After goodness knows how many applications, FINALLY, you have heard back from a company who wants to talk with you! There is hope after all! Welcome to what is often step one of the interview process: the phone screen.

Remember, each company may handle their interview process just a little differently. Regardless, some version of a phone screen is the starting point. A phone screen can be anywhere from the basic 30-minute voice-only call where they make sure you can speak coherently and understand what you applied for all the way up to a full-blown deep dive into your resume. Typically, you'll be speaking with a recruiter, not the hiring manager, at this point in the process.

​In this article, we'll talk about the more basic initial phone screen, how to prepare, and typical questions asked.

In many cases, a recruiter will reach out to you directly to schedule a phone screen through email. Many companies are using a scheduling program (like Calendly) so you can select a time that works for you. If this is the case, I would suggest taking a slot as soon as you can get in and comfortably complete the interview. For me, that would be the next day if possible. 

In other cases, you may receive a phone call from a recruiter that invites a callback. In these cases, they may be asking to schedule a phone interview with you, or they may just launch right into the phone screen while they have you on a call. Personally, I'll usually do my interview preparation before making that initial phone call back to the recruiter just in case they want to do it right then and there. 

Don't let the supposed informality of a phone call fool you. This is for reals an interview. You need to be ready to make a good impression and answer key questions. Here are the phone screen interview questions that you for sure need to be prepared to answer. Keep these in mind as you research the role, the company, and your interviewer. (We'll talk more about answering these questions well in a bit.)

​Here are the most common questions I have experienced on a phone screen:
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• Is this still a good time for us to talk?
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you looking for a new job?
• Why are you interested in this role?
• What do you know about our company?
• ​What is your desired salary?
• What questions do you have for me?

Given that you may have applied for many, many jobs since the one for which you are interviewing, it's important to refamiliarize yourself with this role. Make sure that when you speak to your interviewer, you are positioning yourself as a strong candidate who is able to do (and wants to do) this specific job.

• Review the job description. Remind yourself of what you applied for, the title, and what they indicated were the desired qualifications.
• Get out your Googles: Look up any acronyms you aren't sure of, and make sure you can speak to the skills they say they need. Be ready to speak in the terms they use in the job description and relate your experience to that particular job.
• Skim your resume. If you customize your resume for each role, it's good to reacquaint yourself with how you described your skills in this specific resume. This review will also help you use the points you included in your resume as a basis for the stories you'll tell to illustrate your skills. 

Now that you remember what the role is about, take time to learn more about the company. Remember, you're learning information to help you present yourself well, answer questions about the company and what they do, and even know about current initiatives and news about the organization. 
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• Check out the company on LinkedIn. Note the industry they are in, what their products and services are, their size, headquarters location, and their recent posts. If you haven't done so already, follow their company page.
• Visit the company’s website. Take a look at their mission, vision, and values. See what press releases are on their site and any awards they may have received. Look at their marketing materials. Review information on their leaders. Consider signing up for their newsletter. 
• View your interviewer's LinkedIn profile. Do this the day before or the day of your interview. Note the schools they attended, where they currently live, their work history, and any posts they may have made. This is a great way to find out what you and your interviewer might have in common so you can have a more robust conversation. Note any LinkedIn connections you have in common. Consider following your interviewer on LinkedIn. 
• Reach out to connections. If you know anyone who is a current or recent employee, ask them and ask about their first-hand experience.  

Now, back to those questions and strategies for answering each one.

Is this still a good time for us to talk?
         
          Ideally, the answer is yes. This is a courtesy question recruiters often ask. 

Tell me about yourself.

This is your opportunity to tell the recruiter a quick summary of your professional history and the unique knowledge, skills, and attitudes you bring to this role.

