What do you do if you're laid off in Sales Engineering and need to rebuild your network?

1 Reassess Goals

After a layoff, take some time to reflect on your career aspirations and set new objectives. As a Sales Engineer, your unique blend of technical knowledge and sales acumen is highly valuable. Consider what you enjoyed most in your previous roles and what you might want to change. Perhaps you want to delve deeper into a technical specialty or shift towards a more customer-facing position. By clarifying your goals, you can tailor your networking efforts towards opportunities that align with your aspirations and skills.

2 Update Resume

Your resume is often the first impression potential employers have of you, so ensure it reflects your most current skills and experiences. Highlight your Sales Engineering achievements, such as successful projects or innovative solutions you've engineered. Emphasize skills that are transferable across industries, like problem-solving, client relations, and technical presentations. A well-crafted resume can serve as a conversation starter and a reminder of your capabilities when reaching out to your network.

4 Attend Events

Industry events, conferences, and seminars are excellent places to meet new contacts and reconnect with old ones. As a Sales Engineer, attending events related to both sales and engineering can broaden your network. Prepare an elevator pitch that succinctly explains who you are and what you're looking for. Collect business cards, follow up with new contacts via email or LinkedIn, and be proactive in maintaining these relationships.

5 Leverage Contacts

Reach out to former colleagues, clients, and mentors who know your work ethic and capabilities. These individuals can provide references, introduce you to others in their network, or alert you to job openings. When contacting them, be specific about the kind of opportunities you're seeking and how they might assist. Offer your help in return; networking is a two-way street where mutual support can lead to shared success.

6 Volunteer Work

Consider volunteering your skills to non-profits or industry associations. This not only allows you to give back to the community but also puts you in touch with professionals who share your interests. Volunteering can lead to new learning experiences and demonstrate your commitment to your profession. It's also an opportunity to showcase your Sales Engineering skills in a different context, which could capture the attention of potential employers.

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?