5 Things To Do If You've Been Furloughed
I can't solve your problems
You say your problems never needed solvin'
I was too good to you, should've stayed solid
Nice guys always finish off where they started
-Drake: Desires
First, stay positive.
Ending an employment relationship before you thought you would have to is bound to be an emotional experience. Feel all the feels, but here’s what to do:
Be relationship oriented. Make sure you have the contact information for the coworkers you enjoyed working with and any managers or company leaders who were advocates or endorsers of your work. Add them on linkedin, and actively keep in touch as you begin your job search. They may act as references for you or be able to refer you to people they know who are looking for good talent.
Find out the timing. Get clear on the cause of the lay-offs. Is it due to revenue loss from a particular source? Was it due to a re-org within the company? Aim to understand if and when your company will resume hiring. Senior leaders within the organization are likely to have this information, as might your HR rep. Consider if you would be interested in working for the organization again.
Leverage your relationships to get a pulse on who is hiring and where you may be a good fit. Deputizing your friends and professional circles to keep an eye out for opportunities for you is a smart way to make the most of your time. Use linkedin to see which of your contacts are employed at the companies you are targeting.
Make sure you’re job hunt ready. What’s your professional story? What are you looking to do next? Is your resume updated and working for you? How about your linked in? Power Positioning was made for this.
Thank your employer. Again, being furloughed stings. However, when it comes to opportunities, relationships are currency. It’s all about who you know and who endorses your work. Try your best to part on good terms.
As always, keep your head up. You can bounce-back from a layoff.