You’ve been laid off and are looking for your next job. How can you use this experience to land a better one?

1 Assess your situation

The first step after a layoff is to take stock of your current situation and identify your needs, strengths, and challenges. You may need to update your resume, portfolio, or online presence, or you may need to seek financial assistance, emotional support, or career coaching. You may also want to reflect on what you liked and disliked about your previous job, what skills you want to develop or showcase, and what kind of work environment you prefer. This will help you narrow down your options and set realistic expectations.

2 Define your goals

The next step is to define your career goals and create a plan to achieve them. You may have a clear idea of what you want to do next, or you may need to explore different possibilities and paths. You can use process design tools such as SMART goals, SWOT analysis, or decision matrices to help you clarify your vision, assess your opportunities and threats, and compare your alternatives. You can also use online resources, such as job boards, industry blogs, or networking platforms, to research the market demand, trends, and requirements for your desired role.

3 Develop your skills

The third step is to develop the skills and competencies that will make you stand out from the competition and add value to your potential employers. You may need to learn new technologies, methodologies, or frameworks, or you may need to refresh or improve your existing skills. You can use process design techniques such as learning outcomes, feedback loops, or self-assessment to help you design your own learning plan, track your progress, and evaluate your results. You can also use online platforms, such as courses, webinars, or podcasts, to access relevant and quality content, or join online communities, such as forums, groups, or mentors, to exchange ideas and insights.

6 Evaluate your results

The sixth and final step is to evaluate your results and learn from your experience. You may need to review your goals, plan, and actions, or you may need to celebrate your successes, acknowledge your failures, or identify your areas of improvement. You can use process design tools such as metrics, indicators, or surveys to help you measure your outcomes, analyze your data, and draw conclusions. You can also use online resources, such as blogs, podcasts, or books, to find inspiration, advice, or best practices from other professionals who have gone through a similar situation.

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?