Be tactful in an exit interview.

Many companies grant exit interviews. If you are going to partake in one, be direct and honest, yet tactful. Ask important questions like how to extend your health care benefits and when you can get a letter of recommendation. Whatever you do, don’t burn any bridges by getting nasty or denigrating the company.

Don’t jump into your job search right away.

You’re probably a little panicked, but it’s a good idea to hold off on looking for a new job for a few days. Chances are, you’re still reeling from being laid off, and that’s not a good mindset to be in when you’re interviewing for a new position. So take a couple days off to calm down and create a game plan.

Sign up for unemployment.

With unemployment, there’s typically about a two-week waiting period before you will start receiving assistance – so be sure to sign up immediately.

Make a new budget.

Now that you’ve been laid off, you may want to consider creating a survival budget. Jot down all your monthly expenses and put them into one of two columns – essential (mortgage, car, gas, food, etc.) and non-essential (gym membership, nail salon, cleaning person, etc.). Now consider canceling or holding off on some of these non-essential expenses in order to save money.

Maintain a normal routine.

Whatever you do, don’t stay in bed until 2 p.m. It’s important that you continue to get up each morning at the same time and get ready for the day. Also, don’t spend eight hours every day looking for a new job because you’ll burn out. Simply schedule a few hours each morning or afternoon for your search and then devote the rest of your time to other activities.

Think about working for a temporary employment firm.

Working for a temporary employment firm is a good way to maintain your existing skills and learn new ones. Plus, many temporary positions can turn into full-time opportunities.

If you’re looking for a job in Charlottesville or anywhere in Central Virginia, contact Adams & Garth. Whether you’re interested in a temporary job or want to find a full-time opportunity, we can help. We work with some of the leading employers in the region and can give you access to a host of job opportunities you may not otherwise know about.

Have you ever been downsized? What advice would you share with people who have been recently laid off?

As one of the top employment agencies in Lynchburg, Adams & Garth understands your uncertainty – which is why we’ve put together a list of questions you should ask before signing up with any agency. This way, you can ensure that a particular firm is a great fit for you and your career goals.

Questions to Ask: General Information

1. How many years have you been in the staffing business?

2. What kinds of companies do you work with?

3. Are there certain industries you specialize in?

4. What types of temporary job openings do you fill?

5. How much will your temporary job placement service cost me? (If the employment agency answers anything other than “we’re free for job seekers,” then be sure to thank them politely, walk out of their office, and never look back. Reputable temporary employment agencies – in Lynchburg and beyond – do not charge for their services to candidates.)

Questions to Ask: Rules & Regulations

6. Do I need to call in regularly, or will you contact me when a position that I qualify for opens up?

7. What if you offer me a position I’m not interested in? Can I turn it down?

8. What happens if I accept a job offer, but it’s not right for me? What do I do?

9. If I show up at a temporary job and the company doesn’t need me that day, what should I do?

10. Do you offer any kind of skills training?

11. Is the training free?

12. What if a company wants to hire me full time?

Questions to Ask: Pay & Benefits

13. Do I have to fill out a time sheet to track my hours?

14. About how much can I expect to get paid for the temporary jobs I qualify for?

15. How often do I get paid?

16. Do you offer health insurance?

17. Do you offer any other kinds of employee benefits?

18. How long before I qualify for those benefits?

19. Is there overtime available?

20. If so, what’s the pay rate?

Before signing up with any Lynchburg employment agency, it’s critically important that you ask a lot of questions like the ones above. This way, both you and the agency are on the same page and there are no surprises down the road.

In the meantime, if you’d like to know more about the benefits of working with a temporary employment agency, please contact Adams & Garth.