Finding a new job after a layoff can take some time, especially when the job market has been through some major shifts over the last few years. The COVID-19 pandemic skyrocketed unemployment rates as companies laid off millions of workers, and it is just now beginning to return to pre-pandemic levels. Job seekers still face a flooded market where hiring managers and recruiters must sift through 250+ resumes for a single position, and that can make your job search last even longer.
At Behavioral Health Jobs, our website contains thousands of behavioral health jobs from employers who are eager to fill vacant positions in a number of healthcare industries. Job seekers can filter their searches by keywords, distance from home, type of industry, and other search criteria. We also provide helpful tips, from updating your resume to interview etiquette and other career advice. If you are searching for careers in behavioral health, check out all of the available jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.
Explaining Gaps in Your Resume
If you have taken time off in between jobs, those gaps will be noticed on your resume. Fortunately, most employers understand that life doesn’t always go as planned, and there are times when you may need to take time off. Several studies show that three out of five men and women have gaps in their resume due to various reasons that can include:
- Being sick with COVID-19
- Laid off due to the pandemic
- Giving birth and raising a child
- You made a career change and took time off for school
- Family obligations require you to take time off
When asked about any gaps in your resume, have your answer planned out ahead of time. There is nothing wrong with practicing how to respond to questions and tweaking your answer to give the best possible response. Be honest and to the point, and don’t spend too much time talking about it. Instead, you can focus on what you did during that time, such as staying current with new therapies and technologies, learning a new skill, earning a degree, or volunteering. Always put a positive spin on any gaps in your resume.
Finding a New Job After a Layoff
Finding a new job can take a long time as there are hundreds of applicants just as eager as you are to find a new job. After you are laid off, there are several things you can do to stay busy and increase your chances of getting hired as quickly as possible.
Here are a few tips on finding a new job after a layoff:
1. Assess your situation – With a clear head, begin looking at your finances to figure out a reduced budget to help make your money last for as long as possible. During this time, you will want to:
- File for unemployment, state health insurance, food stamps, and other programs designed to help people who are laid off.
- See where you can cut costs by eliminating subscription fees, streaming services, and non-essential spending.
- Contact friends that work in the industry to see if their company is hiring.
- Contact recruiters to schedule a phone interview and get your resume on file.
2. Reevaluate your career goals – If you are unhappy with your current career, this is an excellent time to consider making a career change. Is there something that you love to do that can become a career? Talk with a job recruiter in that industry about experience and education requirements.
3. Update your resume – Make sure your resume is up to date with your current contact information and the latest job information. Make sure to include skills and job descriptions that closely match what is in the job description.
4. Don’t accept the first offer that comes along – Be patient with your job search. If you are actively searching for a new job, multiple offers could come in within a few days of each other. Jumping at the first offer you get may not be your top choice.
On average, finding a new job after a layoff could take six months or longer. If necessary, you can take a part-time job to pay some bills and learn new skills while looking for a new full-time job.
Find Rewarding Careers in Behavioral Health at Behavioral Health Jobs
At Behavioral Health Jobs, our website is updated daily with hundreds of administrative, clinical, managerial, and technical jobs. The behavioral health industry is one of the fastest-growing job markets in the country right now and is adding millions of jobs each year. If you are currently unemployed and looking for an exciting new career opportunity, check out the Behavioral Health Jobs website to begin a new career search.
