What do you do if you've been let go from a Search Engine Marketing (SEM) position?

1 Assess your situation

The first thing you should do after being let go from your SEM position is to assess your situation calmly and realistically. How much severance pay did you receive? How long can you afford to be unemployed? What are your expenses and savings? Do you have any other sources of income or support? Knowing these answers will help you plan your budget and prioritize your needs. You should also review your contract and check if you have any non-compete clauses or confidentiality agreements that might limit your options.

2 Update your resume and portfolio

The next step is to update your resume and portfolio to showcase your SEM skills and achievements. Make sure your resume is clear, concise, and relevant to the SEM positions you're applying for. Highlight your accomplishments, certifications, and results with numbers and metrics. For example, you can mention how you increased conversions, reduced costs, or improved rankings for your clients. Your portfolio should include samples of your SEM campaigns, such as screenshots, landing pages, ad copies, keywords, and reports. You can use online platforms like Google Ads, Google Analytics, or SEMrush to create and share your portfolio.

4 Learn and improve

One of the advantages of working in SEM is that there is always something new to learn and improve. Whether it's a new algorithm, feature, or strategy, you can use your time off to enhance your SEM skills and knowledge. You can enroll in online courses, certifications, or workshops that cover various aspects of SEM, such as keyword research, ad copywriting, landing page optimization, or analytics. You can also experiment with your own projects, websites, or blogs and test different SEM techniques and tools. This will not only keep you motivated and engaged, but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to SEM.