Adams & Garth Blog

Feeling stressed out over a recent job loss? You’re not alone. The unemployment rate is stuck at around 10%, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. So what can you do to survive a lay off and come out swinging? Here are some ideas:

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?

You’re in the middle of an interview for an amazing new job opportunity in Charlottesville. Everything is going great. You look polished; you sound confident; you’re nailing every question. Then the interviewer asks you:

“If you were a car, what kind of car would you be?”

Your heart starts racing. Your mind goes blank. You begin to sweat. What should you say?

First of all, there’s no need to panic. This kind of interview question is designed to stump you. The interviewer wants to see how you react and how quickly you can think on your feet.

Here’s what to do and what NOT to do in this kind of situation:

• Don’t let the question rattle you. Simply smile and take a deep breath.

• Ask for a moment to give it some thought. A moment of silence or a pause in the conversation is better than blurting out a ridiculous answer.

• If you don’t know what the interviewer is fishing for in your answer, then ask for clarification or for an example. Many times by discussing the question in this way, an answer will come to you.

• If you still can’t think of a good answer, simply ask the interviewer to come back to that question.

• Also, don’t worry about being brilliant or witty. Just be yourself and give an honest response. There is rarely a wrong answer to these kinds of questions.

Here are some examples of other unexpected job interview questions that may come your way:

• If you could have dinner with anyone from history, living or dead, who would it be and why?

• Who do you admire the most and why?

• If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

Also, while you can’t prepare for every off-the-wall question, make sure you ARE prepared for the basic questions, such as:

• Tell me about yourself?

• Where do you see yourself in one year? Five years?

• Tell me about a time when you successfully handled a complicated situation?

• What are your strengths? Weaknesses?

• What do you consider your biggest career achievement?

• Why should we hire you?

• Why do you want this job?

As Charlottesville’s leading staffing agency, Adams & Garth knows what employers are looking for during job interviews. If you’re searching for work and need help preparing for an interview, please contact Adams & Garth today. We can help.