Finding yourself suddenly unemployed is a scary, stressful experience. But take a deep breath. The most important thing is not to panic. Easier said than done, but staying calm and focused helps you think clearly what to do if you lose your job.
Losing work is a setback, but also an opportunity to re-evaluate what you really want in your career and life.
Who knows, this could be the kick you needed to make a change you’ve been dreaming about for years. The possibilities are endless if you choose to see them that way. This blog post will guide you on devising a job search plan and getting back on your feet financially. Before you know it, you will be at your dream job and your wallet will be chunkier than ever!
Review Your Finances and Make a Budget
First on our list of job hunting tasks — staying on top of your finances can help relieve some stress. Make a spending plan, look at how much money you have saved and any severance pay, unemployment benefits, or unused paid time off (PTO) you’re going to receive. Apply for unemployment as soon as possible. The process can take a while, and benefits are often retroactive to your job loss. Calculate your monthly expenses like rent, utilities, insurance, groceries, and gas to figure out how long that money can sustain you.
If it’s not long, make a personal budget ASAP. Look for expenses you can temporarily reduce or eliminate. Check if you can lower or defer any bills. Many companies offer hardship programs for those who’re unemployed.
Time to Update Your Resume!
Once you’re somewhat financially stable, updating your resume should be the next thing on your to-do list. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and the overall format is clean and simple. Focus on quantifying your key accomplishments and use powerful verbs to describe your experience and skills.
Tailor your resume for your job applications. Emphasize the experience and qualifications that are most relevant for that particular job.
Refresh Your LinkedIn Profile
Next, give your LinkedIn profile a refresh. Add details about your recent work experience and update your profile summary to reflect your current career goals. Join relevant LinkedIn groups to connect with others in your industry. Engage by posting updates, commenting on discussions, and introducing yourself to new connections.
Participate in LinkedIn’s job search features like posting an update that you’re on the market, setting your profile to “open to new opportunities”, and applying to job listings on LinkedIn. Recruiters and hiring managers frequently search LinkedIn for candidates, so make sure your profile is optimized to be found.
Check Your Network and Let People Know You’re Job Searching
Reach out to your close contacts like friends, former colleagues, and mentors and let them know your situation. It doesn’t hurt to ask if they know of any employment opportunities that could be a good match for your skills and experience. Attend industry events and networking meetings. This allows you to connect face to face with people in your field. Strike up conversations, share your current situation, and ask others for advice or job recommendations. Hand out business cards to make it easy for new contacts to follow up.
The job market moves fast, so take action quickly after losing your work. Check all resources at your disposal, shout the word far and wide, and work every angle of your network. With persistence and determination, new opportunities will emerge.
Make Finding a New Job Your Full-Time Job
Your next full-time job is finding your next job. Treat this process seriously and stay focused—you will be employed again before you know it.
Search job sites and company websites
Spend several hours each day searching sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor for new listings. Also visit the career sites of companies you’re interested in directly. Most of the time, you have the best chance of being considered for a role if you apply as soon as it’s posted. Set up alerts so you’re notified as soon as something that matches your experience is listed.
Apply, apply
While job hunting and networking are important, the real progress happens when you start applying. Shoot for at least 5 to 10 applications each week. Follow up on every application to express your ongoing interest and reiterate why you’re a great candidate. Even if a role isn’t an exact match, apply—you never know how it could turn out, and it keeps your momentum going. The more you apply, the more likely you’re to connect with potential future employers
Interview
Once you land an interview, preparation is also important. Be ready to provide specific examples of your relevant accomplishments and the impact you made in your previous roles. Practice your answers to common interview questions. Present your authentic, enthusiastic self!
Fill in The Blanks!
Last but not least, once you’re back to normal – think about anything else your old job provided that you’re going to need to replace. Such as health insurance. Many jobs in the United States offer health insurance (sometimes dental) as a benefit aside from your income.
If your new work doesn’t provide dental or health insurance, make sure to enroll in a plan ASAP. If you’re not in a place financially to stack on another monthly bill, explore programs like Medicaid (Medicare if you’re over 65). These programs offer a variety of health insurance options at no cost. Apply online or at your local human resources department to receive free health insurance coverage!
Just Lost Your Job? Apply For Some FREE Benefits!
Lost your job recently? Be very wary of unsolicited job offers that seem too good to be true. But guess what’s not too good to be true: EASY Wireless’ FREE phone program!
That’s right! Thanks to government programs like Lifeline & ACP, here’re some benefits you’re likely eligible for with EASY Wireless:
What Benefits do I Receive With EASY Wireless??
Upon qualifying for the programs above, here’re the connectivity benefits you receive:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
How do I Apply For my FREE PHONE With EASY Wireless?
To get started with EASY Wireless, apply online by clicking the below:
Start Saving Today!
Start Saving Today!
Or you can come to one of the EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where our customer service agent will help you apply for the benefits.
Either way, the first step is to provide proof of identity with a government-issued ID. This is so you can confirm your participation in one of the qualifying programs or that you meet the income requirement.
We accept the following U.S. Government Issued ID:
- U.S. Driver License
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Government, State or Tribal issued-ID
- U.S. Military ID cards
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Permanent Resident Alien Cards
You can show the following documents to prove that you are taking part in a government assistance program or use them as proof of active benefits:
- Statement of benefits from a food distribution program.
- Federal Public Housing Assistance Vouchers Documents
- Indian Affairs general assistance documents
- Notice letter of participation, such as an award letter
- Participation documents from a program, such as a screenshot from an online account.
- In order to show income, you can provide any of the following proofs:
- Unemployment Documentation
- Copy of your State or Federal income tax return.
- Three months’ worth of current pay stubs.
- Veterans Administration or Supplemental Security Income benefits letter.
- A divorce decree or child support document that states income.
- Retirement or pension statement.
Need Multiple Lines of Service or an Additional Phone?
EASY Wireless is a full-service cellular store that cares about all of your communication needs. We have everything from basic prepaid phone plans to unlimited mobile hotspot data plans for every budget and usage requirement. Also, we offer a selection of brand-name phones that combine quality, reliability, and the latest technology.
That’s not all – we also provide an array of amazing accessories to enhance your mobile experience. At EASY Wireless, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring you find the perfect plan, compatible phone, and accessories to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Visit us for all your cell phone and wireless service needs today!
