What to do when you’re laid off. Very few people are completely surprised when they get their layoff notice. Companies rarely just close the door and slip out in the night. The signs of an impending layoff are usually present weeks before the actual time. Workers often either ignore the signs or are convinced that they are not included. When it happens to you, be prepared.
1. Get it in writing!
2. Ask if the layoff is permanent. If not, find out when they want employees to return to work.
3. Get a letter of recommendation that day from your supervisor.
4. Get answers to when you will receive your last paycheck, severance pay and unused vacation time. Find out the status of benefits such as health care and retirement funds. Get responses in writing.
5. Ask your supervisor if there was anything you did that contributed to your getting laid off. This will either clear your mind or help you avoid future layoffs.
6. Get the names of others who’ve been laid off. Form a job search group.
7. Visit the local employment/unemployment office and apply for benefits. Take your layoff letter with you.
8. Start your job search. More About Severance Agreements… Typically, your employer will ask you to sign some documents – including the severance agreement. What you do next is critical to your future. Don’t sign anything without first taking the time to review it and perhaps showing it to someone whose opinions you trust. It’s okay to: · Tell the employer that you’ve had a shock and need some time to think.
· Say that you need the weekend to look over the papers and that you’ll bring them back on Monday.
· Schedule a time for the next meeting.
· Leave the office and take the papers with you.
· Have your union representative review the papers. Severance benefits are often negotiable. Right after the layoff is when you have the most leverage to negotiate. Psychologists say that the employer’s guilt can be turned to your advantage.
The 3 big things you want are:
1. Income
· In most industries, there is usually some kind of formula such as one or two weeks’ pay for every year you’ve worked for the company. Check your employee handbook.
· If a number of workers are being laid off, find out what others are getting – or what people have received in the past.
2. Health insurance benefits
· Find out how long they will pay for your coverage.
3. Out-placement services
· Ask what the company will do to help you find a new job.

Straight from the Editor's Desk, Hello! Again,

Are you happy with your job as you were 6 months ago, 1 year ago or even for those which I can say 3 months ago? Is your future bright to ensure that there is a bright enough future to move up the ladder with substantial pay? Or is it your time to move on to bigger & better challenges to establishing a better future. As we go along our way to establish a place in society in keeping our 9 to 5 job in the working class world in hopes of not living paycheck to paycheck that we would need to consider of cutting our expenses of spending or finding a better paying position which offers a brighter future for job stability. To do this I speak about "You've Got a Job.com" producing a Professional Power Resume & Cover Letter.


Opportunities are everywhere around us to establishing long term employment, everywhere across the United States, hard working people like yourselves are being Laid Off, because of downsizing or the lack of finanacial loss of revenue (Hardship). Just take a moment on how much we can make a difference in making our Life's and those around us a little easier by sharing the good we all know we all can do for each other, I speak about car pooling with friends or with co-workers.

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Making a Positive First Impression
Before Going to the Interview
1) Research and learn all you can about the company you wish to pursue. 2) Dress one step above the company daily dress code. Do not wear excessive jewelry or clothing with immodest hem or necklines. Avoid perfume, cologne, pagers, cellular pones and alarm watches. 3) Prepare answers for commonly asked questions (e.g. Tell me about yourself? Why should we hire you? What is your greatest weakness?) Also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer; about the company or regarding the position duties. 4) Bring two extra copies of your resume, other support materials (certificates, letters of recommendation), a master application, list of references and a note pad with two blue or black pens.
The Day of the Interview
1) Arrive at least fifteen minutes early. 2) Be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet. Receptionists and secretaries are often asked for their first impression of a job seeker, so smile and be positive. 3) When necessary, fill-out employment application clearly and neatly. Use your master application for accuracy and to save time. Don’t skip any questions. 4) In the reception area, look over any company brochures or newsletters that you find there, these may give you ideas for discussion during the interview. What to Do During the Interview 1) Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile. Take a seat when it is offered to You, but do not accept offers of food, drink or cigarettes. 2) Be sociable by making small talk & remember to maintain eye contact. This shows that you are open and friendly.

3) When questions begin, give short, clear, smooth answers that do not sound memorized. Do not limit your answers to “Yes” or “No”.

4) Be positive, only say positive things about your former employers, supervisors, and working conditions. Find ways to let them know you are a team player. 5) You may also be given the opportunity to ask questions. Good questions are related to the job for which you are applying and the company. Poor questions deal with salary, benefits, or vacation. Save these questions until they have made you and offer. 6) As the interview ends make sure you indicate interest in the position. Ask when the company will make a decision and how you will be notified. Also, ask to take his/her business card in case of any further questions. Shake hands and leave on a good note (e.g. “Thank you for your time”).
Later That DayWrite a Thank-You letter; express your gratitude and interests. Share how you Would benefit the position and the company. Mail it the next day.

SET GOALS – The ultimate goal is to find the job of your dreams.  But until that happens – and to help it happen – set small weekly goals for yourself.  Agree to send out a certain number of resumes each week.  Promise to make five follow-up phone calls a week.  Vow to set up at least one interview – every week.  Whatever your goals are, make sure they’re realistic.  That way, you’ll be more likely to deep them.  Write them down and keep the list where you can see it.  Cross items off as you go for a feeling of instant accomplishment.  Also, if you need some support, ask for it.  Find a friend in a similar situation and share your success at fulfilling your weekly job search goals.  

TAKE A DAY OFF – All work and no job can make anyone cranky.  Take a day off.  In fact, take two.  You’ve earned it.  And you might not get the chance again once you land your next job.  See a movie.  Sleep in.  Visit an old friend.  Clean out your closets.  Or just relax.  You might even consider limiting your job search to four days a week – or even three.  Use the rest of your time to do the things you never had time to do.  Exercise on a regular basis.  Volunteer in your community.  Spend more time with your family.  Do whatever makes you feel good because a positive outlook will sustain you as you’re hard at work looking for work.  Imagine giving 100% to YOURSELF, it can change your life FOREVER!  GO FOR IT!

LOOKING FOR A JOB IS A CHALLENGE - especailly right now.  And out-of-work job seeker faces challenge all their own:  Managing their time wisely and resisting the temptations found at home, such as sleeping, watching television or simply slacking off.  Poor time management leads to poort job search results.  So to keep your search moving, you need to treat it like a job itself.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS - Think you're unemployed?  Think again.  You've got a full-time job:  Your Job Search.  You've just become your own boss and your job is to land your next paid position.  Looking for employment is serious work, so it's important to give it all the attention it deserves.  First, decide what hours you'll devote to your search and commit to keeping that schedule just as though you were reporting to a "REAL" job.

Then, try tailoring your schedule even more.  Allot time each day to specific tasks, such as networking, responding to job ads, and researching companies.  Doing so will help you avoid distractions and stay on track throughout the day.

GET ORGANIZED - An organized job search can be crucial to your success.  Start with your office space.  Even if you don't have an actual office, designate your work area, complete with computer, phone and filing space if you can.  Every time you sit in your "OFFICE," you'll feel like you're on the job.  Next, create a system to keep track of your leads, the job ads to which you've responded and the companies you're interested in.  Having this information at your fingetips is especially helpful if you've tailored your Resume or Cover Letter to suit a certain position.  When a recruiter calls, you'll know instantly and precisely how to respond.