Workers impacted by federal layoffs have resources, Utah Department of Workforce Services says

SALT LAKE CITY — Thousands of employees have been impacted by federal layoffs this year and more are on the way as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce government spending.

Jared Mendenhall with the Utah Department of Workforce Services said there are resources available for workers in Utah impacted by the federal layoffs.

 

Filing for unemployment in Utah

Mendenhall told Dave & Dujanovic that the first step is filing for unemployment.

“If you are a federal worker and you were laid off, (if) you lost that job at no fault of your own, you do qualify,” he said. “So once you stop working, the first thing you want to do is file for that unemployment insurance right away.” 

Unemployment insurance can be a safety net while people look for new jobs, Mendenhall said.

Those affected by federal layoffs, and other Utahns, can file online through the state’s website.

Workers who lost their jobs and were told it was due to poor performance should still file, Mendenhall said.

“The thing that I would encourage everybody to do is go and file for that claim and we’ll kind of figure that out on the back end, whether you qualify, whether you’re eligible for that unemployment insurance claim,” he said.

Those who qualify for unemployment will receive a percentage of their income as payment. The percentage depends on that person’s earnings from the prior year.

Unemployment benefits for those affected by federal layoffs, as well as others, typically last for up to 26 weeks.

Other resources for those affected by federal layoffs

For workers who may have quit or otherwise don’t qualify for unemployment benefits, Mendenhall said Workforce Services has more resources.

These include career counseling, job search and resume help, interview prep, one-on-one counseling, and online resources.

“We’re working to just strengthen those communities and build those opportunities in the labor force,” he said.

Mendenhall said they also have labor market information and resources for veterans. Some people may also qualify for training and educational resources.

The job market in Utah

“The good news for some of those people that are being laid off is that the Utah economy is really strong,” Mendenhall said.

He said there’s been good job growth in the state and that there’s a demand for workers right now.

“It’s a good place to be, in Utah right now, if you are looking for a job.”

Those affected by federal layoffs can get help finding job postings online.

“If you set up an account, we’ll do our best to just match you up with which jobs look like they would be the best fit for your resume, for your qualifications.”

And, there’s a virtual job fair on March 6.

“This is a job fair that you can you can do right at your home. There will be more than 30 employers there. These employers are looking to hire people right away,” Mendenhall said.

Tips for a job search

It will be easier to find your next job, if you know what you want and what you need. That’s the advice from Julie Bauke, aka “Julie on the Job,” the president and career strategist for the Bauke Group.

“The first thing you need to do is figure out; what do you want to do next? Do you want to do more of the same? Or do you want to try something different?” Bauke said.

Based on your answers, Bauke recommends creating a “focused” resume.

“Get super clear on what you’re offering to your next employer. And write your resume based on what you’ve done in the past,” she said. “But also it should be clear to anyone reading your resume what you’re looking to do next.”

She also recommends a tailored resume for those affected by federal layoffs, and others.

“The chances of your resume actually being seen by someone are very very low because organizations have the system set up where they’re looking for certain key words in your resume,” Bauke said. “And so you need to make sure that when you apply for a job, you read the job description and you make sure that your resume well positions you for that job.”

Bauke recommended that job hunters search outside of the online job boards. She encouraged people affected by the federal layoffs to network and go to job fairs.

“But remember, we live our career in chapters, just like we do our lives. Whatever you do next doesn’t necessarily have to be your final chapter, but … you want to make sure that whatever you do next is something that you can do well.”

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