Why networking is so important when you’re facing layoffs

If you’re worried about being fired — or if you’ve lost your job — here are expert recommendations:

If you worry, you could be fired

Start saving

It’s important to start building an emergency fund even when you feel secure in your job, but especially when you think you could lose it.

You may not be able to save enough to cover your entire period of unemployment, but even a small amount can reduce your stress.

When you start thinking about saving, Jesse Mecham, founder of money management app YNAB, recommends that you ask yourself this question: What do you want my money to do?

Maybe a year ago you wanted to save up for a big trip abroad, while now you want money if you’re unemployed for six months.

People “would have a very different answer now than they did a year ago when they thought their job was extremely secure,” Mecham said.

If you’re aggressively paying down debt and it’s affecting your ability to save, Mecham recommends slowing down payments. You should still make at least the minimum payment, but you might want to consider temporarily using the money you paid beyond that to build up an extra cash cushion so you have money on hand should you need it. Avoiding further borrowing is also crucial, Mecham said.

Update your resume

It’s always a good idea to keep your resume up to date, but most importantly, keep it adaptable across multiple jobs, said Scott Dobrosky, career trends expert at Indeed. You can do this by leaving space on your resume to include keywords specific to the position you are applying for.

Jobs may require slightly different skills if you plan to stay in the same industry, or completely different skills if you move to a different field. Keeping your resume up to date and customizable could make things easier when you need to move on.

Anna Gallo, 33, a Middletown, Connecticut tech who was recently laid off, found her resume update more emotional than expected.

“Updating my resume after not looking at it since I got my job was surprisingly sad. I had to take my time and respect that sadness and wait until I was better so I could do it,” Gallo said.

Gallo now recommends keeping your resume up to date, even if you don’t expect to be looking for work anytime soon.

Activate your network

It’s a good idea to start making connections in your industry now, said career coach Marlo Lyons. Talking to your friends about potential job opportunities elsewhere can give you a head start.

Continuing education

Acquiring new skills and adding certifications or courses to your resume can be a great way to advance in your current job. If you think you might need to go elsewhere, look for the skills that will make you a stronger candidate, Lyons said. Whether you’re taking a free online course or signing up for a specific license, improving your CV will have a positive impact whether you need to stay in your current job or look for another.

Popular course websites include Coursera and edX, which offer courses and certifications from universities across the country. They offer some of the courses for free.

When you’ve been fired

Prioritize your mental health

Your mental health can be severely affected after losing your job. Breathe in and let the emotions feel. Prioritizing your mental health can help you approach your job search better, Dobrosky said.

For Gallo, putting her sanity first meant giving herself a few days to be sad.

“I think everyone needs that time after losing their job. I’m feeling better, although I’m still very disappointed that it turned out this way,” said Gallo.

Maintain a routine

Maintaining some structure in your day will help you with your mental health and the right cadence when applying for jobs, Mecham said.

Scheduling your days to eat, exercise or walk at your usual time and apply for jobs for a certain number of hours keeps you grounded, he said. Lyons recommends setting a time of day for the start and end of job applications.

“Don’t overwhelm yourself with applications,” Lyons said. “Make time for activities that are good for you.”

For Gallo, that meant getting up, making breakfast, taking a long shower and using her fancy soap, and going for a walk after her usual workday and still hanging out with her friends.

“I try not to let the fact that I don’t work 9 to 5 distract too much from what I do with the rest of my day,” she said.

Check your benefits

It’s important to understand your compensation package and keep all the documentation you need to understand your benefits after you’re released. Some particularly important things to know are your health insurance and dental benefits, Dobrosky said.

network

It can be helpful to reach out to your professional and personal network, and it’s useful to provide direction to friends and colleagues who want to help, Lyons said.

Examples are asking them to write you recommendations on LinkedIn, recommend you for a job, or invite you to a conference for free.

Share your experience

It can be difficult to talk about losing your job and you should only share it if you feel comfortable. But sharing can benefit you by allowing you to lean on your support system.

When Gallo shared on social media that she’d lost her job, she did it primarily so everyone she knew would know at the same time. She didn’t expect hundreds of people, some she knew and some she didn’t, to come forward and offer their help.

“I felt like I was taking the power out of the mystery of losing my job,” she said. “I found it helpful to do a mass disclosure and also ask for help at that moment.”

Gallo said she feels less isolated since receiving encouraging news and speaking to people with similar experiences.

apply for unemployment benefits

Applying for unemployment is an option everyone should use, Lyons said. While the amount you get for unemployment may not be as much as your salary, it can help you stay afloat for some time.

“You’ve been paying for this your whole life, get some of the money back,” Lyons said. “Do not be shy.”

Find out more about how to register as unemployed here.

Consider a temporary job

A temporary job is a good option if you can’t afford to be unemployed, Dobrosky said. Lyons also recommends temporary jobs and says you should include them on your resume if they demonstrate skills that match your desired full-time job, such as: B. Leadership or organizational skills.

“It shows that you have courage, that you are willing to work hard and take on your responsibilities,” she said.