on the processing end. The good news is that many states have these resources and forms available online. Get in and get what you paid in to the system. The only thing that we at the downsized would have wished for was that the entire benefit could have been paid out at once.

#2 – Know what the recent stimulus package has done for you.

Great articles have been published that give a breakdown of what is and is not coming as a part of President Obama’s stimulus package. See Yahoo’s Article as an example. Misconceptions about the stimulus:

• Misconception #1: Most people will get their stimulus money as a check this year
• Misconception #2: The adjustment to withholding will have to be paid back when you file your tax return next year.
• Misconception #5: You need to apply through the government to get the COBRA health-care subsidy.
• Misconception #6: You can receive the COBRA subsidy the entire time you’re covered by COBRA.
• And many others. Read the balance of the article at yahoo.com

#3 – Give your resume a good look

If you saw this coming or not, your resume could use a good polish. Take a few hours and think about what you’ve done in the last few years and make sure that those things are clearly, let me say that again, clearly called out on your resume.

Consider using a service to place yourself competitively in your chosen market. Using a service like Monster’s Resume Writing Service allows you access to experts who can guide you through the process and perhaps insight in to what’s happening on the business side of the job posting site.

Once you’ve written it get it out there so that employers can find you. Never doubt the efforts of a headhunter or corporate recruiter, the more people they place the more they make, and these times have been rough on them too.

• Monster.com – Get an account if you don’t have one already
• ResumeRabbit – Be seen by 1.5 million employers & recruiters instantly!
  

#4 – Give serious thought to the job openings that you find – Cover Letters Could be Your Key

With more people out of work and actively seeking employment and fewer jobs available competition has increased for the limited number of positions. Find a way to stand out from the pack and give that hiring manager or recruiter a reason to call you. You need to shine.

Related posts:

1. The Fast Track to Resume Writing
2. General Motors – Layoff Notices to White Collar Workers
3. Caterpillar to pink slip over 2000 more employees – layoff news
4. Sun Microsystems to layoff workers
5. A guide to a “Reduction in Force” action in Corporate America

See related stories: 2009, Cover Letter, employee rights, layoff

This story was posted on Friday, April 10th, 2009 for the following departments Cover Letter, For the Downsized, Job Hunting Resources, Major Boards, Resume Writing, Unemployment