Q: My company just announced that my position would be eliminated in one month. What should I do to start my job search?
A: Clovis recommends that you do three things to get ready for your new job search. First, take a few days off to "mourn" the loss of your job. In today’s economy, the layoff probably had nothing to do with you personally. Still, you need to accept the fact that you need to find another job and divorce yourself from your past job. Second, you need to tighten up your resume. Go to our Employment Resource section for resume development tips. And third, you should make a plan of attack to include which companies you are interested in and what type of job you are best suited for. Although layoffs cause stress and unease, we have found that more often than not, people can find better opportunities for themselves after being laid off. We look forward to helping you find that next great opportunity.

Q: Once I accept another offer, what do you recommend I say to my now former employer?
A: First, you need to write a resignation letter. In it you will thank them for the opportunity to work there, but you have now made a firm decision to move on and after considerable thought you feel that this new position is in your best interest. Hopefully, they will respect your decision and everyone can work together to make the transition a smooth one.

So that you’re not caught off guard, you should expect a counter offer, especially if you’re the type of candidate that Clovis recruits. We generally recommend that you personally acknowledge your importance to your previous employer and move on.

Q: Should I hire a professional resume writer to write my resume for me?
A: A good, crisp, focused resume is critical in your job search. If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your resume, it may not be a bad idea to get it freshened up by a reasonably priced professional. We also suggest that you run it by a recruiter first to get their opinion.

Q: Should I place my resume on the common job boards, such as Monster and Hotjobs?
A: Yes, however you should not expect a lot of response. While companies and recruiters frequently place postings on these sites, the likelihood of a recruiter contacting you based on your resume being on the board is slim. Continue to review these sites primarily to ensure that your resume matches up to what employers are looking for and to get reasonable salary expectations.

Q: How long will my job search take?
A: Length of job search depends on a few factors. The higher the job level, the more competitive it is and the fewer jobs there are. These searches may take up to a year. Lower level jobs, mid-manager and below, should take between 3-6 months to fill.