Five Tips For Getting Back in the Game After Job Loss

Job seekers should use a variety of strategies to get back into the game after a job loss.  It is worth it to explore all options and do all you can to recover.  Financial concerns often demand that a person does not lapse into a depression that keeps them from going forward  Here are some tips that have helped people get back on their feet.

Tips

1.  Lay aside blame
The truth is many times blame does not lie solely with the employee who was let go.  Getting fired especially if there is a feeling of unjustness can lead to bitterness if left unchecked.  It may be true that you were treated unfairly, but going forward with a new employer requires making a new start. Employers can smell the bitterness a mile away, and it is not what they desire in an employee.  I've written other articles about working through the feelings that come with being fired.  Take the time to work through these issues before interview time.

2.  Improve your skills
While you are looking for work do things to improve your skills.  There are community programs that can help you in this task often free or at a discount.  We live in an age where computer skills are always needed.  If you can find a course that helps with Microsoft applications you will have an advantage on your resume.  Perhaps there is a vocational school that would update your work skills and help you in your job search.

3.  Get help critiquing your resume and have your application information readily available 
Being prepared with a resume and the information you will need when you fill out an application will help your confidence and give a good impression to employers.  Going to a career center recommended by unemployment will help you create an up to date resume that will show your skills. It is important to listen to the advice of those who know how to create these important documents. Also when you go to fill out an application you will need personal information such as your job history, your education history, and the names and addresses of your references.  Being prepared at each place of business or when doing an online application helps the process go smoothly.

4.  Get leads from a variety of places
Many businesses use the internet to place want ads for employment, however, this should not be your only source of leads.  There are still businesses that place notices in store windows and use paper applications.  Tell friends you are looking for employment as some employers like to hire based on the references of people they know.  Be careful of ads on sites where the potential employer is not required to give their name and simply give a description.  Sometimes these types of ads are from scam artist seeking your resume information.

5.  Don't lose sight of purpose
It is easy to get drawn into a feeling of despair or lack of purpose.  Keep your daily goals before you and determine to accomplish what you set to do.  Whether it is a project at home, church or the community or job goals you'll find that maintaining purpose every day will propel you forward.  Let God refresh you when it feels like purpose is slipping away.

Getting Fired: The Painful Task of Telling Your Family

The day I got fired the first thing I wanted to do was to tell my husband.  I needed to hear his voice and feel his touch, yet something in me just wanted to run and hide.  Two opposite forces fought for control.  Shame overwhelmed me.  The feeling comes to everyone who has experienced being fired no matter how hard they try to escape its clutches.  Your mind races to provide a reason for something that may never be fully answered.   Since I was fired I identify with the characters in detective shows who hide the fact they were fired from their spouse.  It is not that I would really hide it from him, but that I understand the feeling of not wanting anyone to know. Thankfully my husband provided a soft place to fall.  Not everyone has that safe place and I feel for them in a way I might not of if I didn't share their experience.  We are still recovering even months later as finding a new job has proven to be difficult.

Where to start
Getting into your car and driving away will be hard.  You realize you won't be pulling into the parking lot every day and starting and ending your day as you have for the period of time you worked.  You may be thinking of the bills or the family vacation that was planned, the doctors visit that may have to be canceled, the braces your daughter just had put in, or simply how you are going to put food on the table.  The biggest thing you are thinking about is, "How do I tell my husband or wife?'  Truthfully, there is no graceful way to say it and the emotional turmoil you are in is not going to make for smooth transitions or reasoned explanations.  Your pain is part of the telling, and yes that pain transfers to your husband or wife.  It pours out, sometimes with lots of words and sometimes with just a few.  Everyone must have time to adjust.  It is a family shock.

What to say
What to say depends on the person you are addressing.   Even through your pain you know the emotional makeup of your spouse and how much or little you should give them in details. A spouse may hear the whole story and all of the emotions that go with it while a child may simply hear that there was a problem at work and now Daddy or Mommy have to search for a new job.  I hope one of the things you frequently say is, 'God is bigger than my problem, and He will help me'  It is important to get yourself up and refuse to fall prey to depression that lingers.  I know it does not seem like a positive time, but it is a time when you can find opportunities to stretch your skills and abilities in new ways.  That may seem trite, but remember I am not someone who has not felt the pain and sting of job loss.  Explain your pain and speak hope for the future.

