If you lost a job through no fault of your own due to an employer downsizing or relocating, assistance is available to get you back on track. Your skills are transferrable, your experience is valuable, and you have options. The resources below can help you navigate the next step of your journey.

In Person: You can receive free job search support, resume and cover letter writing assistance, and coaching to prepare for an interview at the Virginia Career Works Lynchburg Center. Learn more about the center here.

Online: The Job Seekers’ Toolkit at https://www.virginiaworks.gov/job-seekers/ includes labor market information, interview tips and tricks, a career resource guide, upcoming job fairs across the Commonwealth, and access to the Virginia Workforce Connection, an online tool that allows you to search for open jobs near you and complete a skills assessment. It will also allow you to register for upcoming virtual events to engage with employers directly.

The Dislocated Worker program is designed to help individuals get back to work as quickly as possible and overcome barriers to employment. When individuals lose their job because of mass layoffs, global trade issues, or transitions in economic sectors, the Dislocated Worker program provides services to help them re-enter the workforce. Enrolled participants are paired with a career navigator, who can help them identify goals and gain new employment. Funding is also available to cover the cost of training. Individuals who lose a job through no fault of their own, who need additional assistance finding new employment, are typically eligible for this program. To enroll, fill out the form on this page: https://vcwcentralregion.com/orientation/

It’s important to update your resume so it clearly explains your job duties and accomplishments in a way that’s easy to understand. Focus on short, action-based statements that show your skills and achievements using common job-related words. Try to keep your resume to 1-2 pages while making sure it highlights your most important qualifications. Avoid using complicated words, industry jargon, or abbreviations that might confuse employers.

Tips for Improving Your Resume

Use Simple Words: Avoid complicated job titles or industry-specific terms that others may not understand. For example, instead of “project officer,” use “program manager,” and instead of “interagency coordination,” say “team collaboration.”

Show Your Impact: Use numbers to explain your achievements. For example, instead of saying you “helped improve sales,” say you “increased sales by 20%.”

Match the Job Posting: Change your resume for each job you apply for by highlighting the skills and experience that fit the job description.

Keep It Short: Instead of listing every detail about your past jobs, focus on your biggest accomplishments and responsibilities.

Remove Unnecessary Information: Skip industry-specific codes, company-specific jargon, and overly technical language that employers might not understand.

Important Skills to Highlight:

• Technical Skills: Software knowledge, data analysis, project management tools.
• Leadership Experience: Managing teams, supervising employees, organizing tasks.
• Problem-Solving: Finding issues, coming up with solutions, improving processes.
• Communication Skills: Writing clearly, speaking effectively, working with different people.

Other Things to Remember:

• Read Job Descriptions Carefully: Look for key skills and qualifications in each job listing and include them in your resume.
• Choose the Right Resume Format: A chronological format lists jobs in order, while a functional format focuses on skills—pick the one that fits your career goals best.
• Check for Mistakes: Proofread your resume to make sure there are no errors and that it looks professional.