You’ve been laid off and are looking for a new job. How can you stay motivated and productive?

Facing a layoff and diving back into the job hunt can be daunting. To stay motivated and productive, ponder these critical questions: How can you streamline your job search for efficiency? What unique qualities will set you apart in a competitive market? Embrace the need for a strategic, thoughtful approach over a haphazard one. Understand that marketing roles demand commitment; finding the right fit is crucial for long-term success. Identify industries where your marketing skills will shine, even beyond your current field, to uncover new opportunities. Your strong skill set, coupled with persistence, will guide you to success. Remember, a focused strategy and recognizing your unique value are key to navigating your job search effectively.

Experiencing a layoff can pose significant challenges and feelings of disappointment, but it's crucial to remain motivated and productive while navigating the job search journey. Here are some strategies to assist you in staying focused and advancing in your career: Acknowledge and Process Emotions Establish Clear Goals Maintain a Consistent Routine Stay Engaged and Active Acquire New Skills and Knowledge Prioritize Networking Maintain a Positive and Persistent Attitude Take Care of Yourself

First rule of the IT B2B marketing fight club is: never give up. The second rule of IT B2b Marketing fight club is: never brake the first rule. This is SIMPLE, NOT EASY: Add Value. Whether through creating newsletters, building a personal brand, recording podcasts, or sharing tailored content, the key is to inform and educate. By sharing what you know, you not only can position yourself as a subject matter expert but also forge connections with other experts in the field. In the dynamic landscape of B2B IT marketing, the currency of knowledge is invaluable, and by consistently adding value, opportunities WILL arise. Believe in you, trust the process.

Remember that potentially 2 key personas will see your resume 1st - the recruiter who is scanning and needs to be able to figure out quickly - do you have the skills for the job or relevant experience? Generally, a recruiter will look instantly at your last role, who you worked for, and how long you worked there. Make sure all the info is there—it's always ideal to have a description of what your last employer did. So many people leave this off. The second Persona is the hiring manager. They are looking for more details and probably reviewing fewer resumes. This is where the metrics and evidence come into play.

Start by updating your resume and portfolio to showcase your skills and experiences. Tailor them to the specific job you're applying for, emphasizing relevant accomplishments. For example, if you were previously in marketing and are applying for a new role, highlight successful campaigns or projects you led. This not only helps you stand out but also boosts your confidence. Regularly revisit and refine these documents as you gain new skills or experiences. This proactive approach keeps you engaged in your job search, maintaining motivation and productivity. Remember, presenting your best self on paper is the first step toward securing your next opportunity.

Stay proactive and professional in your networking efforts. Here are some ideas from personal experience, where to network for your new job opportunities: 1. Optimize LinkedIn. 2. Attend industry events. 3. Conduct informational interviews. 4. Engage alumni networks. 5. Join professional associations. 6. Utilize social media. 7. Seek referrals. 8. Participate in online communities.

One of my recent senior leaders had applied for many jobs. She kept being turned down because her CV was not perfect. In some markets, this is not a problem, but in 2024, it is a competitive candidate space for marketing leaders seeking new work. She attended an industry event and presented on a topic on which she was an expert. As a result, she was offered a 12-month contract. People hire people, not CVs, but you need to be visible and valuable to stand out.

Don't hesitate to connect with hiring managers and marketers at companies that spark your curiosity. Why not propose a casual coffee catch-up after work or a lunch break meet-up? It's a great opportunity to swap ideas and chat about the marketing world at large. In my experience, marketers are usually really receptive to making new connections like this.

I had an uplifting conversation today with someone who was made redundant in July. She is just about to start her new role as a marketing leader next Monday for a scaling SAAS business. She agreed it is a humbling experience looking for work. She spent much time upskilling with free government-funded courses on coding, marketing operations, and strategy. This can help with routine and self-purpose and the opportunity to learn something that was not in your daily job function before.

Remember that the hunt is not a full time job, yes there's a volume aspect to it: apply for more should increase your chances, but apply for loads application quality suffers. Dedicate a set amount of time to 'hunt and apply' each week. Dedicate time to networking with a weekly objective e.g. 5 face to face meetings / 10 new referrals from those people. Then, really importantly, dedicate some time to YOU. It's very unlikely that you won't find another job: YOU WILL WORK AGAIN! This is just time between jobs that is common. So enjoy that time: see family, go to museums, learn something new: you can do this frugally and its enormously rewarding. You'll only look back when in the new job, proving yourself, and wish you did more in the break.

After applying and being rejected for a few jobs. It is so easy to listen to a voice in your brain that says - this is a waste of time, I am sure this will not make a difference, I will put it off. I like to remind myself how the dots connect to my actions. You can learn from every experience -

Now is the perfect time to update your resume and portfolio. Highlight your key achievements, skills, and experiences that are relevant to the roles you're targeting. Tailor your resume and portfolio to each job application to showcase your suitability for the position. Consider seeking feedback from a career advisor or mentor to ensure your documents are compelling and professional.

Networking is crucial when looking for a new job. Reach out to your professional contacts, former colleagues, and mentors to let them know you're seeking new opportunities. Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to expand your network. Networking can help you discover hidden job opportunities and gain valuable insights into the industry.

Once you have been laid off, it has happened to me at one point in my career! It probably happens to most people. Remember, once you secure the new role - keep up your branding - Your career is a journey, not a destination. By building a personal brand and adding value to the online community. You are ring-fencing future opportunities. Enhanced Visibility: You all know the value of thought leadership to your business, so why not do this for yourself? Remember, it is not a quick fix. Professional Network Growth: I have met and engaged with some amazing people from engaging over a period of time and have a mutually helpful connection that does not disappear overnight.