Determing your Chances of getting a Job after being Laid off
One unexpected or unfortunate circumstance or another has occurred in your life and you now find yourself in need of another job. Family and friends most likely are saying to you that another job will surface soon. Yet, it is your knowledge and your ability to face and answer several critical questions that can accurately determine your chances of getting a job after being laid off.
First, consider your knowledge of computer technology and computer-related skills. Have you maintained knowledge of the latest technological software or computer skills such as using a word processing or creating spreadsheets? Specifically, are you proficient at using Microsoft Office Word or Microsoft Office Excel?
Second, are you prepared to complete job applications online? Applications for a large segment of jobs can only be completed online. Do you know how to upload or attach your resume to your application so that employers can view your work history and accomplishments? Moreover, are you willing to tolerate sitting for hours to complete the applications, yet endure not knowing if the correct hiring personnel has actually looked at your application? Are you willing to endure waiting for weeks or months until the email message regarding your hiring status has been sent to your inbox?
Third, do you know the websites to peruse in order to do your job-hunting? If not, you should start learning about such job websites such as Monsterjobs.com. Learning about and using secondary job sites such as Craigslist will also be a plus.
Fourth, are your networking skills up to par? Are you willing to ask family and friends about their knowledge of job leads?Chris Farrell, author of "The Best Way to Land a Job? It's Still Word of Mouth," comments that “A large body of academic research shows that half or more of all jobs come through informal channels—connections to friends, families, and colleagues—according to Limited Network Connections and the Distribution of Wages by Kenneth J. Arrow of Stanford University and Ron Borzekowski of the Federal Reserve Board."
Are you willing to go back through your Rolodex or electronic contacts and tell friends and acquaintances that you are seeking employment and need their help in locating a job?
The questions you must answer regarding your chances of getting back to work are numerous. Yet, if you can answer yes to most of the above questions, you will have a higher chance of getting a job more quickly than your competition.
