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      in Talent Acquisition

      Part of a Layoff? Steps Jobseekers in Tech & Sales Need to Take First

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      Chapter 1 of a series to help jobseekers bounce back better than ever (or to feel better prepared in uncertain times)

      If you’ve ever been laid off you know it’s often an emotional time full of uncertainty – but it doesn’t have to be that way! Welcome to part one of a blog series to help anyone laid off dust themselves off and spin it into a positive. Likewise, if you’re employed but concerned about the stability of your company or role, use this article series to get organized. It will help you feel better prepared regardless. Learn what to do after a layoff and the steps to take to set yourself up for a successful job search.

      1. Process Emotions After a Layoff

      Losing a job often feels like a loss that comes in waves. Some days, you may feel liberated, optimistic, and perhaps excited for what is to come. Other days, you may feel overwhelmed, confused, or just plain sad. It’s a form of grief in many ways. 

      It’s ok to process your loss, whatever form it may have taken. Recognize you are more than your accomplishments or a job title. Your worth is not tied to your productivity. Remind yourself that nobody is immune, from top performers to leaders, it can happen to anyone. 

      Give yourself time to process a recent layoff and any series of job rejections. Your feelings may surface unexpectedly, and it’s ok to feel them without letting them overrule your life. Sometimes you need to take a few steps backward before you can move forward.

      2. Get Financially Organized Post-Layoff

      Once you’ve taken a beat to absorb the news, it’s time to sort out your financials. It helps you feel productive, in control, and more secure during the time between roles. Find the answers to any questions you may have about your 401k, severance pay, filing for unemployment, and your health insurance. Next, take a financial inventory of your situation and set a budget for your current circumstances.

      Take Care of Money & Healthcare Matters

      After a layoff, there are some loose ends to clear up, such as your final paycheck, any pre-tax withholding accounts, (401ks, employee stock purchase plans, HSAs), unemployment options, and healthcare.

      Most of this information should be included as part of the packet from your HR or Employee Success team. It’s easy to be overwhelmed during those meetings, though, so give yourself some grace if you can’t remember some things. Or, if you need to reach out to them afterward. 

      Here are some financial areas to organize after a layoff: 

      Your last paycheckSeverance payYour 401kUnemployment insuranceHealthcare options

      Your Last Paycheck

      Things may be a bit different from what you’re used to regarding your final paycheck. If you normally have your checks direct deposited, don’t count on that money effortlessly hitting your bank account as usual. Many states require employers to provide a physical check for the final payment. This gives former employees easy access to paystub information. If necessary, make arrangements with your former employer to pick up your check in person or mailed to your home.

      Per the US Department of Labor, there are no federal laws requiring a final paycheck to be given to a former employee immediately following a layoff. Depending on your location, there may be state laws mandating immediate payment when a layoff occurs. Some states only require the final paycheck delivered on or prior to what would have been your next regular payday. 

      If your company withheld money from your paycheck for an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), any monies awaiting the next purchase period may be refunded from a separate account. This might be in the form of a second electronic transfer or check. Verify any money withheld and itemized on your final paycheck is included in the refund of the ESPP monies. 

      To learn more about your state’s final paycheck guidelines, search for your state’s Department of Labor. Many states have made this information available online, or you can contact a representative for assistance. 

      Severance Pay

      Severance pay can offer you a bit of a financial safety net while you’re between roles. However, severance isn’t a guarantee as there are no federal laws mandating it for everyone. A few states have mandatory severance pay laws covering planned layoffs at large organizations. Find this information with your state’s Department of Labor.

      Your employment contract or the company’s severance policy in your employee handbook should tell you what to expect as far as severance from your former employer. The amount of severance pay offered is up to the discretion of the company unless you have previously negotiated it as part of your contract. 

      If the layoff is a result of an acquisition or merger, severance may be determined as part of the agreement and vary from what your company paid before.

      Typically, severance pay amounts to one to two weeks of normal pay for every year you worked for the business. In some cases, severance takes the form of paid insurance premiums or other compensation than cash. 

      What About Your 401k?

      If you’ve been paying into a 401k at your former job, you’ll need to decide how to manage this money after an employment separation. You have three options: leave it alone, cash it out, or roll it over. If you’re uncertain about what to do, talking to a financial planner who can thoroughly explain your options may be helpful. Your former employer may also provide resources to determine the next steps. 

