What do you do if you've been laid off as a CSR professional?

1 Assess your situation

The first thing you need to do is assess your situation and take care of your immediate needs. This may include applying for unemployment benefits, updating your resume, contacting your network, and seeking emotional support. You may also want to review your finances and create a budget to manage your expenses. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it, whether it's from family, friends, or professional counselors.

2 Explore your options

The next thing you need to do is explore your options and plan your next steps. You may want to consider different career paths, such as working for another CSR-related organization, starting your own CSR consultancy, or switching to a different field. You may also want to pursue further education, training, or certification to enhance your skills and qualifications. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed, to research potential employers, opportunities, and salaries.

3 Showcase your value

The third thing you need to do is showcase your value and demonstrate your impact. You may have a lot of experience and achievements in CSR, but you need to communicate them effectively to potential employers or clients. You can use your portfolio, website, blog, or social media to showcase your work, case studies, testimonials, or awards. You can also use your cover letter, resume, and interview to highlight your CSR skills, knowledge, and passion.

4 Network and engage

The fourth thing you need to do is network and engage with other CSR professionals and stakeholders. You may have already built a strong network in your previous role, but you need to maintain and expand it. You can use online forums, groups, events, or webinars to connect with like-minded people, share insights, learn from others, and discover opportunities. You can also use offline channels, such as referrals, mentors, or industry associations, to build relationships and credibility.

5 Stay positive and resilient

The fifth thing you need to do is stay positive and resilient throughout your job search. You may face some challenges, rejections, or frustrations along the way, but you need to keep your motivation and confidence high. You can use positive affirmations, gratitude, or mindfulness to cope with stress and negativity. You can also use feedback, learning, or volunteering to improve your skills and performance. Remember that you have valuable CSR expertise and experience that can make a difference.

6 Be flexible and adaptable

The sixth thing you need to do is be flexible and adaptable to the changing CSR landscape. CSR is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant innovation and adaptation. You may need to adjust your expectations, goals, or strategies according to the market demand, industry trends, or social issues. You may also need to embrace new technologies, tools, or methodologies that can enhance your CSR work. Be open to new opportunities, challenges, and learning that can help you grow as a CSR professional.