Here's how you can reestablish your personal brand and online presence following a customer service layoff.

1 Audit Yourself

Begin by conducting a thorough self-audit of your online presence . Scrutinize your social media profiles, blog posts, and any other content that may be publicly accessible. Ensure that everything reflects the professional image you want to project. Delete or edit any content that could be seen as unprofessional or that doesn't align with the personal brand you're aiming to build. Remember, consistency across various platforms reinforces your brand and helps you appear reliable and focused.

2 Update Profiles

Next, update all your professional profiles, such as LinkedIn, to reflect your current situation and to highlight your customer service skills and experience . Use this as an opportunity to refine your professional headline, summary, and work history. Make sure to emphasize any achievements and the value you've brought to previous roles. This is not just about listing your job duties; it's about telling a compelling story of how you've made a difference.

3 Engage Networks

Now, engage with your professional network . Reach out to former colleagues, supervisors, and industry connections. Let them know you're looking for new opportunities and ask for advice or referrals. Join relevant groups on LinkedIn or other professional networks where you can contribute to discussions, share insights, and stay updated on industry trends. Active participation demonstrates your ongoing commitment to your field and can lead to valuable connections.

4 Contribute Content

Consider contributing original content to demonstrate your expertise and thought leadership in customer service. Write blog posts, create videos, or start a podcast that addresses common challenges in the industry or shares innovative ideas. By providing valuable content, you not only enhance your personal brand but also increase your visibility online. This positions you as a knowledgeable professional who is engaged with the current state of customer service operations.

5 Learn and Certify

Take this time to learn new skills or earn certifications that are relevant to customer service operations. Many online courses offer training in areas like customer relationship management (CRM) systems, communication techniques , or data analysis. Adding these qualifications to your resume and online profiles can make you a more attractive candidate and show potential employers that you are proactive about professional development.

6 Network Virtually

Finally, embrace virtual networking by attending webinars, online conferences, and virtual job fairs related to customer service. These events are excellent opportunities to meet industry professionals and recruiters who can provide guidance or job leads. Make sure to follow up with new contacts by connecting on professional networks and engaging in meaningful conversations about the customer service industry.

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?