A layoff can make it hard to find a decent job, and multiple layoffs greatly amplify this problem and can make a job search feel like an impossible task. The sad fact is that multiple layoffs are becoming more and more common.

 

Of course, the economy is very often to blame for this difficult situation. However, many employers are not very forgiving of this circumstance and often view it as a blemish on your record rather than a blemish of the economy. How do you stop employers from pre-judging you due to layoffs? Here are a few tips to consider …

 

Think About Taking On New Prospects

Whether you consider taking on new training to enhance your skills or even moving to a new area, there’s something to be said about considering new prospects when the old ones have fizzled out. If you have lost more than one job in the same city, the job market for that city might be bad. Think about looking to other areas of your state or even other states to see if there's a better job market that you could enter.

 

However, if moving is not on your agenda, you might consider enrolling in some training courses for your field while you’re in between jobs. Look for free courses on the Internet or in local career centers. Improving your qualifications makes you a more valuable hire, and it's imperative to carry out these improvements during a long job search. Even if you've had multiple layoffs, if you can show that you've got a developed set of skills and abilities, you'll be very hireable.

 

Make Sure Your Resume is Spic and Span

When applying for jobs after having been laid off twice in a short period of time, you simply cannot afford to have any blemishes on your documentation, including your resume. Employers may understand that you’ve been laid off twice due to those companies’ economic struggles, but they may by default also look for personal flaws that prompted the company to choose you for termination, especially if it is still in business.

 

So as you write your resume, make sure to check for grammar, spelling and even font consistency. Have friends, family members, or even former co-workers read your resume to try to find mistakes. Because of your circumstance, it’s likely that you will have a target on your back. Your resume must be practically spot-free in order for you to compete, given the circumstances.

 

Consider Innovative Marketing Techniques

Being laid off more than once sometimes requires that you work ahead of the curve when applying for jobs. You might start a blog based on careers or other elements of your industry–send the link around and make sure recruitment agents are aware of it. Consider starting a newsletter that you might be able to use to woo potential employers. The trick is to take the focus off of what skills you might not have and move it to your abilities.

 

Being laid off more than once can have a definite effect on your self-esteem. It's important to stay positive and keep working at your job search, and you'll eventually find a great position.