If you have a family getting fired is a family affair.
I know the strong desire to hide under a rock and not come out.   The desire to hole up in your room with the blanket over your head and not talk to anyone is real and hard to overcome.  It can even be difficult to go out with friends because of the weight of having to tell what happened.  Someone who has been fired surely needs some time to privately reflect on the situation, yet it is important to make a conscious decision and acknowledgment that you are not going through this alone.  It is a family affair.  Children feel the tension as well.  They need to see that you are going to be okay.  Remember, even though you are the one who got fired they are along for the ride.

The plan forward
You may need to take a few days to think things through and figure out what you are going to do.   When you begin to have a plan in mind telling your family will help them to process the event.  Filing for unemployment and then meeting the daily requirements to maintain it should be part of your plan from the start.  Keeping yourself productive in this way prevents you from becoming a recluse and hiding in your bed under the blankets.  Even small children can see that their parent is working towards a goal even though they may not understand the particulars.

Unemployed and Searching for a Job. Things That Disappoint a Job Seeker and How to Overcome Them. Part 1

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Over the past several months I have read stories of people like me who have lost a job and been disappointed in the job search. They have found it difficult to maintain hope in the face of obstacles that seem to be everywhere they look.  Job seekers have real fears that they will not be able to provide for their families when unemployment runs out. That  fear comes to their hearts door at the prospect of what to do.  I don't want to promote fear on this blog, but I do want to give voice to the concerns many American's have about what they are going through rather than glibly push it under the rug.

Here are some of the things that make the job search difficult on the emotions of job seekers.

No Face to Face Interaction when they apply for a job

Online applications are popular with employers and job-seekers because of the ease of completing them in the comfort of home and collecting them quickly.  An employer can post a job in the afternoon and by the next morning have a large pool of potential workers resume's on his desk.  So what is the problem, and why do some job-seekers begin to be disappointed in them?  The face to face encounters that came with going to a business and filling out a paper application and asking to talk to a manger is almost a thing of the past.  Major companies have all but went exclusively to online job applications that carry the connotation, 'don't call us, we'll call you.'  Computer programs kick out the applications that don't appear to fit the bill and move forward.  The problem with this is that a computer cannot see what a person knows instinctively.  So while a company may rejoice at not having to deal with personal encounters that used to be the norm they may very well miss seekers that a predetermined criteria deems undesirable, but a hiring manager might see potential in.   Job Seekers are often disappointed that the trend is to limit contact with those applying for jobs.  It leaves the feeling that getting your foot in the door is nigh unto impossible.

A Lack of Common Courtesy 

Job Seekers know each application they have out and they try to know its status.  It is a delicate balance to wait a proper amount of time for a decision and  deciding to call asking the company for a status on when they will make a decision.  Sadly many companies simply hire someone and neglect to tell the other applicants that the position has been filled.  This leaves job-seekers still hoping that they will get a call from a specific company.  Modern email systems make this practice unacceptable as it is not hard to send an email to all interested parties.    

Overcoming these obstacles.

Even if you do an online application call or go to the local business and ask to speak to the Manager.  Ask about the application process and when they estimate a decision will be made.   Ask for a business card and if it is okay for you to call or email.  This will get your foot in the door and also give you a time frame.  Be careful about sending any applications or resume to any company online that will not give you their name and information.  You may not be able to change the practice of businesses to ignore those not chosen, but you can avoid waiting and waiting for a position that is no longer available simply by picking up the phone.  Determine not to hold feelings that will cause bitterness and remember you have taken the matter into your own hands rather than leaving it to others.

If you have experiences either as an employer or job-seeker I welcome your comments.

Job Loss and Depression

Many people have depression in the United States every day.  That feeling of despair can escalate even more at this time of year when everyone else seems to be in a cheery mood celebrating the Holidays with friends and family.  Activities that once brought joy may make a jobless person feel like hibernating until the season is over.  Being aware of the signs can help turn some of these feelings around or at least lend to understanding that others who are walking the path of joblessness understand.   If you are a family member you may see some of these signs in your loved one and it is my hope that you will be an encouragement for hope.