• Bad answer: Not much to tell.
• Another bad answer: My name is Julie. I'm 42 years old, happily married, have 4-year-old twins, love riding horses, and volunteer weekly at my synagogue.
  (Note: Julie's life is in no way bad. Julie's answer is bad because it does not focus on professional skills, the ability to do the job, and why the employer should hire her. Taking this approach misses a HUGE opportunity to set the tone for the interview and put your best foot forward. Instead, Julie shares a whole bunch of information that is not directly applicable to her ability to do the job--much of which an employer cannot legally ask her about due to laws regarding possible discrimination.)
• Good answer: I'm Julie, and I have ten years of experience in social media specialist roles with small community organizations. I'm excited about this role because I can use my knowledge of content marketing and event promotion with a larger company that does larger conferences and road shows. I'm looking forward to finding out how my skill set could help me make a strong contribution in this senior media specialist role.

Why are you looking for a new job?

Companies are interested in why you want to make a change. They may also be leery if they perceive that you have made many changes within a short time. They may be wondering if how they are promoting the position is working. They may just want to see if you trash your previous/current employer or are respectful. Again, be truthful, stay positive, and keep it short.

• Bad answer: My last company was a financial nightmare and I got fired.
• Another bad answer: My current job is stupid and I hate my boss. ​
• Good answer: I'm looking for a role with additional growth opportunities.
• Another good answer: My position was eliminated due to a company-wide reduction in force.
• Yet another good answer: My previous position ended, so I'm looking for a new challenge.

Why are you interested in this role?

Companies often want to make sure you actually want the available position, not just any old job. Speaking about why you want to work in this particular role is a way to show you are being intentional about your next career move. This question also allows you to talk about who you are, what you know about the role, and the skills you bring.

• Bad answer: Which job is this again?
• Another bad answer: I need a job. You have an opening. Isn't that enough?
• Yet another bad answer: My current job is stupid and I hate my boss. ​
• Good answer: My recent work experience is as a marketing coordinator with a large pharmaceutical company. I have extensive experience creating and executing marketing campaigns aligned with product launches. I'm interested in this role because it involves those duties and additional areas where I have expertise. I am excited to grow in this new role. 
• Another good answer: My work experience is as a technical project manager. Enrique Ortiz is a former coworker of mine, and he suggested I apply because it aligns with the work I enjoy. Enrique also can't say enough good things about your company.  

What do you know about our company?

Each company has its own personality. This question shows that you, as a job candidate, are a good fit for the organization and that you've taken the time to learn a little more. 

• Bad answer: Which job is this again?
• Another bad answer: Not a thing.
• Good answer: XYZ Loans is a mortgage company focusing on VA and FHA loans. I see you recently rolled out a new veteran appreciation program and hired a new VP of Veteran Relations and that you just received an award for your charity work with DAV.
• Another good answer: I know ABC Manufacturing just acquired CBA Manufacturing. This makes you the second-largest company making and selling plastic cups in the Midwest. I also know that my friend and former coworker, Alice Johnson, really enjoys being a part of the Women in Manufacturing group you started three years ago.

What is your desired salary?

While having salary ranges in job descriptions is becoming more common, it is not included in all job descriptions. Often, this question comes up very early in the process. You need to have a sense of your desired range and what is a typical range for the type of role for which you are interviewing. 

• Bad answer: I have no idea.
• Good answer: What is the salary range for this position? (and following that up with a conversation about where your desired range fits in with that range.)
• Another good answer: My general salary range is [low end of your range] to [high end of your range]. I'd like to revisit this topic as I learn more about the position, including bonus and benefits. 

What questions do you have for me?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. Given that you have a job description and not much else about this role at this point, take time to think about questions to ask. There are also countless lists online of possible questions to ask. Google them and see which ones seem right for you. Remember, too, that some of these questions might be more appropriate for the hiring manager than the recruiter. (If you continue in the hiring process, you'll meet with the hiring manager soon.)

• Bad answer: Nope.
• Good answers: 
  • ​Is this a new position? Or a replacement role?
  • What does success look like for this role?
  • What are the first projects this role would tackle?
  • What are the next steps in the hiring process?
  • When can I expect to hear back from you?
  • What is your performance review process like? 

by Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Life is challenging when nothing in particular is happening. When you're going through a job change (especially one you didn't plan), it's even harder. While I'm a fan of self-reliance, I also know the value of finding people who want to support you and letting them do it. You're not weak for needing people. You are smart for planning ahead for what you will need.