      Typically, if you have more than $5,000 in your 401k account, you can keep this money in your existing plan. While you won’t be able to continue contributing to these savings, you do retain control regarding how it is invested within the plan. By keeping the money in your existing plan, you won’t have to pay taxes or penalties on a withdrawal and the funds will continue to gain interest.A layoff is an uncertain financial time, and some job seekers choose to cash out their 401ks to help with the absence of a regular paycheck. However, withdrawing these funds will also come with penalties and taxes. Consider this a last resort.If you’re considering moving your retirement savings out of your former employer’s plan but don’t want to withdraw it and pay penalties, you can roll over your funds to a new account. Many choose to roll over a 401k into an IRA. Or, you can leave the money sitting in your existing account until you land a new position elsewhere. Most plans allow you to roll over funds from an existing 401k to a new one when your employment changes.

      Unemployment Insurance

      Filing for unemployment benefits can provide much-needed funds when you’re between roles. Requirements vary from state to state, but generally, an applicant must be:

      unemployed through no fault of their own, eligible according to the state’s requirements for previously earned wages, and able to and actively seeking work. 

      Many states allow you to apply for unemployment benefits online through the state’s Department of Workforce Development or similar. 

      If you’ve never filed for unemployment before, it’s okay. You’ve paid into it for probably your entire working life, and there’s no shame in receiving it. It’s there to help bridge the gap during times like these. 

      Generally, once you’re approved, you’ll receive an amount determined on a sliding scale based on your previous income. There are often requirements involved to continue receiving income from the program, such as weekly reporting of job search activity. Be sure to keep up with any tasks, to avoid the inconvenience of a payment disruption. 

      Caution, this is, sadly, also an area rife with fraud. Be vigilant and protect yourself from phishing scams, especially through texts and emails. 

      Healthcare Options

      Healthcare uncertainties are a big stressor for many people following a layoff. Depending on your healthcare benefits from your previous role, you may be able to keep your current coverage through the end of the month your layoff took place. Be sure to ask your former employer for clarification on when you can expect this coverage to end.

      Make a plan for what you’ll do when you reach this point – you have a few options:

      Opt for COBRA coverage within 60 days of your layoff to keep your existing health insurance.Choose an alternative healthcare plan on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.Check with your state to find out if you are eligible for Medicaid or another state-sponsored healthcare plan.Join a family member’s employer-sponsored healthcare plan. Regardless of enrollment periods, joining your family member’s plan is categorized as a “life qualifying event” and allows you to enroll outside of the annual open enrollment window.Purchase a short-term healthcare plan.

      3. Set Your Budget

      Without a steady paycheck, it’s oh so important to sort out a budget and stick to it. Take an inventory of your existing financial resources to determine what funds you have available. These resources may include:

      Severance payPaid out unused leave daysEmergency savingsPartner’s salaryRetirement accountsCompany stock

      Next, map out your spending and see what your existing budget is like. Seeing where your money is currently going will help you see where adjustments can be made.

      There are many resources to help you get assets, liabilities, and even goals all on the same page. Some include Mint, YNAB, and Honeydue. 

      4. Plan Your Next Steps

      Once you have a handle on your emotions and manage the above details, you can start to prepare for the job search ahead. Get into the right mindset and define your mission to increase your chances of success.

      Gain Career Clarity

      Before you get into the busywork of updating your resume and looking for new positions, take some time to determine what you want and need from your next job. Find clarity regarding the direction you want to see your career take as you move forward. Reflect and identify:

      Your major career goalsThe type of work you enjoyWhat’s important to your career growthYour ideal work/life balance?Your values and dealbreakers?

      Evaluate the Job Market

      Once you’ve nailed down the vision for your career, it’s time to evaluate the current job market. Before you begin searching for new roles, understand the present demand for your experience and skills. This information helps you determine if you need to modify salary expectations from your previous position.

      Hired.com Salary Calculator

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      Set a Timeline

      Establish a timeline for your job search. When can you start? What’s your deadline for finding a new job? Evaluate your present circumstances regarding availability, financial status, and skills development needs to set a realistic timeframe for your search, from scanning job ads to starting your new role.

      Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

      Before you start an active job search, it’s important to update your information. Now is the time to optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile to best reflect the role you want and help you stand out to recruiters. Here are some resources to help:

      Develop Your Career Story

      A layoff often feels devastating at first, but it doesn’t define your career. Before you start your job search, you need to write your career story and build your personal brand. 

      Decide how you want to frame your layoff when questioned about it. Focus on your experiences, talents, and skills rather than the details of what happened. Be confident in how you will present yourself, and update your social media profiles so they best align with the story you want to tell.

