What do you do if you're a copywriter facing a layoff and need to explore alternative career paths?

In my experience, if you're facing a layoff, the first step is to assess yourself. And by that, i mean to look beyond your basic writing abilities; and consider your strengths in your content strategy. You'd be surprised that this broad view can reveal roles you might not have considered initially. Skills like project management, client communication, and creative problem-solving are highly transferable. You might even find that these abilities can open doors in areas such as content management, marketing coordination, or even public relations.

Begin by identifying your transferable skills such as communication, creativity, and strategic thinking. Evaluate your proficiency in areas like writing, research, and marketing.

Always try to highlight your core skills, but also emphasize your versatility and experiences in related areas like content strategy or digital marketing. I say this because it is the only way that will show potential employers that you're adaptable and capable of contributing beyond your normal copywriting tasks. In my previous job, I found it helpful to quantify achievements, because i soon realized that specific numbers can make your resume stand out and demonstrate your impact more effectively.

Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with your desired career path. Show achievements, projects, and outcomes that demonstrate your value to potential employers. Utilize action verbs and quantify results where possible to make your resume stand out.

Reach out to former colleagues, industry contacts, and professionals in your target field. Attend networking events, join online communities, and engage in informational interviews to expand your network.

Networking is so underrated and i don't know why few people do it. You can start by reaching out to your existing contacts in the industry—colleagues, and former clients, because these connections can offer invaluable insights and potentially open doors to opportunities that aren't advertised publicly. In my previous job, I discovered that attending industry meetups and professional groups significantly broadened my network. These events are perfect for meeting new people who can provide different perspectives or advice on navigating your career transition. Plus, they often know about upcoming opportunities that might be a good fit for you.

As you grow, you need to focus on expanding your skill set in areas adjacent to copywriting. This not only makes you more versatile but also more attractive to potential employers who are looking for multi-talented individuals. Try to take online courses, certifications etc and you'll soon find out that they can be especially beneficial to your growth. In fact, Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of topics that can bolster your resume and provide practical knowledge.

Exploring freelance options can be a valuable route if you're facing a layoff and looking to pivot or expand your career. As a copywriter like myself, trust me when i say, that the freelance market offers diverse opportunities to work with various clients and industries, allowing you to build a broad portfolio and gain versatile experience. Additionally, you can create a personal website to showcase your portfolio, and writing services can attract direct clients and bypass competitive bidding sites.

Keep a digital footprint of yourself on the internet. Write an eBook, start a blog, contribute to articles or make helpful video contents. Choose something that positions you as a leader in your field and stay open to invitations. You could receive offers from recruiters, you could turn to freelancing and maybe you could start a new path. Be a creative explorer.

Doesn't seem like a bother. If I was facing a layoff as a copywriter, I'd turn to the freelance economy. Gather my portfolio, get on LinkedIn or Upwork, create a profile, optimize it and sell my copywriting skill as a freelancer. QED