I have been through a post-layoff job transition 7 times, and it is difficult each and every time. There is the fear that it will just never end and you'll be drifting for eternity trying to find paid work where you can pay your bills--much less in a job you want. You worry that you'll have to settle for something that may be even worse than the worst job you've ever had. You also worry that you'll run out of money and not be able to pay your bills and lose everything you own and everyone you've ever loved. While your rational mind knows this is all pretty unlikely, there will be moments when it all seems hopeless. That's where your support network comes in. 

No matter how resilient and downright badass you are, doing this alone makes it way harder. 

As an extra added bonus, people want to help you!

I'm always inspired by people who come out of the woodwork to check on me, tell me about an open position, thank me for helping them once upon a time, or offer to refer me for a role. Everyone has struggled with something at one time or another, and someone has helped them. Let other people help you. 

It also takes a village to get you through a career transition. Relying on one person for everything is all kinds of stressful. Know that people want to help, and it's a matter of figuring out what you need, letting people know, and reaching out to people when you need it. Going through a job search is challenging even in the best of circumstances. If you're starting from a layoff (especially the part where someone else got to make a big, uninvited life decision for you) it can be even more challenging. 

Here's a starter list of the types of help you may need during your job transition. More specifically, here is some of what I needed. Use this as a starting point and add details as it helps you:

• ​Emotional Support: You'll have all the feelings. Figure out who you can talk to about what. Sometimes you'll laugh, sometimes you'll cry, sometimes you'll vent, and on the most trying days, maybe all of the above. 
• Communication: Just telling people what is up can be draining--because people. Realize, too, that you telling them about your situation may result in them inadvertently trying to allay their fears that the same thing will happen to them. Find a friend who can help you spread whatever news there is to convey. Telephone. Telegraph. Tell a Karla. Find those people who love to connect with others (and even share some of the same social circles) and enlist their help.  
• Sounding Board: When you're making big decisions--or doing something you don't do very often, having someone to talk things through will is mission critical. Personally, I don't even always need my sounding board people to say much--just to sit there and listen (or at least just not talk over me) as I talk myself into or out of the idea I'm considering. There is so much value to writing or talking through ideas as you choose your next steps.
• Logistical Support: Sometimes, you'll need a hand figuring things out. Maybe it's having someone to watch your kids for a bit so you can have a phone interview. Maybe it's help with a ride if you're having car trouble. Whatever it is, it may seem small to them, but it'll solve a problem for you. 
• Fun: There will be many, many times when you just need a distraction. Watching a movie. Having coffee. Talking about non-job search related things. Having a conversation where you don't have to be "on" and can just chat with someone. It doesn't have to be elaborate. It just has to be a welcome break from all those "shoulds" to be something other than a job-searching human.
• Cheerleader: You also need someone to give you a pep talk. Whether it's someone who'll send you a quick "You've got this!" text or someone to remind you to take a deep breath and tell them your remarkable story, remember that encouragement is essential. They can also help you celebrate successes and remind you of your innate value when you're struggling.
• Accountability: You'll also need someone to help you keep on track. It may be as easy as them asking if you applied for that job you talked about. Or asking you if you updated your resume like you said you would do. I have people I text saying I'll do a given thing just so I have written it down, and I have the peer pressure to help me follow through. 
• New Ideas: There is a certain amount of trial and error when looking for a new job. Whether it's optimizing LinkedIn, figuring out how to network with new people, finding the best way to position your work experience, or where to find jobs, there's a lot to learn. Whether you tap into someone who works in that industry, or a hiring manager, or a resume writer, figuring out how to be a more effective job searcher is useful. 
• Connectors: Each of us has people in our personal and professional networks who seem to know all the things and/or all the people. Let them help you connect with helpful people, job leads, or ideas when you need them. 

When it comes to help, I start with my inner circle--close friends and family. I'm also sure to widen my support team beyond them, too.

