What do you do if your resume needs a makeover after a layoff?

Whether you saw it coming or not, a layoff can be devastating. However, a layoff isn’t a stain on your career, nor is it a reflection of your qualifications as a professional. If you’ve just been laid off, the first thing you should do is update your resume. You need to write a powerful resume summary. A resume summary gives a hiring manager an overview of your unique skills and qualifications for the position. Unlike objective statements, which are all about what the job seeker wants, a resume summary is an opportunity to sell yourself to an employer. Focus on the most relevant experience for the position and how you add value to the company.

If your resume needs a makeover after a layoff, embrace the opportunity to highlight your skills and experiences effectively. Start by updating your resume with your most recent accomplishments and responsibilities. Tailor it to the specific job roles you're targeting, emphasizing relevant skills and achievements. Consider seeking feedback from mentors or professional resume writers to ensure clarity and impact. Showcase your adaptability and resilience, framing the layoff as a stepping stone to new opportunities. Finally, leverage online resources and networking platforms to connect with potential employers and expand your job search.

Ever heard of the magic words that unlock the door to job opportunities? Yep, those are keywords! Tailor your resume to include relevant keywords from the job descriptions you're eyeing. It's like giving your resume an SEO boost, but for recruiters!

Who says resumes have to be boring black-and-white documents? Inject some color and creativity! Add a splash of color, incorporate icons or infographics, and use a modern layout to make your resume stand out from the sea of monotony.

Instead of listing out your job responsibilities like a shopping list, why not weave a compelling narrative in the summary? Highlight your achievements and experiences in a storytelling format that captivates the reader. Paint a vivid picture of your professional journey, complete with plot twists and triumphs.

Let others do the talking for you! Include snippets of glowing recommendations or testimonials from past colleagues or supervisors. It's like having your own fan club vouching for your awesomeness. Don't overcrowd your resume with information. Embrace the white space! It creates a visual balance and makes your key points pop. Remember, less is often more. Last but not least, be authentically you! Your resume should reflect your unique personality, skills, and experiences. Don't try to fit into a cookie-cutter mold. Embrace what makes you different and let it shine through.

To be totally honest I have no idea. I have never had to use a resume to get a job nor have I ever been laid off. The only time I needed a resume was last year for a university application. That was a struggle goi g back forty years trying to remember everything I have ever done. Thankfully every time I moved on I always collected a reference with dates of employment. It’s something I have always done. As they generally list all my strengths and thankfully the strengths have always been consistent. Networking is how I have always fallen into the next job. I have been lucky.

First of all, layoffs can feel like rather a blow to the ego - especially if they're not for "cause" but due to restructuring or situations beyond your control. Know that you're not alone, and that this, too, shall pass. Engaging a life-coach especially during a transition period like a layoff is a great opportunity to reconsider your priorities. You can use this time to work on formulating what you've learned, how you've developed, but most importantly, where you want to go next in terms of life and career achievements. This might look different from a linear path, so when you're updating your CV, my suggestion is to gear it towards the direction you want to grow into instead of rehashing where you've been. Good luck!