March Hire Results for Job Seekers

Career Change by Chance: The Ins and Outs of Handling a Lay off

The signs have been visible for months. Water cooler conversations have abounded with rumors of who will stay and who will go. Suddenly, rumor becomes reality as your supervisor shares with you the news that you are part of the downsizing, the reduction in force or a lay off. As the news washes over you, you think, "What now?"

Don't panic-Be Smart

It is perfectly natural to be upset upon hearing the news that your employer no longer needs your services. That being said, it is not perfectly smart to storm out of the office, yelling things you will soon regret. Having negative feelings toward lay off is natural. Knowing when and to whom to vent is an important aspect of handling a lay off well. Overreacting can cause you problems with your co-workers and managers as well as with your pocketbook.

If you need to leave the office after hearing the bad news to call close friends and family to vent about your newly found status among the unemployed, by all means do so. Do not call colleagues and potential networking connections to vent about your recent bad news. These are people you will need to call in the near future as you begin networking your way to a new job or career. If you call them to whine and complain, you are presenting a negative picture of yourself. Save your raw emotions for those who should hear them – close friends and family.

Once you have taken some time to vent, get back to the office to handle the many practical matters that lay ahead of you. Practical matters that can mean the difference between making the most of your severance package or leaving money and benefits on the table. For instance, unused vacation and personal leave are protected by law in most states. Generally, it is a simple matter of working things out with your human resources department.

While you may want to get out as soon as possible, it is important to stick around and take of care of details pertaining to your severance package, medical and other benefits, as well as taking any personal files with you. Begin emailing files from work to your personal email and pack up or make copies of documents that you need to take with you.

Unemployment Insurance – Apply right away

Frequently, people feel a stigma associated with being laid off. Some people feel that stigma so strongly that they neglect to apply for a benefit that has been set aside just for this situation – unemployment. Employers pay unemployment taxes each year to pay unemployment to employees who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Unemployment is yours to rightfully claim and it is important to file the papers as soon as possible after learning about your lay off. When you are dealing with the government, things take time so the sooner you complete the necessary paperwork, the sooner you will begin receiving your unemployment checks.

To apply for unemployment benefits in Jefferson County, go to our website at www.jeffcoworkforce.org and look for the "File for Unemployment" link at the bottom of our homepage. From there, you will be redirected to the Colorado Department of Labor’s website and an electronic process for filing. Or, simply use this direct link to the online information http://www.coworkforce.com/uiic/

COBRA – You have heard of it, but do you know how it works?

Many of us have heard about COBRA and how costly it is. What is it and how long does it last? The Continuing Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a mouthful but what it means to employees who lose their jobs is that they can continue their group medical benefits. In fact, it is not only an option, but it is a right by law.

The COBRA benefit is available to employees from companies that employ at least 20 employees. The benefit is generally available for up to 18 months. You should consult your human resources department for specific details for your company. The upside is that you can continue coverage. The downside is that you end up paying 100% of the premium which can be high.

But, do not be hasty and decide not to take advantage of this benefit. While it may be costly, it can be even more costly and difficult to obtain comparable coverage on your own. The U. S. Department of Labor has a webpage devoted to COBRA – http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm - which has lots of detailed information. Also, it is important to deal with your benefits and human resources departments. As with all aspects of the lay off, it is important to be careful and take the time to understand all aspects of COBRA.

Embrace your new job – Your job search

Once the dust has settled and you have all your lay off ducks in a row, it is time to realize you have a job after all – the job of searching for that next great job opportunity. Like any other job you have had, this one will require time, planning, and organizational skills. It will also require that you get familiar with some job search essentials, especially your new resume and your networking skills.

A big surprise for many newfound job seekers is the idea that a resume must be customized to each new job for which you apply. In the past, job seekers created a one size fits all resume to reach a wide audience and range of job possibilities. Now, job seekers must customize their resumes based on the job description. Jefferson County Workforce Center offers a free workshop on resume writing. Also, consult our March 2007 issue of Hire Results for some great resume advice.

Another key to your new job will be networking. Networking is the fine art of talking with a purpose to people you know and people you do not know to let them know you are out there looking for a new opportunity. Begin with something easy like contacting your former supervisors and other potential references. Ask these folks to provide a letter of reference for you as well as to be available for phone or email references. Jefferson County Workforce Center offers a free workshop on networking.

In fact, the Jefferson County Workforce Center has many resources available to people in the midst of a layoff. Visit us on the web to learn more about these services. www.jeffcoworkforce.org.

You will make it after all

Yes, a layoff can be a very difficult and life changing event. But, it can also be an opportunity to refresh and recharge. After you have things in order, take some time to enjoy the parts of life that matter most – family and friends. If possible, take that much needed vacation. If that simply means staying home and enjoying the many great things nearby, so be it.

Embrace the opportunity to be home with your kids before and after school. Spend a much needed day with a spouse, parent, friend or sibling. Even when a job ends, life goes on. It is important to keep things in perspective and realize that you will make it after all.

Sources consulted for this article:
1. Chambers, Erin. "What to Do After a Layoff" Accessed: 2-22-08.
2. "Accepting and Dealing with a Layoff". Accessed: 2-22-08.
3. "What to do after a Layoff". Accessed: 2-22-08.