      Consider a Side Hustle

      A side hustle can be a good solution to earn money during the in-between time after a layoff and before you land a new job. While a side hustle may not become a permanent full-time employment solution at this time, it can help provide some financial security and allow you to continue developing your skills. Whether you have a current side hustle or are considering starting one, think of it as a supplement to job searching. 

      Ready to Start Your Job Search?

      Now that you’ve taken the time to emotionally process your layoff, sort out your personal needs, and decide what you want moving forward, you’re ready to find a perfect new role. 

      Complete your free profile on Hired. Instead of searching for a job, employers search for you. Be sure to optimize your profile for the best matches (tips from the Candidate Experience Team). 

      Check out Chapter 2: Post-Layoff Job Search Plan to turn the page on this chapter of your life and begin a new one. More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      How to Handle an Employment Gap on Your Resume (Flip the Script!)

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      You’re not your work history

      Addressing an employment gap on a resume is one of the most common worries keeping job seekers up at night. It’s been drilled into our heads that if you’re not working, you’re wasting away. 

      There’s a prevailing, persistent belief out there that if a hiring manager or recruiter sees even a small gap on a resume they’ll automatically assume the applicant is a slacker who can’t hold down a job. 

      This simply isn’t true. Consider these recent stats from a 2021 LinkedIn survey: Just under four in five hiring managers (79%) say they would have no issues hiring a candidate with a gap in their resume.

      The relationship between “job hopping” and DEI 

      “Considering ‘job-hoppers’ for roles is a DEI practice many employers may not realize. In many cases, ‘job-hoppers’ have had more barriers than others in the workforce.” This could mean many things, including health challenges, economic hardships, caregiving responsibilities, or transportation issues.

      “To be frank,” being a serial “job-hopper” is one of the things I credit to my career success. My skills are varied, my familiarity with different industries is comprehensive, and my understanding of organizational culture is robust.”

      Brittany King, Senior Manager, TA-Talent Intelligence & Diversity, and a member of Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech. 

      Employment gap a deal breaker? Not anymore

      Not having a job for a year or longer may have been considered a deal breaker by most decision makers just 10 years ago or so, but the narrative surrounding career gaps has changed considerably since.

      You can probably guess the biggest reason why: COVID-19. The pandemic sparked an absolute tidal wave of layoffs, furloughs, and self-imposed sabbaticals to care for loved ones. 

      In light of everything that’s happened over the past few years, it doesn’t make business or ethical sense to discriminate against otherwise attractive job candidates due to a career break anymore (self-imposed or otherwise).

      That being said, you still absolutely have to touch on and explain your resume gaps. Here’s what Allison Rutledge-Parisi, senior vice president of People at Justworks, recently told Protocol: 

      “I sense in the atmosphere a change from the days earlier in my career. If you see a gap on a resume, it’s no longer a red flag at all. It’s an area of inquiry. But the inquiry is not assessing if it’s OK or not. The inquiry is more like, ‘Wow, what did you do?’”

      Give me a break!

      On a day to day basis, the average working professional has little time to consider the bigger picture of their career. When we’re preoccupied with what our current job needs from us on a particular day, it can be all too easy to forget about what we truly want from our careers.

      Another LinkedIn survey from earlier this year reports 69% of people say taking a career break helped them gain a new perspective and outlook on what they really want from life. 

      Even more revealing: That same survey tells us that just under half of hiring managers (48%) believe most candidates are too negative about their job gaps, undervaluing themselves in the process. Meanwhile, 64% of job seekers wish there were a better way to broach the subject of career gaps on resumes and during interviews.

      What does all of this tell us? Both employers and applicants are ready to put to bed the outdated notion that one must hold down a steady job from the moment they finish school to the time they retire. 

      Yes, your resume is about your career in your chosen field, but to a greater extent it’s about you. Your story isn’t limited to periods of employment. Here are a few ways to flip the script on career breaks, and use gaps in your resume to your advantage.

      There is no success without adversity 

      At Leet Resumes, we always encourage resume writers to emphasize their career wins and accomplishments. Showcasing successes sends a clear message to readers: “I’m good at what I do, and I’m ready for my next career challenge.”

      Well, what’s a success story without a little adversity to overcome? One research project published in the scientific journal Basic and Applied Social Psychology investigated what hiring managers want to hear from applicants during interviews. While achievements are great, the study found interviewers really wanted to hear about the setbacks and problems interviewees encountered on their way to those successes.

