Here's how you can navigate job hunting after a consulting layoff.

Oh, great, you got laid off. Here’s how you navigate job hunting: First, update your resume and LinkedIn—make them shine. Network like your life depends on it; reach out to old colleagues and industry contacts. Tailor your applications for each job, no lazy mass-applying. Prep for interviews like a maniac. And hey, stay positive and persistent. It sucks, but you’ll bounce back if you hustle.

Think back on your consulting experience before applying for positions. Determine the most notable initiatives and desired abilities. This self-examination points you in the direction of jobs and fields in which you thrive. Your strengths are in analytical thinking, flexibility, and problem-solving. Take this opportunity to match your consulting experience with your professional goals. Make the most of your abilities to land a rewarding job where you can really make an impact.

A consulting layoff can be tough, but it's a chance to refocus your career. Here's how to navigate the job hunt: 1. Breathe & Assess: Take time to process your emotions and finances. Unemployment benefits can help ease the burden 2. Refine & Reflect: Update your resume and LinkedIn, highlighting consulting skills. Consider if this layoff is a chance to explore a new direction 3. Network & Announce: Tell your network you're job hunting! Leverage past colleagues and industry contacts for leads and advice 4. Target & Tailor: Research your target roles. Use keywords from job descriptions in your resume and applications to get noticed Remember, consultancies value transferable skills - problem-solving, communication, and client management

Before you make a leap - think - what is you want next. Layoff is circumstance that signals change in consulting market. Successful firms don’t mass layoff people. If they do usually it’s sign of bigger problem in the market. So ask yourself direct question - If my company is not wining $$$ who is winning in this market? Then go and identify THE WINNER(s). Who are the winners those that took away your consultancy client $$$. Study them and see if you can join them. If they go against your former firm they usually need people that “knows-the-enemy”. So you can leverage your knowledge of the firm to make their competitors even more efficient in taking more business from your former firm. Nothing will taste better than win RFP over old firm.

Acknowledge your emotions: Allow yourself to process the emotions that come with a layoff, such as sadness, anger, or frustration. Reframe the layoff as an opportunity: Shift your perspective and view this as a chance to explore new career paths or revisit your long-term goals.

Tailor your resume for each job: Don't just submit a generic resume. Identify the specific skills and accomplishments most relevant to the position description and tailor your resume accordingly. Quantify your achievements: Use metrics and data to showcase the impact you made in your previous consulting role. For example, highlight how your project management skills resulted in increased efficiency or cost savings for a client. Focus on transferable skills: Consulting roles equip you with a variety of transferable skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, and project management. Highlight these skills in your resume and tailor them to the specific requirements of the job you're targeting.

Prepare for common interview questions: Research common interview questions for your target industry and practice your responses beforehand. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview. Conduct mock interviews: Ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to conduct mock interviews with you. This allows you to practice your interviewing skills and receive constructive feedback. Focus on storytelling: Frame your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell compelling stories about your past experiences and achievements

Do lots of Pro Bono work while you scout engagements. Especially with startup organizations that could really benefit from your expertise. It gets you noticed and networked in a strong way. Volunteer - teach, mentor, coach. There are always plenty of opportunities for this. Again, it builds another networking channel while also giving you the satisfaction. Don't stay idle. Come up with an idea for the industry and work on it. Maybe a new tool integration? A training course? Whatever it may be. Keep the mind and intent sharp and focused. Tides will turn and good things happen.