What do you do if you're laid off in agribusiness?

1 Assess your finances

The first thing you need to do after a layoff is to review your financial situation and create a budget. How much money do you have in savings, investments, or retirement accounts? How long can you cover your essential expenses, such as rent, mortgage, utilities, food, and insurance? What are some areas where you can cut costs or generate extra income? You may also want to apply for unemployment benefits, negotiate severance pay, or seek financial assistance from government or non-profit programs.

2 Update your resume

The next step is to polish your resume and highlight your skills, achievements, and qualifications in agribusiness. Make sure your resume is clear, concise, and tailored to the specific jobs you're applying for. Use keywords and phrases that match the job description and demonstrate your value to potential employers. You may also want to create a portfolio or a website that showcases your work samples, projects, or testimonials from previous clients or colleagues.

3 Network and market yourself

One of the most effective ways to find new opportunities in agribusiness is to network and market yourself. Reach out to your former coworkers, bosses, mentors, customers, suppliers, or industry associations and let them know that you're looking for work. Ask for referrals, recommendations, or leads. Attend online or in-person events, workshops, or webinars related to agribusiness and connect with other professionals. Create a LinkedIn profile and join relevant groups, forums, or communities. Share your insights, expertise, or opinions on social media, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters.

4 Learn new skills

Another way to boost your chances of landing a new job in agribusiness is to learn new skills or improve your existing ones. Agribusiness is a dynamic and diverse field that requires constant adaptation and innovation. You may want to enroll in online courses, certifications, or programs that can help you gain knowledge and credentials in areas such as sustainability, technology, management, marketing, or finance. You may also want to volunteer, intern, or freelance for organizations or projects that align with your interests and goals.

5 Explore new options

Finally, you may want to explore new options or paths in agribusiness that can suit your skills, passions, and values. Agribusiness encompasses a wide range of sectors, such as crop production, animal husbandry, food processing, distribution, retail, or services. You may discover new opportunities or niches that you haven't considered before or that have emerged due to the changing market trends and consumer demands. You may also want to consider starting your own business, joining a cooperative, or switching to a different location or region.