      Gaps in your work history can serve this adversarial role on your resume. Yes, taking a break from work for whatever reason isn’t ideal. But, if you frame these gaps in the right light, using the right verbiage, they may work in your favor by showcasing your resilience and commitment.

      Not working doesn’t mean not growing

      You may be wondering how exactly to frame unemployment as a positive, especially on paper. The simple answer comes down to staying busy. You need to address the time period you weren’t working in some other way on your resume.

      The best way to do this is via some type of institutional connection. Maybe you went back to school, or completed a new certification in your field. Volunteering for non-profit work, especially for a good cause, is another great way to show readers that you may not have been working – but you were still learning, growing, and pushing forward. 

      Consulting roles, attending industry conferences and virtual events, and even part-time or one-off freelancing gigs, can work too. 

      The biggest mistake you can make with an employment gap

      The #1 mistake to avoid here is leaving a year plus long gap on your resume totally unaddressed. Doing so virtually guarantees recruiters and hiring managers alike will assume you spent your time off moving exclusively from the couch to the kitchen.  

      Avoid lengthy explanations about an employment gap

      If we put COVID-19 aside for a moment, the three most common reasons people usually take an extended sabbatical from full-time work are:

      semi-retirement (taking a year off for travel, etc), they were fired, or electing to stay home as a full-time parent or caregiver.

      It’s likely that many who fall into one of those three categories did not maintain any type of formal institutional connection during their employment gap years. If this is your situation, don’t waste much room on your resume explaining the finer details of your story.

      At Leet Resumes, we believe brevity is best across all aspects of resume writing. Even when describing your biggest career wins it’s best to keep things short and sweet. This applies even more so when addressing gaps in work history.

      Instead, go with a single sentence addressing the time period in question with a positive spin toward the future.

      If you’ve spent the past couple years caring for your family, write something like:

      “Stay at home parent, family of five, excited to re-enter the workforce. 2020-2022”

      You can keep it even more vague:

      “Energized to return to work after a period of personal growth. 2020-2022” 

      You’ll have an opportunity to better explain your work gaps during the interviewing process. For now, there’s no reason to take up any more valuable space on your resume than needed. 

      Never adopt an apologetic tone about your employment gap

      It’s important to be transparent about your career breaks, but that doesn’t mean you should be apologetic. Again, the hiring handbook from a decade ago just doesn’t apply anymore. 

      Remember the statistic stating 48% of hiring managers believe candidates are too down on themselves over career lulls? If you frame your work gaps as a failure warranting an apology, or immediately sulk when the topic is brought up in an interview, it sends the wrong message. 

      “Do not apologize for doing what you need to do for your professional and personal growth.  Taking time off for whatever reason is sometimes necessary. Be confident in your decision to take time off and be prepared to be confident in your answer to why you did it.”

      Lexi B, Founder of Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech.

      Not all periods of unemployment are our own choice, but you always control the greater narrative of your story. Even if you were unceremoniously fired, turn it into motivation. Use it to propel you forward, not a hindrance holding you back.

      That was then, this is now

      Decision makers are no doubt more open to considering candidates with gaps in their work history nowadays, but they’ll still need to know that you’re serious about seeking employment. 

      Be sure to make it clear that today – in the here and now – you’re absolutely chomping at the bit to pick up where you left off and never look back. No employer wants to hire a new worker only to have them disappear shortly thereafter. It’s essential to frame your employment gaps as temporary siestas.

      Ideally, the message is you made meaningful use of your time off and you’re ready to return as an even better professional version of yourself.

      You’re not just your career

      As we wrap this article up, it may be useful to touch on resumes in general for a moment. Most people tend to think of their resume as a mere description of their careers, but that’s a gross oversimplification.

      “A resume is an art and not a science. As a recruiter I want to get a glimpse of the impact you’ve been able to accomplish and what you’re passionate about. The gaps in your experience are less important to me than the story I’m being told in your resume.” 

      Amal S., Fellowship Recruiter @ Formation

      When recruiters sit down to read your resume, they want to learn about you as a person – not just every job you’ve held since college. If you get the job, it’ll be you reporting for duty on Monday morning, not your resume.

      Addressing an employment gap the right way, and showing you didn’t let a bump in the road derail your journey, will speak to your character and persistence far more than any boring old corporate achievement.

      Need some help with your career?

      Feeling like you could use some assistance with your job search? 

      Consider creating a free profile on Hired and have companies apply to interview you for tech or customer-facing roles! 

