AM New York - Part 2
Tips for the recently laid-off
By Lucy Cohen Blatter
If you've recently been laid off, there are several items to check off of your checklist right away. Michelle DeAngelis, author of Get a Life that Doesn’t Suck, and a management consultant and corporate coach, offered amNewYork readers some suggestions:
1) Figure out how much money you are owed. First things first, you need to find out about severance, compensation and sick day pay that might still be available.
2) Ask for references. Make sure you get references in writing before you leave your company.
3) Understand unemployment benefits. Figure out what’s required to file for it, and do that right away.
4) Figure out health insurance. "You need to have health insurance," DeAngelis says, so figure out a way to get that.
5) Ask for outplacement services. Many times your company can give you counseling on updating your resume and other job search skills.
6) Ask about relocation possibilities. You never know, your company may have a branch that’s hiring. You'll never know unless you inquire.
7) Help your mood by identifying, and participating in a hobby. "So many people associate who they are with what they do," DeAngelis says. "Focus on something you are really good at or you really love."
8) Get a bridge job right away. DeAngelis says you shouldn't hold off for your dream job. Pretty soon, you might find yourself behind in bill-paying.