Feelings of Guilt
Job loss can produce many aspects of guilt.  Whether or not the loss was merited or the result of office politics a person who has lost a job feels blame for the position they are in and also for the financial strain that it puts upon their family.  Family members can help by not casting blame through remarks or innuendos.  Encouragement for job search efforts will help keep a person with job loss on track to find a new position while hurtful remarks could cause them to fall into a pit of despair that is hard to come out of without help.  It is important to keep in touch with people who will be supportive and helpful.  The local Career Center should be a place where job tips, readiness seminars, and encouragement are available.


Feelings of Hopelessness
Job loss can make a person feel as if things will not get better no matter how much effort is put into a job search.  When someone who has experienced job loss has tried to get another job and seems to come up against a brick wall they can begin to lose hope.  There can come a feeling of disappointment in yourself and lack of self-worth.  Many people have unknowingly placed a large portion of their identity in their work or ability to provide.  Taking steps to improve your skills through a computer course or a trade school, or something as simple as getting your resume together can help you feel hopeful.  Something as simple as a family member taking a person with a job loss to see a movie or out to dinner can distract and cause a better outlook.

Feeling of Loss
The person with job loss may also feel unproductive and at a loss of direction for their life.  You get used to your job and the people you work with even if you don't like everything about it.  Job loss cuts you off from what you've known.  You once woke up in the morning with purpose and had a job to do and no matter how small or menial that job may have been it gave you a sense of accomplishment in your life.  Don't stop being productive as you search for a job.  Keep busy in pursuits that will help you toward your goal of employment.  Be willing for example to look at part-time jobs, at training courses or volunteer work.

I hope those who have never lost a job will at least begin to sense the major blow it is to lose a job and be willing to be a blessing to those around you.  I welcome those of you who have experienced job loss to express in the comments feelings you might have had during that time.

Unemployment Requirements: First steps.

Unemployment requirements may vary from state to state.  When you sign up for unemployment you can choose to have a booklet with information sent to you or you can read everything online.  I read online, but still had a hard copy sent to my address.  

Things you are required to know.

• The contents of the unemployment handbook.  The next most important thing for you to do after you sign up for unemployment is to read the unemployment handbook.  You are responsible to do the requirements it contains and to understand all restrictions that apply.  
• After your waiting week....which may or may not equal an entire week you are required to complete job seeking requirements. Don't be confused and think you wait to meet these requirements until you find out if you are eligible for unemployment...you must start after the waiting week and be able to show you have begun job search activities. I advise making a copy of these requirements and keeping a weekly notebook to show you have completed them.  You may also be able to save your search progress online using your online profile on the state unemployment website.
• You must claim benefits each week and declare that you have indeed met the job search requirements
• You must choose a means of receiving payment for your unemployment that will be explained in the handbook and online when you complete your weekly claim benefits.  

Some states no longer have unemployment offices in each city, rather they have Career Centers that are meant to help you find work.  You may be required to sign in at a local Career Center and will receive letters from your state unemployment agency from time to time telling you to report there to go over your job search efforts with one of their workers.  It is important that you keep all of these appointments.  The Career Centers are a great resource, but remember that if you have any important questions that official answers only come through calling the state unemployment phone number.  

Getting Fired: Misconceptions people who have never lost a job have about those on unemployment.

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 If you've never been fired or laid off you may have some preconceived ideas about people who are out of work?  Going through the experience can be an eye-opener that changes your previous mindset and gives you a comradery with people who have walked the walk.  Here are some things that people who have gone through it would want you to understand.

Misconception Number 1:  Folks on unemployment take it easy and have free money.

Most people on unemployment for non-seasonal reasons would give anything to be working a job.   They are making less than they did working and they still have households to take care of each month.  Most people in America make it month to month and that triples for an unemployed person.  Far from soaking in the sun or watching soap operas all day they are concerned about making their monthly bills.  Businesses are required to carry unemployment Insurance and those people who lose their jobs and qualify need not feel ashamed of using what is a mandatory benefit and protection for all workers in our country.  It is not a cake walk to be in a situation where you do not know your future.  Participants are required to meet weekly requirements within their job search and most go beyond those guidelines.

