What to Do if You Have Been Laid Off
Losing your job can be a difficult and stressful experience, but there are steps you can take to navigate the process and move forward with your career.
It's unfortunately common nowadays to scroll through one's LinkedIn feed and see the same narrative - somebody was just dealt a harsh blow of job loss. Reading those posts on LinkedIn is heartbreaking. Being laid off is a difficult experience for everyone, and these posts serve as a sobering reminder that no matter how diligently we work toward our goals, our career paths will forever remain fragile and uncertain.
It shows that even when we think we have 'made it' - secured a good role at a reputable organization with all the potential in the world - things can change drastically within mere moments. Despite many years of dedication and hard work, it can all come down to nothing. With suddenness and ease, our dreams and ambitions can be swept away instantly. The shock of being stripped of both financial security and purpose can leave us stranded and bereft, with no clear idea of what comes next.
Job security is an illusion in today's volatile environment, and even those with top performance ratings are not immune from the uncertainty of the workplace. We may have plans, ambitions, and dreams we have worked toward for months or even years – but these can quickly be forgotten as our careers take unexpected turns.
But being laid off doesn't have to be the end of the world; there are steps you can take to be back on your feet as quickly as possible:
Take a Step Back and Give Yourself Time
It's natural to feel overwhelmed when you find out that you've lost your job. The best thing to do in those initial moments is to take a step back and give yourself time and space to process the news. It's vital to deal with your feelings toward this happening instead of letting them fester within. Take it one day at a time! This way, you can get into the right frame of mind and figure out the direction you'd like to go in next - whatever that may be.Update Your Resume
Having an updated resume is essential to succeed in your job search. Not only does a current, comprehensive resume make you appear more professional and organized in the eyes of potential employers, but taking the time to accurately showcase your achievements and skills helps you stand out from applicants who may have similar qualifications or education.It's common to seek shortcuts during a job search, especially when under pressure. However, some "coaches" falsely claim that an "ATS-proof" resume is necessary to beat automated systems. Remember that your qualifications and experience are what secure you a job, not the format of your resume. These coaches only aim to make money off unsuspecting individuals.
TIP: To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, simply write it in Microsoft Word or Google Docs and save it as a Word document or PDF. Congratulations – you have now successfully made your resume ATS-proof! Yes, it is that easy to make your resume ATS-compliant.
Update Your LinkedIn
In these uncertain times, keeping your LinkedIn updated is now more vital than ever before when it comes to succeeding in your job search. Don't worry if you've been affected by all these changes – updating your profile with the right information can be one of the most powerful tools to ensure that you get noticed by potential employers.
This is IMPORTANT: Even if you've been affected by being laid off or had offers rescinded, keeping your All-Star Status on LinkedIn is vital to succeeding in your job search. Find out more here!Turn on the Green Banner
Tell your network on LinkedIn that you are open! Don't listen to those who may try to discourage you by telling you it's a sign of weakness or something like that. As a recruiter, if I come across someone's profile with the green banner showing that they're open to new opportunities, I reach out to them first! Other recruiters are doing the same.
Even when life forces us down unexpected paths, the best way to move forward is to be bold and fearless. Taking charge of your career is one of the most daring things you can do; click that green banner and show employers that they can get this amazing employee to their team.Publish a post on LinkedIn
We all know that sometimes job search can be a desperate and intimidating process. But don't let fear stop you from using resources, like LinkedIn, to your benefit! Writing a post on this social platform affirming that you are available for work is a great way to get recruiters’ and companies' attention without sending out copious amounts of resumes.It's also an opportunity to highlight your skills and objectives, so include any awards or certificates you have or even talk about why you're passionate about a certain field or industry. Don't be shy - post away and open yourself up to new, wonderful possibilities!
Network, network, network!
Trying to find a new job can be overwhelming, especially if you're not sure where to start. Reaching out to people you know can be a great place to start. Let your friends and family know what type of work you're looking for, and ask them if they know anyone with leads that could help you in your job search. Also, don't forget any professional contacts you have, such as former employers or colleagues. They may have the best advice on how to get your resume noticed or insights into the current job market.Take care of yourself
Losing your job is never a pleasant experience, and knowing how best to take care of yourself during this time can be difficult. Remember that self-care is more important than ever in such a time like this! Spend time with friends and family for emotional support.
Make some time each day for activities that help you stay mentally healthy, like reading or listening to music. It may also help by talking things out with a therapist or trusted friend if needed. Taking care of yourself in all aspects is key to getting through this difficult period and staying mentally resilient so you can succeed in the future.
There are many other things you can do to find a new job, and here are a few that could help you start your job search if you're unsure where to begin.
Follow These Proven Job Search Strategies (Download Comprehensive Checklist to Guide Your Job Search)
If you haven't updated your resume for a while, here are two things you should know "The LinkedIn Mistakes Job Seekers Make (And How to Avoid Them)" and "How to Achieve All-Star Status"
Get a copy of the "Job Search Guide" to assist you throughout the process if you're unfamiliar with how the job market works.
It's crucial to maintain a positive attitude during your job search. Learn how to do so.
When looking for a job, it is essential to have a clear plan in place and stay organized throughout the process. This means setting specific goals, identifying potential job opportunities, and creating a schedule to track your progress. Having a plan helps you stay focused and motivated as you search for the right job.
Checklist of Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Steps to Follow during Your Job Search
This guide is designed to help you stay organized and on track throughout your job search journey. I've broken down the process into daily, weekly, and monthly steps so that you can easily manage your time and focus on the most important tasks at hand.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to landing your dream job in no time. It's important to remember that the job search process is not always a linear path, and it's, thus, important to be flexible and open to new opportunities as they arise. So, let's take the first step toward your new career!
Last Thoughts
Losing your job through a layoff can be overwhelming and disorienting, but it's important to remember that it doesn't define your worth as a person. Instead, see it as an opportunity to reevaluate your goals and explore new opportunities. Don't be afraid to ask for help and advice from recruiters and people in your network. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Stay positive and keep working hard, and remember there's always a brighter future, and lots of companies are hiring right now.
Best of luck in your job search and I hope you find a new job soon!
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