Job loss in times of crisis: Tips for the job search

Losing a job is difficult - emotionally and economically. In a time of crisis like the current one, even more so. The economic impact of the Corona pandemic is creating uncertainty. After a layoff, many therefore find it difficult to look positively into the professional future. Zerrin Azeri, Associate Director at the personnel service provider Robert Half in Zurich, gives tips on how to succeed in the job search even in difficult times.

Even if the dismissal comes suddenly, in most cases employees still have a few days or weeks left in the company. How should they best behave in this situation?
Zerrin Azeri: Even though it may be difficult, terminated employees should use the remaining time to say goodbye in a professional manner. This means handing over projects in such a way that others can continue them well and remaining friendly toward superiors and colleagues. Even if the termination has already been completed, one should leave a positive impression. In the best case, colleagues will then provide contacts that lead to a new job. Or there is a chance of reemployment once the economic consequences of the Corona pandemic have been overcome.

From many job coaches, you hear the advice to also see the layoff as an opportunity. What do you think of that?
For an affected employee, a termination has little positive impact at first, and the feeling of low esteem for one's own work or even one's own person quickly prevails. Especially when older employees are affected, it is difficult to see this end as an opportunity for a new beginning. But once the initial shock has been digested, it helps to think about whether the new situation might not be a good opportunity for career change. One should ask oneself what career ambitions one has and what is missing to achieve them. Perhaps you can use this time to take the step into self-employment or to rebalance your work-life balance in the future.

If the answers aren't obvious - what's the best way to go about figuring out if and what you want to change?
Job seekers can talk to either professional coaches or personnel service providers for a professional reorientation, but also to friends and business contacts. Assessing strengths and talents from different angles can provide new impetus for a new career start and sharpen the profile.

What tips do you have for the job search - especially now in times of Corona?
Candidates have various options for advancing their job search - even if the number of suitable job ads is low right now. It is important that the documents are professionally structured and that the applicants present themselves convincingly. In addition, they should be familiar with the new, largely non-contact methods in application processes that have found their way into everyday working life with the pandemic. Job seekers should not bury their heads in the sand and remain motivated despite possible frustration. They should realize that the job loss is not a result of a lack of skills, but was caused by an economic crisis. One advantage may be that other employees who are actually willing to change jobs are currently playing it safe and staying with their employer for the time being. This reduces the competition for qualified applicants for open positions.

The personnel service provider Robert Half gives further tips