What do you do if you want to use your transferable skills to find new career paths after a layoff?

1 Assess Skills

Begin by conducting a thorough self-assessment to identify your transferable skills. Reflect on your work experience, considering tasks you excelled at or enjoyed. Skills like effective communication, strategic planning, and adaptability are highly valued in the job market and can be applied to numerous roles across different sectors. Once you've pinpointed these skills, consider how they align with potential new career paths. This self-awareness is crucial as it will guide you in tailoring your job search and presenting yourself to prospective employers.

2 Update Resume

Your resume must reflect your most marketable transferable skills. Highlight experiences that showcase these skills in action, focusing on achievements that demonstrate their impact. For example, if you have strong problem-solving abilities, detail a situation where you identified an issue and implemented a solution that benefited your previous employer. Use action verbs and quantify results where possible. Remember, your resume is often the first impression you make on a hiring manager, so it should clearly articulate how your skills can contribute to their organization.

3 Explore Industries

With a clear understanding of your transferable skills, explore industries where they are in demand. For instance, if you have a background in project management, industries like technology, construction, or healthcare may offer opportunities. Conduct market research to identify growth areas and understand the skills that are particularly sought after. This will not only help you target your job search more effectively but also may reveal unexpected career paths that align with your skill set.

4 Network Actively

Networking is a powerful tool in discovering new career opportunities. Reach out to former colleagues, attend industry events, and participate in online forums related to your field of interest. Engage in conversations and be open about your situation and goals. Networking can provide insights into the job market, introduce you to potential mentors, and even lead to job referrals. Remember, many positions are filled through connections rather than traditional job postings, so building a robust professional network is essential.

6 Be Adaptable

Finally, maintain an adaptable mindset throughout your job search. Be open to roles that might differ from your previous positions but still benefit from your skill set. Flexibility can lead to opportunities you may not have previously considered but could ultimately find rewarding. Embrace the process of learning and growing into a new role, and don't hesitate to apply for positions where you meet most but not all of the qualifications. Your transferable skills and willingness to learn can make up for any gaps in experience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?