Searching for Employment During the Holiday Season

Lessons from the Front Lines

Very recently, my employer decided to let me go. Whether it was a matter of cutbacks or performance issues doesn't really matter. What does matter is that during one of the most expensive times during the year, I was left out in the cold. Like thousands of people around me, I had to find work, and I had to find it quickly. With mounting bills, and a truly unforgiving mortgage company, I couldn't survive on my measly savings for very long.

So I started the process of hunting for a career. While my methods may not be suitable for everyone, there are some tried and true methods that allow for some relief during this time of need. Here are a few of the methods that I am employing to make living possible while I look for work.

Tip # 1: File for Unemployment Immediately

In most states, there is a limited window in which to file for unemployment. Take advantage of it, and do it quickly. In most cases, you only have about a week to get the paperwork filed. Granted, the money you receive will only be a small amount of what you've earned, but it will be something. And as any one who has been unemployed will tell you, that small something is better than having nothing.

Tip# 2: Tell Your Creditors the Situation

Believe it or not, creditors are not in the business of making your life miserable. Granted, a call at strange hours with semi-veiled threats doesn't help their cause, but the main focus of their efforts is to collect money and provide quality services. Because of this, it is in the best interest of everyone involved to talk to your creditors directly, and quickly. By being proactive, and telling them the situation, as well as what you are doing to try and solve the situation, you'll find the majority of creditors can be quite reasonable.

Tip # 3: Make Sure Your Resume is Up to Date and Professional