Surviving a Layoff

The Downsized Staff — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 00:12:17 +0000

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.

#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.

The Fast Track to Resume Writing

The Downsized Staff — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:15:46 +0000

One of the greater goals of our services is to assist the recently downsized or otherwise laid off to find jobs that meet the needs and career goals of our readers. Of these nothing can be more valuable than a well crafted resume and a well though out cover letter letting a potential employer see your experience and enthusiasm for a job that you’re applying for.

Knowing that each posting on a major job board potentially elicits hundreds of responses it is important to know how you can distinguish yourself from the crowd.

Step one is posting your resume for free at job boards and let top tier employers find you.

If you’re in a real pinch for time or merely favor the finesse that a professional can add to your resume you may consider hiring a service that will write your resume for you and really make you shine.

The Advantage of Resume Writing Services:

Take the uncertainty of standard terminology for the industry that you’re tailoring your resume for.
Easy integration in to the job posting services usually associated with the writing services.
Knowledge that your resume will be formatted properly and confidence in the readability of the finished product.
For those just coming out of school, your resume is the key to making that internship or class experience translate in to the language of the working world.
For mid-career professionals, hitting the ground running after a recent layoff or other life change can prove difficult. A top notch resume can allow one to easily and quickly locate a job for their next life. Using a professional service can ensure that the right keywords appear in the right places to ensure that your next employer sees your resume at the top of the pile.

For more information contact services sponsored by: