Mint Resumes – Job Search, Career Info and Resumes

The folks at your state unemployment office could be your new best friends.

OK, they’re not like that.  Or at least they’re not wearing togas.

Make sure applying for unemployment is one of the first things you do after being laid-off.  Pay attention to the rules – this is one part of the government that has very definite requirements.  Read the web site, read the documents you’re required to fill out.  Then take the time to read them through one more time before you complete your application.

Don’t press the button before you’re sure that you’ve done everything they’ve required.  Know how often you have to report.  Keep records.  And make sure you track where and when you’ve sent your resume or applied for jobs.  This is more important than ever since many applications will be done online.

My prior post about a New York Times video about Boomers at a job fair in New York makes that point – most of them were told to go to the company’s web site even though they’d gone to the fair to speak with recruiters in person.  Frustrating, I’m sure.

When you start getting your checks, make sure the amount is correct (based on the salary you received at your last job) and deposit or cash the check immediately.  Read any forms you receive.  Do what they ask.

Keep it simple.  Remember:  every time you speak with the unemployment office, there’s a chance your benefits may be delayed or denied.  Just follow the rules.  Submit the forms on time, exactly as specified.

Want more on this?  See Eve’s great post on unemployment over at Career Diva – she gets it!