I also move beyond that immediate group. I interact with my LinkedIn connections. I tap into online groups including job search groups, The White Box Club, and even LinkedIn groups focusing on networking or a content area (like sales enablement).

I interact with in-person membership groups like ATD or the Omaha OD Network. Or I seek out non-work connections through social Meetup groups or activities. Sometimes, I just spend time in coffee shops to indirectly interact with other people. It's a matter of figuring out what you need and finding a person to help.

Know, too, that there will be times when you need to straight up reach out to someone because you need help. Each person will have their areas of interest and expertise, so be sure to keep that in mind when asking for help.

It's helpful to consider who you might contact for different needs. Here are a few cases where I reach out to different people to ask for help:
​

• Before a job interview, I will text my daughter, telling her I have a job interview. She will then text back words of encouragement.
• If I need non-job search social interaction, I'll reach out to my former "lunch ladies" coworkers with a link to my Calendly and ask if they're up for a catch-up conversation (then they can pick a time that works for them for us to chat.)
• If I'm having a rough day, I'll reach out to my best friend via text or phone to talk a bit. 
• If I'm unsure if my resume is clear, I'll contact a former coworker for his insights on what I might want to change. 
• If I want to talk shop but not directly job searching, I'll contact a LinkedIn connection I haven't chatted with in a while and see if they are up for a virtual coffee meeting. I get to have a fulfilling interaction with another person and glean a few professional insights, too. 

Businesses are always changing. They constantly update their strategy to stay viable long-term. Changing staffing levels is one way they evolve to meet needs. While changes may bring great opportunities, they could also mean a few layoffs--or a company-wide reduction in force (RIF) may be imminent.
​
Here are a few signs layoffs might be a-coming

From the dot.com bubble, to the 9/11 attacks, to the subprime mortgage crisis, to pandemic fallout and beyond, economic conditions impact the viability of individual businesses.

For example, during the pandemic, we saw some businesses boom (like video conferencing) while others struggled (like hospitality). Consequently, for those organizations that were floundering, job eliminations followed. More recently, mortgage rates rose, causing mortgage companies to streamline their operations.

Not all companies are successful--even in a strong economy. Companies might miss their sales targets for a quarter (or longer) or start to lose market share to a competitor.

To adjust, they may start with small cost-cutting measures, like having fewer snacks in the breakroom or downsizing employee events. Then, on a bigger level, there may be hiring freezes, no raises, or stopping performance bonuses. There could even be temporary pay cuts or eliminating some benefits (like employer contributions to a retirement plan).
​
Since salaries are one of the biggest line items companies have, eliminating staff is one way to address financial troubles that shows a significant, more immediate impact on the bottom line.

Whether a CEO or a frontline manager, leadership changes can impact an employee’s future. When a president is replaced, a VP of a critical department moves on, or a manager leaves due to personal reasons, new people fill those gaps.

New leaders typically review the current state, assess staffing levels, revisit company goals, and make changes. This may include them bringing in their own people, restructuring departments, halting unsuccessful projects, or starting new initiatives. In some cases, they may bring in one or more consultants to make recommendations—including the jobs that will continue, their scope, and who will do them. ​

When companies have new owners, changes are inevitable. Duplicate teams will combine and some positions may be consolidated or eliminated. In addition, differences in company values may mean that a department in one company is no longer valued in another.
​
Regardless of the circumstances, one thing is sure. The organizations in question will determine changes that need to be made and move forward to strengthen the company—which may or may not include a job for you.

Occasionally, companies revisit their goals and decide to switch directions. For example, a call center might start expecting all agents to be able to answer all call types, then shift to having specialized teams, then decide later to outsource or eliminate a service altogether.
​
Shifts take place to minimize costs or capitalize on a potentially lucrative market. Unfortunately, this also means that the job you have that was once considered essential may be deemed out of scope.

