Steps to Take Right after a Layoff to Land your next Job
Currently, our news is filled with reports of layoffs from Tech companies, banks, and small businesses closing. No matter what your layoff looks like- whether you’ve worked for a company for ten months or ten years, whether you were notified by an impersonal email or with a compassionate sit-down conversation- it stings. For many of us, work is interwoven in our identities and how we contribute to the world, so when a company lays us off, the questions that fill our heads aren’t just, what will I do next? But how will I get another job?
There’s a flood of heavy emotions to ponder in the weeks that follow and it’s important to take the time to process them. It is also critical to take a few steps early on, ideally within the first 24 hours- because as time ticks, you’re distanced from the people, projects, and data that are invaluable in landing your next role, will create a fuzzy memory. So, you’ll want to do a few things to set yourself up to transition more quickly into an exciting new opportunity.
Here’s where my work comes in. I am a Career coach, which means I assist professionals recently separated from their jobs. I help you create a strategy to find your next position. Once we have a strategy, then my next role is to hold you accountable to get those things done.
Clients that blaze through their career transitions tend to take one or more of these steps right away.
Collect your docs and data.
Your computer holds loads of information that can help you build a strong professional brand and present yourself as a promising candidate in the job search. It’s best practice to keep an ongoing “brag file” with key achievements somewhere you’ll always be able to access, please not on a work computer or account.
Note that many companies will lock you out of your email and other accounts as soon as you’re laid off.
Here are a few things you should grab ASAP while you still have access to your work accounts:
- Certifications
- Reports/data
- Clients, boss, senior leader, peer, and any other accolades
- Performance reviews
- Promotional recognition
- Results from impactful projects
- Network contact information
Think about eye-catching quantifiers that provide clear evidence of your successes. Do you have a report showing a marketing strategy you pitched that increased readership? By what percent? Did your relationship-building skills increase revenue through sales or partnerships? How much did you make for your company?
These numbers can bulk up your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile to help a reader see your scope of impact.
Then consider the voices behind your evidence. Why did your manager promote you? Why were you chosen to present a report to leadership? What was your reputation at work? Why did internal and external partners or clients request to work with you? These voices can be injected into your LinkedIn profile, cover letters, and interview responses.
Create or join a group with your fellow laid–off coworkers.
Mass layoffs may ignite anxiety, but they offer a silver lining: You’re not leaving alone. A growing number of my clients are jumping on Slack, Google Chat, and WhatsApp to form cyber huddles where they share job opportunities, connections, and empathy.
Along with a Mastermind group, these networking groups lead to:
- Significant increases in LinkedIn connections, and recommendations.
- Referrals that accelerate the job search process.
- Exposure to potential companies to add to their target lists.
- One-on-one conversations about the culture, work-life balance, and how they landed their job with that company you’re interested in.
Look for my new Mastermind group developing in a few weeks.
Share with your LinkedIn Community
I have mentioned several times LinkedIn is a gold mine for networking. When the only thing you do on LinkedIn after a layoff is toggle your profile to “Open to work,” you’re not giving your network an opportunity to engage. A post about your recent layoff and hopes for your next career step sets the stage for your LinkedIn network to like, share and send opportunities.
Those who promptly post about their layoffs have smoother transitions than those who don’t.
Here are a few tips for your LinkedIn profile:
- Tout your accomplishments.
- Clearly state what you want in your next role and the unique impact you’ll bring.
- Attach a reference letter.
- Tag connections at companies you’re interested in working for.
- Hashtag #OpenToWork, job titles of positions(s) you want, and the industry so that recruiters can find you easily.
Reach out to a career coach.
My favorite tip, meeting with a career coach.
Establishing a relationship with a coach will help you feel supported and guided in a productive, forward-focused direction. So, scour your exit paperwork or specifically ask your HR specialist if career coaching is part of your severance package. If it is, reach out to Career coaching with Cindy, to get started sooner rather than later, which will help your next step in your job search with a little more ease.
Career Coaching with Cindy will help you do the following:
- Update your resume.
- Develop a Target company list.
- Update your LinkedIn profile.
- Create a positive cover letter.
- Mock Interview.
- Build your confidence.
- Hold you accountable.
Schedule a Free Consultation Session with Cindy and let’s get to work Schedule a 30 Minute Appointment – Cindy Fassler Career Coaching
If you’re interested in being a part of my Mastermind group,
Email cindy@cindyfassler.com and in the subject box type Mastermind