Misconception Number 2: Folks on unemployment must have done something to cause them to be let go.

There are two sides to every story.  Most advice to those who have lost a job is not to get stuck in laying blame but to move forward and find another job.  That is advisable in the grand scheme of things because in order to get back in the game you must have your focus on the prize.  Nonetheless, it is important for those who have not experienced unemployment to understand that everyone no matter how loyal and hardworking could one day find themselves without a job due to unfortunate circumstances.  It is easy to imagine that it could never happen to you, but many throughout the country in recent years have found out that what they thought could not happen became reality in their lives.  As I search the net I still see the prideful boast of those without a clue, but I've also seen in real life the humility of those who now understand it can happen to anyone and there are always two sides to a story.

Misconception Number 3: Folks on unemployment could get a job in a few days if they would just hustle and not be picky

Many assume that there are jobs at every turn and if people would just go out and get them they'd be fine.  Our society values education and you'd surprised the number of people with degrees working at entry level jobs because that is all they could find.  Many job seekers who have been willing to try anything have found that even entry-level jobs are in high demand leaving them with a tough market.   Don't assume people haven't applied to burger joints or the ever popular Walmart type jobs at some time in their job quest. 


To those who have never lost a job it is my fondest hope that you never have to experience the loss of a job and your means of support, but I also hope you will put yourself in someone else's shoe's and try to understand the situation many in our nation have gone through in recent years.

Getting Fired; Ripping off the Scarlet Letter

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The first few days I started looking for a new job I was quickly reminded of my High School English class and the classic book the Scarlet Letter.   In the book, there is a lady who lived in the Puritan era whose husband sent her to America promising to follow soon afterward.  She ended up having an affair and a child presuming her husband died when he did not come when promised.  Forever after the people demanded that she wear a scarlet letter A representing adulteress so all would know her evil deed. She and her child were basically ostracized by the community until some twist in the plot turned things around.  I don't support adultery, but when you think about it getting fired can feel as if you have a label placed on you for all to read and judge you by.  Most applications have the question that those who have been fired dread.  Have you ever been terminated from any position?  I remember thinking this is going to follow me forever. There is usually a space to put an explanation, but you can't help but wonder if it is the death nail for your application.    It is tricky to navigate this question because you understand that proper protocol demands that you must not appear angry or bitter against your former employer yet you must explain what happened.

What twist can turn things around for the word fired?

1.  Decide what you are going to say
 Take some time to decide what you are going to say or write with the help of someone at the Career Center, a friend who has gone through it or even get some ideas from a web search.  Taking the stress out of your response is very helpful.   Remember what you say on an application may differ depending on the way the question is worded and if they require a small explanation or more detailed one.  Sometimes you can write something as simple as "will discuss" allowing for a simple explanation at the interview .  Having taken the time to think this over and write out a small explanation will help you in stressful situations to be prepared to give a good impression.

2.  Don't be negative
I know it may not seem fair, but you must guard against having a negative attitude toward a former supervisor or management personnel if you are called upon to explain in an application or job interview the reason you were let go.  Remember a prospective supervisor will take negativity to mean you are unable to be directed by someone in authority.  Rather simply state the problem and your willingness to seek new opportunities wishing the old company goodwill.      

3.  Work on changing your own mindset
I realize that there are those that will always have the mindset that the employee must be totally at fault otherwise why would they be in this predicament.  You cannot change everyone's mindset, but you can change yours.  You can give a short explanation and move on centering on your skills and your willingness to fit into the new work culture.  A lack of confidence will show like like a neon light the big letter F just as the woman in the story of the Scarlet Letter wore the letter of shame.  If you need to brush up on some skills take the time to do it now.  If you need help building a resume do it, a career center is a wonderful resource.  There is a job for you that will want you despite the fact you were fired and in order to find it your mindset has to become confident.  You must refuse to carry the shame of the letter and go past whatever happened and see Gods plan for your future.