On an individual level, changes to your job (especially if it becomes less challenging) may be a hint about the future of your role. If at one point, you led projects, and now you find yourself being left out of crucial meetings, take notice. See if this is an isolated incident or a pattern.
​
This may also be a downstream effect from changes elsewhere in the organization. For example, a new manager may observe you doing your (now less challenging) job and see a misalignment between the value you bring and the salary you receive. Whether this is due to a new boss who isn’t your biggest fan, or one who has a former colleague they want to bring in to replace you, it’s important to pay attention. Changes in responsibilities may put you in jeopardy as the organization evolves.

Depending on company culture, the amount of voluntary and involuntary turnover varies.  While some companies have employees who have been there well over a decade, others may have the bulk of their staff there for less than a year.
​
A larger, more established company has a better chance of longevity, while a tech startup may have more people regularly coming and going. Some may quickly decide if an employee is an organizational fit and take action. Others will have a structured (and often lengthy) procedure for attempting to correct performance before terminating. An organization’s mission, values, and day-to-day practices impact the likelihood that someone else will decide when you move on.

Sometimes, a layoff is inevitably caused by a series of events. For example, it may start as an economic downturn, followed by the company’s financial issues, then a leadership change, a resulting reorganization, and ending with the company being sold. ​

You get up and get ready for work. It starts like any other day. Then, something happens that is a portent of doom:
​

• An unexpected meeting (with an ominously ambiguous title) pops up on your calendar last minute. 
• You try to log into your work computer and are locked out. 
• You attend a hastily scheduled webinar where you find out that you and everyone else in the meeting is no longer employed with the company.
• You are called to an in-person meeting in a different room from your immediate coworker--and find that you are in the "bad room" of people who have lost their jobs. 
• You check your email on your phone to discover that today is the last day of your role. 

Whether you have a one-on-one (plus an HR representative) meeting with your soon-to-be-former boss or receive an awkwardly worded email that part of you thinks must be spam or a joke, you are now among the newly unemployed. 

Some days, you go to work with lots of plans and come home with a white box filled with all of your workly possessions. 

​Welcome to the suck.

It's hard to know what to do when you suddenly find yourself out of work. Even if there were rumblings about a possible reduction in force (RIF) at your company, it's still surreal when you realize your job is now over.

Whether you loved your job, hated it, or felt somewhere in between, it's time to deal with your current emotions, assess your current state, and (above all) not do anything particularly counterproductive as you figure out what to do with yourself. 

Based on the crazy number of layoffs I've navigated, here are my suggestions for your next steps. 

Curse you, feelings!

Losing your job, even through no fault of your own, is an emotional roller coaster. Given how much of your life you spend at work, suddenly not having the same job is a huge change. In fact, it’s the same level of change as things like getting divorced, having a close friend die, or going to prison. You may feel fine one moment, angry the next, then ecstatic, then in tears. Realize this is completely normal.

​Just like dealing with a death in the family, you’re dealing with the death of the future you thought you had. Losing that imagined future, regardless of your job’s role in your life, is a significant loss that needs to be addressed. Figure out how you will cope with these changes. You might choose positive ways (exercise, reconnecting with friends, journaling) or negative (overeating, overthinking, or a good old-fashioned bender). Find your emotional support people and confide in them. Talk to your partner, family, and friends. Find a support group (in-person, online, or both) to help you work through it.

As much as you may want to jump over the part where you have to admit you have feelings that influence how you live your day-to-day life, you need to address them—whether it happens now or later. During one of my layoffs, I was going through many new and exciting (read "stressful”) life changes all at once. Then, I compartmentalized and focused on the business of moving and finding a new job. Once I was in my new job, I pretty much worked during the day and went through the process of dealing with all of the life changes at night. Do what works for you.

As you process your feelings, be cautious about sharing right away (and/or in great detail) on social media. Give yourself 24-72 hours to feel your feelings and talk to the individuals in your support system offline. After you have had a little time to process, then decide what to post publicly. Be sure to get your head straight before sharing anything with the masses.

Disclaimer: (You know there has to be one of these now that we're talking about topics like personal finances and health insurance.)

While I know quite a bit based on my previous work experience supporting financial coaches, my own research, and my personal life experiences, I do not currently hold a license or certification to give financial advice. Therefore, the information provided here is educational information provided as guidance.

