Though job losses are slowing as our economy recovers from the recession, 125,000 employees lost their jobs in June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Being laid-off or fired is something many of us try not to think about. However, if you find yourself receiving that dreaded pink slip, Simply Hired has some tips on how to reflect on your past work so that you can move forward towards your next professional opportunity.
Take a Break
Losing a job and moving on to another is a major life change. You won’t be around the same people or doing the same work, and at first it may be hard to adjust. Use the time to clear you mind and relax so you can move forward refreshed.
Review Your Past Work
You may not realize it, but chances are you did a lot in your past position and had grown and learned a lot. Put together a list of new skills you’ve learned, new responsibilities you took on and your accomplishments in that position. Reviewing your past work and accomplishments will make updating your resume a much easier process.
Think About What’s Next
Did you love your last job or would you like to move into a different role? With a new job opportunity before you, take the time to consider what you really want in your next position. Think about the size of the company you’d like to work at, the management style you prefer, which industry you find the most appealing, if you’d like to take on more responsibility in your next role, etc. There may be other job opportunities that you are better suited for than the position you most recently held.
Learn a New Skill
With some extra time on your hands, this is the perfect opportunity to learn something new, whether it is in a classroom or online. To start thinking about where you might need additional training, run a job search for jobs just above what you’re qualified for to see if they require any specialized skills or training that you currently lack. These areas would be great to develop if you’re looking to move up in your next position.
There are plenty of resources out there for those who have recently lost their job, such as career development assessments as well as reasonably priced online courses at your local community college. By taking the time to really assess where you’d like to go with your career, you’ll be focused and prepared when you start applying for your next work opportunity!
