Ideally, finding a job is something that you do on your own terms. Sometimes, you just want to try something new or you’re looking for your first job.
Unfortunately however, sometimes things can happen which sees you leaving your current role – perhaps the company just didn’t have the money to support your current role, or perhaps you haven’t passed probation and so need to go back to the job searching market. When this happens, it is easy to immediately dive into applying for any job and everything. However, the apply-now and think-later approach can make your search longer and make things more complicated. When it comes to applying for jobs after you have lost a job, it’s important that you are strategic with your job search.
1) Grieving Time
When you’ve just lost a job, you’re going to need some time to get over it – especially if you weren’t expecting it. Take some time to accept the fact that you are no longer working at your previous role, and have a few days to do things that you didn’t have the chance to while you were working, whether it’s going out with your friends mid-week or getting in to see the doctor. Once you’ve had this time, you’ll be ready to find a new job.
2) Think About Your Career Path
If you’ve lost your job, regardless of the reason why, think about whether you were truly happy. If you were fired because you weren’t performing – is this a telling sign that you actually didn’t really care for that career path? If you decide that the job wasn’t right anyway because you didn’t enjoy it – think about what you actually do enjoy.
3) Update Your CV
Chances are, you haven’t updated your CV yet. Now, you’re going to need to get up the file and do some editing. Write about your last role – think about your responsibilities and what you did. You don’t need to write the reason for leaving on your CV, but you should think about what you’re going to say when you are asked by recruiters or by potential employers.
4) Update Your LinkedIn
CV done. Now it’s time to do the same with your LinkedIn profile!
5) Start Looking For Jobs
Now you know what you want to do and have a CV prepared and ready. Look to see what’s out there, and when you’re ready – apply!
6) Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out
If you’ve looked for available jobs – you might find that there’s a vacancy at a company you already know through someone on your network. This would be a good chance for you to message said connection and highlight the fact you have seen the vacancy they are advertising. Then, you can learn more information about the role, and if you’re not too sure if the position is right for you, you might be able to learn about vacancies they haven’t yet advertised.
7) Apply
Now it’s time to apply for those jobs! To find out more information about preparing for interviews, check out our blogs here.
If you are now job-searching, make sure you get in touch.