I was laid off, what should I do?

Answer:
Being laid off is a scary prospect for anyone.

However, there are some steps that you can take if you are laid off in order to make your future a little more secure. Being laid off is different than being fired or quitting. If you are laid off, you are usually eligible for unemployment benefits , and you may even receive a severance package from your company.

If you do not receive a severance package from your company, you should immediately apply for unemployment. Many states now let you apply for unemployment online , bypassing the long lines in the employment office. Unemployment benefits are not retroactive, so it is important to file as soon as you are laid off.

After applying for unemployment, you should start thinking about your future. Think about if you want to stay in the same field or make a career change . A career counselor or a career assessment can help if you need some guidance. Update your resume, including skills that are relevant to the position you are seeking.

A resume writing service can be helpful before you start a job search. Finally, use all of your resources to find available positions. Keep looking for job postings, and contact anyone you know who might have some information about an available position.


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