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Losing your main source of income is a stressful experience. If this happens to you, there are ways that you can take to minimise the impact of job loss and ensure your survival until you find work. We’ve listed a few tips below:
See if you’re eligible for unemployment benefits
As soon as you submit your resignation or receive notice about your redundancy or dismissal, find out if you can apply for JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance for Job Seekers. There are also income support payments for parents with young children as well as people who have illnesses or injuries.
Focus on your finances
Losing your job can take a huge toll on your finances, so you must find ways to spend less and stretch your savings and ensure that you can stay afloat while looking for work. Review your monthly expenses and eliminate unnecessary costs. Depending on the situation, you may have to take some steps to augment your savings and income support payments. Reach out to food banks and other charity organisations that can provide you and your family with groceries and other supplies. If necessary, consider selling vintage clothes, sports equipment, and other items that you don’t really need.
Spruce up your CV
Companies receive dozens of CVs every single day, so you have to make yours stand out and be more noticeable. Choose a visually appealing format, list all of your work experiences, education details, and job accomplishments, and review each section to spot grammar and spelling errors. Aside from crafting the ideal CV, you should also come up with an impressive cover letter that highlights your skills and shows why you’re the right person to hire for the job.
Contact a job recruitment agency
Employment agencies can help you quickly find a job since they have an extensive network of local businesses that need additional staff. Many of these agencies are affiliated with government programs, which means they can help you access services that make job hunting less stressful. For example, if you have a disability, health condition, or injury that makes working more challenging, call a trusted disability employment service provider. Through their guidance, you can register for Disability Employment Services and use them to secure a well-paying job. You’ll also work for an employer who will help you develop your skills and expertise and ultimately reach your employment goals.
Prepare for interviews
Read up on potential interview questions for the jobs in your field and formulate smart and impressive answers for each. If there are any irregularities in your CV (such as a large employment gap), expect that they’ll be pointed out during the interview and prepare to explain how they came about in a concise way. You should also carefully choose your interview outfit and ensure that it will make you look professional, competent, and reliable. Select clothes that are highly comfortable, have the perfect fit, and will make you look your best.
Losing a job is often daunting and disheartening, especially if it’s your only source of income and you’re the primary breadwinner with several dependents. But, by using these tips, you’ll make the experience less harrowing and ensure that you can get a new job ASAP.
