Finding out that you’ve been laid off from your job, especially if it’s one that you truly love or have been in for several years, is never easy to process. You may find yourself wondering how you can move forward after the difficult news and thinking about what your next steps should be, particularly if you’ve been out of the job search stage for a while.
To find a meaningful career, follow our advice for landing your next role.
HOW TO MOVE FORWARD AFTER GETTING LAID OFF
Give Yourself Time to Reflect
Although this unexpected news may urge you to immediately jump into the job search, give yourself time to reflect on your career and what you want out of it before moving forward. Taking a pause will give you some clarity around what’s best for you so that you find a career that aligns with what you’re looking for instead of jumping into something that might not be the best fit.
Ask yourself these questions and write down your thoughts:
- What did I enjoy about my past position?
- What did I not enjoy about my past position?
- What things are important to me in a future role?
- Which roles am I qualified for and interested in based on the skills and experience that I have?
You may find yourself having realizations that you’ve never thought about before, therefore pushing you in the right direction for your next role. Rather than throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping that it sticks, you’ll be intentional and strategic with your approach!
Uplevel Your Skills
If you’ve been interested in learning a new skill but haven’t been able to due to limited time, now is the perfect opportunity to further your education. Whether you want to learn something that’s related to your current career or an entirely new one, getting laid off opens up your schedule to pursue things that you previously weren’t able to commit to.
You can learn new skills through:
- Conferences and workshops
- Online courses and webinars
- Courses offered by higher education institutions
And more. Expanding your talent will position you as a highly qualified candidate for the next position you apply!
Hire a Coach
After going through a layoff, you might feel overwhelmed thinking about what to do next and have no idea where to start. That’s completely normal! If you find yourself in this position, hiring a coach is a good place to start. As shared by the University of Vermont, working with a career coach can help you:
- Build a powerful resume
- Make informed decisions
- Develop a game plan for your career and goals
- Prepare for interviews
Partnering with a professional ensures that you’re heading in the right direction and gives you the steps you need to achieve your career goals. If you’re looking for a career coach, we’d be happy to pair you with a coach at MomUp!
Reach Out to Your Network
When in doubt, network it out! Throughout the course of your career, you’ve likely built a robust network of professionals who are ready to support you in any way possible, especially when going through a layoff. Now is the perfect opportunity to lean into the people around you. Don’t worry about asking for too much. Typically when people are presented with the opportunity to help, they jump on it!
Tips for reaching out to your network include:
- Have a clear “ask” from them, whether it’s wanting an introduction to a specific person they know or seeing if they’re aware of any job openings in your industry
- Although rarely necessary, offer a favor in return to ensure it’s mutually beneficial
- Send a follow up thank you note after your connection supports you
The phrase “your network is your net worth” holds a lot of truth, so don’t be afraid to tap into the opportunities that may be existing within your community.
Ask for Support from Your Employer
Many companies who have had to lay off their employees have taken an outside-of-the-box approach to providing support to these individuals, including “promoting” them on LinkedIn. This consists of sharing a “career profile” of the individual on social media, highlighting their accomplishments and strengths, in addition to giving praise for their work. Companies who put in effort to help their former employees find a new role have made a significant impact.
Don’t shy away from asking your employer if they can support you during this transition, as they likely have plenty of resources to share with you!
MANAGING THE AFTERMATH OF LAYOFFS
Coming Out on the Other Side
First and foremost: breathe and remember that the layoff has nothing to do with your performance or experience. Taking the time you need to make your next move will ensure you find the position that’s right for you. If you’re looking to work with a team who can help prepare you for what’s next, learn how MomUp can support you.