I hope you can glean value from my lessons learned. Feel free to take my recommendations or not—but whatever you do, double-check my facts (and everyone's facts, for that matter). This is your life, and you will care more about your finances and health care than anyone else. With that, read on. 

​Most of us work because we have expensive habits to support—like living indoors and eating on a regular basis. When a job ends, there are financial concerns that need to be addressed pretty quickly. The money coming into your household will change A LOT, and it's time to get your arms around those changes. 

While you won’t have the income from your job, you will receive your final paycheck, possibly vacation time that you have earned and, hopefully, a lovely parting gift from your former employer in the form of a severance package. 

If you do receive severance, the amount can vary wildly. In fact, it could be between a fat lot of nothing, to the equivalent of a paycheck or two, to 1-2 weeks of pay for each year you were with the organization, to a big old check from a tech firm doing widespread changes and wanting to be spoken well of in the media. As an extra added bonus, if you do receive severance, realize that it may be less money than you think because of taxes withheld or other various and sundry deductions. 

If you get a severance package, realize you will need to sign something before receiving that money. Once you sign, any thoughts you might have about legal action regarding your employment with the organization are pretty much over. Read the agreement given to you, consider having a lawyer look it over, and ask for clarifications (and any revisions) before signing it. After that, there is typically a waiting period before you receive that money. This is big-time adulting here, so enlist help as needed.

While your regularly scheduled income from your previous employer may end, in most cases with a layoff, you will be eligible for unemployment income. In short, apply for unemployment payments. The money used to make unemployment payments comes from the payroll taxes that employers pay. This money is intended to help people who have been laid off from their jobs to help fund the time it may take them to find a new, comparable job. 

Unemployment payments are administered by each state and vary from state to state. (I'll include a link at the end of this article.) After you apply for unemployment payments, there may be a waiting period before you receive a payment (in Minnesota, there is one "nonpayable week" before payments begin.) Your state will also outline the amount of each payment you will receive, the number of payments you are eligible to receive, and additional factors impacting your payments. You may also be eligible for job search support services and even programs to help you upgrade your skills. To learn more, visit this link and click on your state for additional details about unemployment and related benefits and services. 

In short, apply for unemployment income right away. In most cases, there is not a reason to forgo unemployment payments. 

​In the United States, where health insurance for people of working age is often employer paid, thinking through health insurance implications of a job change is critically important.

Since many people rely on their employer for health insurance coverage, figuring out this aspect can be tricky. If you are fortunate enough to have a  spouse/domestic partner/parent who can bring you onto their health insurance, check that out right away. In general, if you were covered by an employer's plan, and lose that coverage, you will be eligible to switch to another employer sponsored plan. Be sure to at least ask that question of that other potential employer-sponsored health care coverage.

If that's not an option, you have a few more decisions to make. If you do receive a severance package, health insurance coverage for some period of time may be included. Find out if your previously employer sponsored health insurance coverage is paid for by the employer, or if you will receive money to cover the cost of coverage. (These are two very different things.) You may also be eligible for COBRA coverage, which means that you would continue your previously employer paid health insurance, but pay for it yourself. Be sure to brace yourself when you see the amount that you will now be charged for that coverage--because it is usually A LOT more than you paid as an employee.

If you are not willing and/or able to continue with your previous employer's health plan, you may be able to go on the insurance exchanges to find coverage--which may even be subsidized given your new lower income level. Alternatively, for shorter term coverage against something super big and awful happening, you can check out short-term health care options. The coverage is not as comprehensive as what is on the exchange, but it's also way less expensive. Depending on your situation, you may also opt for the “be careful” health plan (no health coverage, but no sky diving either). Figure out what makes the most sense to you, and how to mitigate any risks you take.​

First off, this is A LOT of information to manage, and you don't have to do all of this alone. Be nice to yourself and know that you can totally do this.

Through my many, many layoffs, one thing has remained true. I have always ended up in a better place, both personally and professionally, than I would have expected. I learned new skills, met new people and made life changes that I probably needed to make, but I only did when life gave me the shove I needed

Remember, this whole process is a lot, but you can totally do this. I, for one, am here with information and resources to help you navigate some of the yuck as you create your new reality. You've got this. 

Even in cases where I was actively looking for a new role, a certain amount of anger goes along with a layoff. I was angry learning about the people who didn’t get laid off (like that guy whose messes I’ve been cleaning up for the last year) and comparing my perceived value to theirs.

​I’ve been angry at the timing (right after vacation, right before a holiday) and how that makes finding something new an even longer process. I’ve been mad that yesterday’s mission-critical work-all-night project has become irrelevant. But, mostly, I’ve been mad that someone else decided when I didn’t get to do that job anymore instead of me getting to choose when it was time for me to move on. Feeling that lack of control is often the most challenging part.

Exiting a job abruptly leaves a big hole in your life, starting with the 9+ hours per workday being replaced with dead air and uncertainty. People who earlier that day were coworkers, casual work friendships, or confidants now may be nothing at all now that you no longer share an employer.  

​The consistency of a morning routine, daily commute, and regularly scheduled meetings are replaced with a battle with the unknown that may last a week or a year. Sometimes it’s easy to be hopeful about the future, and other times it’s hard not to be mired in sadness about all the things you can’t control.

There is plenty to be afraid of. First, the idea of not having a paycheck is horrifying. Not knowing how long your final payout or severance check has to last is unnerving. Now knowing how long your jobless period will last and what job you’ll end up with is sometimes unbearable.

​I fear being unemployed endlessly and not being able to support myself. I worry about panicking and taking the first job offered to me. I worry about holding out for something closer to the “perfect” job that may never come. I fear that I will never get a job as good as the one I had. On the worst days, when fear has given way to full-on catastrophizing, I worry that I will lose my house, car, professional reputation, and everyone I’ve ever loved.

Here's the one that might seem unexpected. At one point, during an ongoing economic downturn, I made it until the seventh round of company layoffs. While I was happy to be employed that long, each time we heard rumblings about reorganizations or started seeing those empty white dots pop up on Microsoft Teams, I had that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach waiting for it to be me.

The strange benefit of finally being laid off is that you don't have to worry if it will happen (and when) because it just happened. At that moment, you also realize it's not as bad as you imagined it might be, and now what there is to do is pick yourself up and create your fantastic new future. 

Through the tumult of emotions, it’s important to acknowledge each one and process those feelings. It’s helpful to grieve, then focus on all the possibilities to come.

In 2019, for the fifth time in my career, I found myself unexpectedly in a position where I needed to change jobs. The last time around, my position was suddenly eliminated on the day I returned from vacation. That was about two years before, and I was not expecting to have to do this again quite so soon. 

Things moved a bit more quickly this time than I initially expected. Keep in mind, too, that about half of the jobs I applied for have not responded. In their defense, I was on and off the market pretty quickly. With that, here’s how this job search shaped up: 
​

• Total Length of Job Search: 47 days
• Number of jobs applied for: 21
• Jobs where I had an employee referral: 11
• Total number of interviews (phone and in-person): 12
• Total number of interviews for companies where I had a referral: 11
• Total interviews for companies where I had no referral: 1
• Total jobs where I had at least one interview: 8
• Total positions for which I applied where I heard nothing at all back ever: 10
• Total where I withdrew due to salary limitations: 4
• Total where I received rejection emails: 4
• Number of offers received: 2
• Number of jobs accepted: 1

My last job search (after layoff #4) lasted 147 days. That's right. It was exactly 100 days longer. So what were the differences between these two job searches? What magic did I use to so quickly land a great new position?

Fortunately (as I look at the bright side), I knew I needed to make a change in late September. I’ve found that being unemployed over the holidays nearly guarantees about an extra month or two of job searching (or, more likely, waiting).

​My last two job searches included the holiday season, lasting 180 and 147 days, respectively. My best advice is to take some time off from job searching over the holidays. This time around, when I estimated the possible length of my period of unemployment, I surmised that I would either secure a new position before Thanksgiving or I’d most likely be waiting to start a new role until February or March of next year. Getting a jump start, even by a couple of weeks, made a big difference.

