This page is designed to help you through the process of coping with your layoff, and finding your next job.
Anyone who has ever been laid-off knows it can be one of the most stressful times in life. Workforce Solutions Texoma can help you get through this stressful time, while helping you find your next job. Previously, you went to your job every day and did your assigned work. Until you become reemployed, your new job is finding your next job, and your local Workforce Center should be your new office.
Reporting to the workforce center regularly, and taking advantage of all the services offered, will speed up the process of finding your next job. If you have been laid-off, start by contacting your local Workforce Center.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Register for Work
- Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
- Deal With the Emotions of Losing Your Job
- Look at Your Finances
- Find Your Next Job
Other Resources
- Surviving a Layoff – By Harry Dahlstrom
- Special Resources for Veterans – Texas Workforce Commission
- Special Resources for Veterans – Texas Veterans Commission
1. Register for Work:
One of the first things you need to do is register for work at www.workintexas.com. In fact, if you want to qualify for Unemployment Insurance, you’re required to register in Work In Texas within 3 business days of being laid off.
Registering in Work In Texas gives you access to thousands of jobs you might be interested in. Workforce Solutions Texoma recommends you set aside about an hour for the initial registration process. Once you’ve completed your initial registration, make an appointment with your local Workforce Center, and have an employment professional help you tweak it to get the most out of it.
Once you’ve successfully registered in Work In Texas, you might consider registering with some other job matching websites including:
2. Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits:
Unemployment Insurance is provided through payments made to the State of Texas, by your employer. If you have worked and earned wages, you may qualify for benefits, but you must apply to receive them.
Texas Workforce Commission provides information about Unemployment Insurance, and other services, on their website.
- Texas Workforce Commission Unemployment Benefits Handbook
- Texas Workforce Commission Unemployment Benefits, at a Glance
- Texas Workforce Commission Unemployment Insurance Benefits Payments Options
The Workforce Commission also provides a tutorial, which will provide all the information you need and help walk you through the process of filing for your Unemployment Insurance Benefits.
You can estimate how much your Unemployment Benefit will be weekly by using the Benefits Estimator. To estimate possible Unemployment Benefits, you will need:
- Wage information for the past five quarters
- Pay period information for the past five quarters
3. Deal With the Emotions of Losing Your Job
Workforce Solutions Texoma understands the emotional impact of losing your job, and will be there to assist you if it happens. To find out more about the services available to you, contact your local Workforce Center.
4. Look at Your Finances:
One of the most important things to consider, when you’re laid off, is how you will continue to meet your financial obligations. In addition to your monthly bills, there are several things to consider, medical coverage, your mortgage, and your debts. Taking a look at your finances can also help answer the question of how much money you really need to make. Because there’s a very good possibility you’ll have to start your next job making less than you were at your last job, this is important information.
- Retirement and Health Care Coverage…Questions and Answers for Dislocated Workers
- CHIP/Children’s Medicaid
- Housing Counseling for Displaced Workers
Workforce Solutions Texoma does not endorse, or recommend, any specific credit and debt solution. You should do research, talk with people you trust, and come to your own conclusion about the solution that is best for you and your family. Some resources you might want to consider are:
5. Find Your Next Job:
There are several things to consider when you start looking for your next job. Do you have the training and skills to find another job quickly, or will you need some training? Are you interested in changing careers?
Workforce Solutions Texoma highly recommends you consider working part time while receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits. Not only does this help give you a chance to network, but it means more money in your pocket. Take a look at how it works by reviewing; Working Part-Time While Receiving UI Benefits.
Did your job go overseas?
If you’ve lost your job due to a layoff, downsizing, or plant closure, and if that job went overseas, you may be eligible for special services under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act (TAA). The link below provides general information about the Trade Adjustment Assistance program in Texas.
If you were 50 years of age, or older, when you were laid off, pay particular attention to information about Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) found here.
Not sure if your layoff was Trade Affected?
If you’ve lost your job due to a layoff, downsizing, or plant closure, and you think that job went overseas, contact your nearest Workforce Center.
Important Resources:
Workforce Solutions Texoma offers a number of resources for job-seekers including Hot Jobs, and Career Corner.
Hot Jobs is a way of keeping up with current local job openings.
Many local employers hire through Job Fairs. Check out the list of Upcoming Hiring Events.
Career Corner is a weekly blog that offers employment related information and tips, as well as a list of questions you might be asked in an interview. Topics include interviewing, resumes, local jobs in demand, and more.
Below are examples of the Career Corner Blog arranged by topic:
Interviewing Tips:
- “12 Small Clues You Can’t Ignore When Interviewing”
- “Dressed for Success? Tips for Your Job Interview Style”
- “5 Questions You Should Ask Before Accepting a Job”
- “5 Best Things to Say in an Interview”
- “5 Questions You Should Never Ask in a Job Interview”
- “9 Things not to ask in a Job Interview”
- “7 Questions Job Seekers Should Always Ask—But Can’t”
- “What to do the night before a job interview”
Resume Tips:
- “What are employers asking your references”
- “How to Conduct A Job Search With A Criminal Record”
- “What You Need Besides Experience to Get That Job”
Networking:
Finances: