4 Immediate Actions to Take After Being Laid Off

In recent years, companies are struggling to make ends meet. This means budget cuts, and that often leads to laying off many good, qualified employees. If you are victim of such a tragedy, or simply want to be prepared in case the future holds such a thing for you, here are some immediate actions that you should take after being laid off.

1. Ask for Severance Pay

Unfortunately, companies simply cannot hold on to as many employees with the economy in the state it is in. It’s often not the fault of the employee that has resulted in the layoff. If your company is not readily advertising severance pay to those unfortunate former employees, do not be afraid to ask for it. Many companies will agree to give you a week’s worth of full salary for each year you have been there. This will go a long way as you make the transition.

2. Get a Recommendation

If you are leaving a company at no fault of your own, then you are in a great place to ask for a recommendation by your former boss. Before you even leave the office after getting laid off, step up and ask permission to use your superiors as references as you seek to find other means of employment. Doing this face-to-face immediately after getting laid off really show good character. It also diminishes the chances of your request getting lost in a pile of papers or emails somewhere in the office.

3. File for Unemployment

Once you file for unemployment, it may take two to three weeks before that pay begins to kick in and you begin receiving checks in the mail. Therefore, you should work quickly to get filed for unemployment as soon as possible. Some states will even let you file online. Do some research the night that you get laid off, and then head to the unemployment office immediately the next business morning.

4. Tell Everyone You Know

It’s unfortunate, but companies laying off people is so common these days that it’s not really big, embarrassing news to spread around your circles. In fact, the more people you tell, the greater your chances of finding new employment quicker. So, go ahead and send out a mass email letting all of your contacts know your circumstances. You can create a formal one to send to business contacts that ask them to keep you in mind for future opportunities, and you can also send one out to close acquaintances that may know someone that is hiring in your field.