I started using LinkedIn seriously in 2006. Since then, I’ve connected with coworkers, members of professional development organizations, colleagues with whom I’ve interacted, and pretty much anyone who I encountered and found interesting. I stay active on social media sharing useful content and attend industry meetings on a regular basis. Having this robust professional network and assisting individuals in my network when they are job searching or exploring new fields of interest, has helped me immensely.

​When encountering a position that interested me, I immediately looked to my network to see who might be able to put in a good word for me and help me get pulled out of the initial pile of candidates. I have also had more than one “informal interview” with a possible referrer so they feel comfortable recommending me for a position. Since people are putting their reputations on the line, I don’t take their assistance for granted.  ​

by  Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

As a bona fide Excel nerd, and meticulous planner, I kept detailed records on my job search journey from layoff #4 through finding a new role. Here are a few statistical highlights of what on earth I did with myself in the months between when my previous role ended and starting a new job. 

I’m including several numbers in this article. Keep in mind that while I pride myself in my ability to count and do basic math, I’m dealing with a very small sample size. (See the “Learn More” section for issues that can be caused by having a small sample size when it comes statistical information.) This article can only barely be called “research” and is more appropriately described as me sharing my personal experience. With that disclaimer, on to the numbers!

• ​Total days in job search: 140
• Working days in job search (removing Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays): 93

• Total number of applications submitted: 49
• Number of applications where I had a professional connection within the company: 24 
• Number of applications where I knew someone who knew someone within the company: 6
• Number of applications prompted by a recruiter contacting me: 4
• Number of applications where I had no professional connection within the company: 15
• Hall of Fame: Most Life Affirming Message After Applying for a Job:
  ​
  Hi Brenda,
  
  Thank you so much for your interest in [Super Cool Company] and for taking the time to apply for the Product Training Manager position. We just wanted to let you know that we received your application, and that we're looking forward to reviewing it.
  
  Have a great day!

• Total number of interviews (phone, webinar and in-person): 45
• Total number of companies who interviewed me: 20
• Number of companies who interviewed me only once: 10
• Number of companies who interviewed me multiple times: 10
• Hall of Shame: Most Interviews for One Job Without Getting an Offer: 10

• Likelihood of getting one interview if I had a professional connection at the company: 54%
• Likelihood of having multiple interviews if I had a professional connection at the company: 33% 
• Likelihood of getting one interview if I knew someone who knew someone at the company: 16%
• Likelihood of getting one interview if I had no professional connection at the company: 13% 

• Number of automated job applications with no response at all: 14
• Number of rejection emails received without any personal contact: 13
• Positions filled with an internal candidate after I had interviewed: 3
• Positions put on hold indefinitely after I was selected to interview: 3
• Jobs where I withdrew (aka “The non-negotiable salary is half of your target salary.”): 1
• Hall of Shame: Least Encouraging Automated Response After Applying for a Job
  
  We have received your application. The processing time for applications may in some instances be up to 4 weeks from the application deadline. We hope that you’ll be patient with us in the meantime.
  
  If you don't hear from us in 4 weeks, you will likely not be part of the selection process. When a position has been filled, all applicants will be notified.
  
  Kind regards
  ​
  The Recruiting Team
  
  (Please Note: This message was automatically generated. Please do not respond.)

• Remember, you only need one job. It helped me to keep this in mind. 
• Use LinkedIn to find out who you know who works for a given company. 
• If you have a professional connection at a company, ask for their help.  I had more success in getting interviews where I had a professional connection who could refer me in or vouch for me. 
• Even if you don’t have a connection at a company, apply anyway.  Applying gives you a shot at getting the job, while not applying at all ensures that you won’t get the job.
• Keep doing the right things. Sometimes, it feels like you network, and apply, and interview and still don't have success. Verify that you are for sure doing the right things, then keep doing them. Eventually something will pop.
• Remember, you only need one job.

• 15 Job Seekers Share the Best Job Search Tips 
• The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What?