Here's how you can regain your footing and discover fresh career prospects following a layoff.

It’s also valuable to reflect on what you *didn’t* like in your jobs and organizations. What do you not want to recreate in your next position? I like to use job postings on my field as a way of creating my dream vision, and eventually my dream vision became entrepreneurship. So when I got laid off for the second time in my career, I was already ready to begin my next chapter because I’d already reflected so much on what I wanted. Whatever you want is within you. Spend time there.

Start by taking some time to process your emotions and reflect on your career goals. Use this as an opportunity to reassess your skills, strengths, and interests. Update your resume and online profiles to highlight your experience and accomplishments. Consider seeking out additional training or certifications to enhance your skills. Network extensively by reaching out to former colleagues, friends, and industry contacts. Be open to exploring different industries or roles that align with your skills and interests. Consider freelance or contract work as a way to gain experience and income while you search for a permanent position. Finally, stay positive and persistent in your job search.

Process your emotions about the layoff. Although you may want to skip this step and power through job-seeking actions, who/how show up as is undoubtedly influenced by your state of mind. Maybe it’s taking some time to grieve about the identity that is now being redefined, or the colleagues and friends that you won’t be seeing frequently, or the projects into which you had poured time and energy. Perhaps it’s taking a short trip somewhere with loved ones. Maybe it’s doing activities you never seemed to have time for while busy working full-time.

Did you know that 85% of job seekers find reflecting on their career journey after a layoff beneficial? Taking time to assess skills gained, relationships built, and achievements accomplished can provide valuable insights. This reflection process allows for a clearer understanding of strengths and weaknesses, enabling better-informed decisions about future career paths.

To regain footing post-layoff, first, reflect on skills and passions. Update your resume and online profiles. Network extensively; utilize platforms like LinkedIn. Consider upskilling via online courses or certifications. Explore diverse job opportunities and industries. Stay resilient, maintaining a positive mindset throughout the process.

75% of recruiters are more likely to engage with a resume that is tailored to the job they're hiring for. After a layoff, updating your resume with recent experiences, skills, and achievements is vital. Tailor it to emphasize leadership roles and projects that showcase your ability to manage, innovate, and drive results. A customized resume not only highlights your professional background but also demonstrates your potential to prospective employers.

Did you know that 85% of jobs are filled through networking? After a layoff, networking becomes even more crucial in discovering new career prospects. Reach out to former colleagues, industry peers, and mentors to inform them of your job search. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and engage on networking platforms to expand your connections. Remember, leadership involves connecting with people and cultivating mutually beneficial relationships. Networking can lead to job leads, recommendations, and valuable advice to help you navigate your career transition successfully.

Learning is a habit that once mastered, you can literally turn every day and moment into a learning experience. Once you shift your mind to growth mindset (check out Carol Dweck’s book on the subject), your whole life opens up. It sounds dramatic but really, train your brain to grow

Research shows that continuous learning is not only beneficial for career advancement but also for overall well-being. Studies indicate that engaging in lifelong learning activities can improve cognitive function, enhance creativity, and even reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. So, investing time and effort in learning new skills or expanding your knowledge can have long-term benefits beyond just professional development.

Volunteering isn't just about giving back; it's also a savvy career move. By offering your skills and expertise in volunteer roles, you not only contribute to meaningful causes but also gain valuable leadership experience. Look for opportunities to lead projects or teams, which can enhance your resume and showcase your ability to take initiative and make a positive impact both professionally and personally.

I’ve been leveraging ChatGPT to help me expand the vision of how my natural interests and passions can be leveraged for community impact. As am example, I’ve asked what are the types of opportunities I can volunteer in given that I love doing [passion 1], [passion 2], [passion 3]. The reflection here is key, because you’d ideally be looking for opportunities that are fascinating to you. When you chase the fascination, you align yourself with your inherent genius vs. Volunteering at another “job” just for the sake of it. Make it fun!

This is really hard because getting laid off induces a loss as this, grief. So while yes, staying positive will serve you well over the long term, it’s okay to feel whatever you feel initially. There can be disappointment, anger, sadness, resentment, indignations, etc etc, as well as impostor syndrome that flares up. This is all normal. Feel it, release it, ask as you’re reflecting, then identify what opportunities this opening can create in your life.