4 Tips for Returning to Work After Unemployment

Long periods of unemployment can be hard to bounce back from. No matter how you came to be unemployed, the financial and psychological effects make a tough time even worse.

What can you do to get back in the workforce? It’s more than just looking for jobs, you must look the correct way, and be ready to return to work after a long period away. Here are a few tips that will help you begin the journey back to employment.

Manage the Financial Hardship

Although you may not be getting a paycheck, the bills still need to be paid, and that debt can pile up quickly. While getting work again quickly should be your focus, taking steps to stay on top of debt can be just as important.

The first thing you should do, when you lose your job and when you find a new one is taking stock of your finances. That means evaluating how much is left in savings, whether any debt was incurred and if your new income can cover all household expenses.

The priority for paying off debt and bills should be aligned with the payments that have the most impact on daily life. For instance, taxes, a mortgage and car payment may take precedence over credit cards or student loans.

Tackle the Job Hunt, You’re Not Alone

The most important thing you will want to do while job hunting is making sure you’re staying organized. Keep a daily planner of all the people you need to call in the future and make notes of who you’ve contacted for employment, or who you hope to apply for in the future.

Detailed notes help you to stay on top of follow up calls, so you don’t miss out on any opportunities. It’s also important to keep notes because you’ll need to report your job hunt progress if you are collecting unemployment. Without thorough notes and a schedule, time spent job hunting can drag on and blend together, which can be discouraging.

If you’ve hit a dead end or need to take a different approach, consider working with a recruiter of a staffing agency. They are in constant contact with companies who need people for all sorts of positions. Even if it’s a temporary position, it can help with the financial stress of unemployment.

How to Explain a Gap in Your Resume

During the job hunt, you should work on making productive use of your downtime. Whether it’s taking classes or doing side projects, show that you are committed to getting back to work. This is key when you get to an interview and are asked about a gap in your resume. Explaining that while you were unemployed, you took advantage of that time to improve your skills.

Some people find it embarrassing to talk about being laid off. When asked about why you were let go, remember not to badmouth your past company or boss. Instead, focus your response on all the positive things you achieved while you were there.

Make a Plan and Stick to it

One of the biggest hurdles for people returning to work after unemployment is the lasting psychological effects. Some examples include imposter syndrome, feeling like you faked your way into the job and that you don’t belong, or anxiety that even though you found work, you’re going to eventually be laid off again.

Planning for your return to work, with achievable and measurable goals is important to prove to yourself that you have succeeded. Taking time to get to know the people in your company, get involved in advancement or career training, and focusing on your successes are all great things to do.

Remember, you put a lot of energy into getting this far, you deserve it. Don’t let the doubt from past experiences sabotage your current and future success.

If you’re ready to get back to work, or looking for your next position, Reliable Resources will help you find the company that best fits your skills.

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