Practical Unemployment Tips For Tough Economic Times

Our unemployment tips are a guide that could help you get back on track in these uncertain economic times. It has been quite a year! Across the board regardless of industry, it seems like this time around no one is immune.

Over one million people have lost their jobs this year and the year is not yet over. We know that many companies are still looking to drop the axe before the year is over.

Now that it has happened to you don’t despair, stay angry or worried. You have to switch gears rapidly and prepare for the next step in your journey.

Let’s be real things are tough now BUT trouble don’t last always. At some point this economy has to turn around and you need to polished and ready. Here is what you need to be doing now.

1. Sign up for unemployment ASAP - This one is a no brainer, if you are eligible for unemployment look into getting your benefits immediately. Your human resources officer should have given you this information

2. Register At A Job Agency - If you are not eligible for unemployment, get to a job agency immediately and register. Let them know that you will take anything because right now you need money. This is not time to pick and choose – it’s a temporary job!

3. Update your resume - Remember to include the high profile projects you worked on, and any additional training/skills you learned on the job.

4. Get an email account dedicated to you job search You can get free email accounts from gmail, aol, or any other server. Keep it classy –forget sexygal@...or juicy..@... 5. Network. Network. Network. - This is one of our key unemployment tips Call everyone you know and let them know that you are looking. Don’t overlook anyone – former colleagues, church members, neighbors, your alumni organizations, you fraternal organizations, book club, investment club.

Whatever group you are a part of, ask them to be on the look out for you. Also ask your former boss and be on the lookout. He or She probably knows others in the industry and may know who is hiring. Stay in touch with your former boss. Get their contact information (besides the office email and phone number because if they too get terminated you still want to be in touch)

If a person in your network has lost his/her job ask what unemployment tips that they have to dispense. Sometimes two heads are better than one. Tag team brainstorming may lead to ideas that you haven't thought about

6. Update your skills Technology is king today. If you are not computer savvy your chances will be diminished. In most cities, there are community organizations that offer computer classes either low cost or free so ask around and get registered for a class.

7. Stop spending - You don’t have the luxury of spending money except on the necessities right now. Cut back on anything that is not a necessity.

8. Contact Your Creditors - If you were barely making ends meet before you were laid-off. Get in touch with your creditors and negotiate terms that will allow you to keep paying so you can avert any damage to your credit. Definitely call your mortgage company.

9. Use this time to reassess what your life’s goals - This may be a wonderful opportunity for you to either explore starting your own business, a career change, or doing both. Think about the activities/hobbies you enjoy doing and how it can make money for you. Start planning multiple ways to earn income.

When I was laid off eight years ago from my job in the television industry I used it as an opportunity to start a wonderful career in teaching and explore other steams of income as well. Remember this economy will turn around and you want to be poised to deliver and capitalize on what it has to offer when it turns around. Take a look at my 40 Days To the New Year plan that is sure to help you in this area.

10. Keep a positive attitude - This is one of our foundation unemployment tips. In the face of adversity You MUST stay positive. By thinking positive your thoughts will manifest themselves into positive actions that could lead to a new job opportunity.

Now that you have some extra time on your hands start exercising daily and reading motivational books to keep your mind flowing with positive thoughts. Also think about volunteering at a local nursing home, shelter , hospital or school. Enjoy the sense of gratification you feel from helping someone in need. Who knows, you may meet some valuable contacts there.

As we come across any useful more useful unemployment tips we will up date this page so check back with us often.

Return From Unemployment Tips to African American Family Spotlight Home