Most jobseekers feel mentally and emotionally drained after they experience a layoff. To many, the flood of negative emotions and unanswered questions can be incapacitating and depressing. That is why WORKFORCE plus has created a list of action steps to encourage you to take to secure gainful employment after your company downsizes. Call it a digital layoff survival kit- right here at your fingertips.

First and Foremost

You did not do anything wrong and you should take the time to grieve. You didn’t do anything wrong because you were laid off- not fired. A layoff eliminates a position, while a firing removes an employee. Tell your family clearly and quickly. Resist the urge to be dramatic. Say: "I have sad news about my job. I’ve been laid off. The layoff is effective today and the decision is final." People react differently to losing their job. Some can shrug it off as if nothing happened, while some will mourn the loss of their position. Take a day or two to get your emotions back to normal – time is important in the grieving process.

Keep Calm and Carry On

The most important thing to keep in mind as you search for a new job is that the most effective job searches are not random, emotionally charged approaches, but rather targeted strategies that leverage your past experience. That same calm, strategic approach will serve you the best as you navigate unemployment solutions. Becoming a jobseeker after a layoff may prove to be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be devastating. Think of your new job situation as a welcome career move, a fresh change in your life and a moment for opportunity. Adopting a positive attitude about your employment outlook will keep you focused and alert.

The first thing you must determine is to see if you qualify for unemployment compensation.
Am I eligible for Unemployment Compensation?

You may also be able to secure assistance through Department of Children and Families for help buying food, temporary cash assistance and low or no cost health care.
See if you might be eligible

The second step you must take is to begin looking at your monthly income versus expenses and making appropriate changes now. Some options include:

  1. Reduce your spending and live within your new means
  2. Ask your creditor to reduce your bills until you find another job
  3. Get help from a non-profit credit counselor

With the essentials taken care of, you can focus on the next step in your journey: becoming gainfully reemployed.

Turn Your Job Search Frenzy Into a Strategic Plan of Action

The first thing to remember is that searching for a job is a full-time job. Like a full-time career, you have different action items you a responsible for. Make a detailed plan that holds you accountable for the dates you are supposed to schedule meetings, submit resumes, fill out job applications and go on interviews. This plan should outline everything you will need to do while job hunting. Finally, keep records of everyone you’ve come into contact with so that you can follow up with them later.

The Steps

  1. Visit any of the WORKFORCE plus offices to speak with a career counselor about your career goals and to develop your strategic employment plan. Take advantage of the workshops and events offered at WORKFORCE plus.
  2. Create a resume; have it critiqued and polished by a WORKFORCE plus professional.
  3. Register with Employ Florida Marketplace. Upload your resume, and begin looking for jobs.

What Help is Available to Get Skills and Training?

WORKFORCE plus hosts a broad range of training opportunities depending on your abilities and your eligibility. Available services include:

  1. Jobseeker workshops for such as resume writing, interviewing skills, and dressing for success
  2. Computer Literacy courses for Microsoft Programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access
  3. Financial Literacy courses like Managing Your Credit
  4. Education assistance like GED and ESOL preparation
  5. Employability Skills training
  6. Other specific skills programs that vary during the year

Additional Resources

  1. Surviving A Layoff

Where to Find Us

WORKFORCE plus serves you at convenient locations in Gadsden, Leon and Wakulla Counties.

  1. Gadsden
    1140 West Clark Street
    (850) 875-4040
  2. Leon
    2525 South Monroe Street, Suite 3A
    (850) 922-0023
  3. Wakulla
    3278 Crawfordville Highway, Unit G
    (850) 926-0980

Learn More

To learn more, contact your local WORKFORCE plus office today!

Programs funded through WORKFORCE plus are equal opportunity programs with auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Persons using TTY/TTD equipment use Florida Relay Service 711.