      Related: 

      Hired partner Leet Resumes helps jobseekers revise their resumes for free. 

      Hired partner Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech (BWiT) is a solidarity group dedicated to supporting Black Women in technology, including providing community and networking.  More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Ace Your Interview & Get Your Questions Answered

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      Editor’s note: this is Part 2 in our series with our partner, Makers, “Build Confidence and Take Control of your Job Search Series.”

      Ok, so you completed the job search steps successfully and landed an interview. Now it’s time to show your abilities and learn about the company. Hired and Makers share how to nail the interview and get the answers you need.

      Demonstrate Transferable Skills

      The level of tech skills you need depends on the level of position you interview for. Employers are more willing to accept more transferable skills in mid-level roles. For senior roles they are seeking someone with the right technical knowledge. 

      Start with soft skills you have that fit the requirements of the role. Share you have what it takes to be successful in the position. Learn about the company’s culture and values. See how those attributes align with your personal values. Determine if you have experience representing similar values in a former role. Get ready for experience-based behavioral questions. Prepare answers with examples from your previous work experience. The answers you give need to show your impact and its result.Determine how you can make up for any gaps in the required experience. Explain why your skills or experience will transfer to this new role. This helps you appear low risk to the employer.

      Related: Want to advance your technical skills? Check out options through Makers!

      Ask Questions

      Finding a good company and culture fit is critical to success in any role. The interview is your opportunity to ask questions. Listen up for answers that are factual and based on data. See nonspecific answers and those with no available data as red flags. The answers provide insight into the company to help you determine if you have found the right fit.

      General Examples

      How does your company promote work-life balance?What initiatives are in place to promote diversity and inclusiveness?Can you share data on the organization’s diversity?Ask about their experience and feel free to ask for examples: What are some of the best things about working here? What are some of the challenges you’ve found? What do you wish you knew when you started your role here? What does success look like for this role?

      Examples for Tech Candidates

      How does your team address problems that arise?Has this position evolved? In what ways could the responsibilities change in the future?What is the balance between junior and senior roles on the team, and will this change?What are the company’s technical principles?

      Examples for Sales Candidates

      What are some of the challenges faced by the current sales team?Where is the company looking to grow in the future?What support do sales staff receive from team leadership?What are the traits most critical to success in this role?

      What Are Interviewers Looking for?

      The interview isn’t just a chance for you to learn about the company – the company also learns about you. Know what interviewers are assessing for so you portray yourself effectively. At all levels, an interviewer’s questions seek to uncover your character, passion, and transferrable skills.

      When interviewing for a senior-level role, the questions are more specific. The interviewer wants to learn about your technical skills and large project contributions. They also want to determine how willing you are to mentor and help others on the team.

      Forget to Ask an Important Question During the Interview?

      Don’t worry! This easily happens. Use this opportunity to follow up with the interviewer. If you remember your question, include it in your thank you note. (Yes – these still matter). Use the thank you or follow up email as an opportunity to demonstrate your curiosity and enthusiasm for the role. Be selective, don’t send a long list or questionnaire. The interviewer is busy, too! Choose the top two to three questions you’d like to ask at this stage in the interview.

      Pro Tip: Don’t apologize for forgetting to ask. Instead, say, “as I was reflecting on our conversation, I have some additional questions.”

      Find a New Role on Hired

      Are you ready? Hired sets job seekers up with the right resources to ace the interview process. Dedicated Candidate Experience managers ensure your success every step of the way. The perfect role is out there – find it today on Hired, where companies apply to you!

      Related:

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Kyle Mercer

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      Thanks for contributing to our blog! Can you share a little bit about your educational background? When I was a teenager, I was a big fan of Warcraft 3 (a video game by Blizzard Entertainment), which had a world editor. It contained a trigger implementation that could be leveraged using a GUI or text editor. […] More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Interested in Sales Development? Jumpstart Your Sales Career with a Great SDR Resume

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      As a sales development representative (SDR), you know all about identifying high quality leads worth pursuing. When it comes time to write yourself a new resume, however, you’ll be switching roles. Now you’re the prospect being assessed, and it’s your resume’s job to tell hiring managers why they should keep reading. In other words, your […] More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Rina Joy Abu – Remote Software Engineer for SEMPRE

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      Which educational opportunities have made the biggest impact on your tech career? I come mostly from a self-taught background. To take my career further, I did eventually attend General Assembly’s Software Engineering Immersive Course, which took about 3 months to complete. I would have to say that attending that bootcamp really gave me the right […] More