5 Ways to Take Advantage of Your Employment Change

Have you recently found yourself unemployed? You’re not alone. In the past week, 3.28 million new unemployment claims were reported, which is 4.7 times higher than the prior weekly record of 695,000 in October of 1982. In these unprecedented times, it’s challenging to navigate the workforce and adjust to the ever-changing job market.

While we can’t predict what will happen in the next 30 days or even three months, we have compiled some tips to help you handle whatever job changes are coming your way – whether that’s unemployment, reduced hours or a career change.

Define your employment status

Before you start thinking about if you need a new job or not, figure out what your employment status is with your current company. Were you laid off or furloughed? An employee is typically laid off when an employer does not have enough work to sustain your employment and terminates you from their payroll. Furloughed occurs when a company forces you to take a period of unpaid time off or some type of leave with the ability to potentially come back to the company when things return to normal. In either of these cases, think about reaching out to your previous employer with an interest in returning should any positions open up when things return to normal.

If you are in need of a job for the time being, a number of essential businesses are currently hiring. You can also visit CareerSourceSuncoast.com for a current list of available jobs, reemployment assistance, hiring events and more.

Research resources available to you

The COVID-19 crisis has introduced a number of new sources that unemployed individuals can take advantage of in order to assist with a sudden loss of income. Some examples are tax filing deadlines being extended, credit card companies offering reduced interest rates on debt and fees being waived on late payments. In addition, interest has been waived on all federally held student loans and you can also ask for administrative forbearance so that you can temporarily stop making your federal student loan payments without becoming delinquent.

Revamp yourself

You might find that you have some extra time on your hands due to this unprecedented period. Since it is very rare to ever feel like you have extra time on your hands, take advantage of it by updating your current resume and LinkedIn profile. When you’re sending in your resume to a company, do your research and be sure to include a compelling and compassionate reason why you’re interested in the company. Don’t just list the qualifications you have.

There are also a number of free resources available online like webinars and tutorials to help you polish off old documents and present the best version of yourself.

Practice your interview skills

Just because social distancing prohibits you from being around people doesn’t mean that you can’t work on your interview skills. Practice on the interview process with a friend. Whether it’s a phone interview or an interview done via Skype or Zoom, there are still plenty of alternatives to help you nail it.

Network

Be cognizant of who your networking group is. Whether you utilize a talent management service like MBJ Group or you prefer something like Linkedin, make it known that you are looking for employment and ask individuals to keep an eye out. If you have a good relationship with someone at a company you’re interested in or who one has a contact there, the referral can do wonders for you. Sometimes your resume doesn’t always convey your talents and qualifications for a particular position. However, your potential referrals or references may be what secures you an interview.

While the workforce will eventually return to normal, many companies are learning to adapt to different practices, which will reflect over into the future job market. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact MBJ Group for more guidance and best practices. We are here and happy to help!