What do you do if you're facing a career layoff?

When you initially hear about an upcoming layoff, it's normal to experience a surge of worry and doubt. Yet, it's crucial to remain composed and refrain from panicking. Pause, take a deep breath, and allow yourself a moment to absorb the information. Keep in mind that while a layoff is a major event, it doesn't define your value or skills. It's a moment to be gentle with yourself, recognize your feelings, and begin considering the practical actions you'll need to undertake.

Rarely does a career lay off come at a good time, and the older you are, the more damaging it can be to your longer term professional/financial survival. Some companies offer outplacement services but these are at best a '101 commencement guide to next steps' - no silver bullets here. You need to take charge of your future no matter what form it may take. As a first step, you may want to register a legal entity that will allow your to do freelance consulting, which in turn allows to to stay connected and you stand more chance of connecting with decision makers Vs being just another profile. Then, you network, network and network. This is a painful process but necessary. It will be more effective than just relying on headhunters.

Facing a career layoff? Network actively within your industry to uncover hidden job opportunities. Consider upskilling or exploring new career paths through online courses or certifications. Stay proactive and maintain a positive outlook to manage stress and focus on your next steps. This approach will help you navigate through this challenging time and open new doors.

Remaining calm when faced with a problem is critical as it allows you to think more clearly and make better decisions. When you're calm, you're better able to assess the situation objectively, consider various options, and choose the most appropriate course of action. This helps prevent impulsive reactions that may exacerbate the problem or lead to further complications. Moreover, maintaining composure instills confidence in those around you, inspiring trust and cooperation in finding solutions collaboratively. Similarly, deliberately setting aside time each day for rest & reflection is crucial for maintaining balance and well-being,allowing you to recharge and approach challenges with renewed energy and focus.

Career layoff is an event that is bound to affect you internally and externally.Take a moment to breathe and calm yourself.Keep your composure as it is not your skills and capabilities that are being questioned, it is a strategic decision of the organisation. Look back at your life and the events that came and went by: you were the one who experienced all the happiness and sorrows in them. This too shall pass! Keep upgrading new skills and start looking out for new opportunities. Trust yourself more than anyone else!

Assessing your financial situation is crucial, especially during times of uncertainty like job loss. Creating a detailed budget, understanding your expenses, and calculating your savings can give you a clear idea of how long you can sustain yourself without income. Exploring potential sources of income, such as unemployment benefits or severance packages, and applying for them promptly can provide additional support during this transition period.

Updating your resume is a great next step. Highlighting recent experiences, skills, and achievements can make your resume more appealing to potential employers. Tailoring it to showcase your unique value can increase your chances of landing interviews. Updating your LinkedIn profile and reaching out to your professional network for recommendations and job opportunities can also be valuable strategies in your job search journey.

Here are a few pointers as you update your resume: 1. Ensure your jobs and dates match up between your resume and your LinkedIn profile. 2. I recommend using a bullet format. People will be more likely to read it through when in a more digestible format. 4. Customize your summary paragraph at the top to fit the job description but also to give a compelling reason for why you should be considered. 5. Incorporate metrics and outcomes as much as possible.

Learn and venture new avenues to keep afloat during difficult times of lay offs. Don't panic, don't lose confidence but garner strength to take-up challenges as it is faced. Learning new skills and challenges will proactively help you to find new opportunities and ventures . Prepare a summary of all your notable achievements in your career till now and reflect them in your resume to add value to your applications beyond the layoff .

Using this time to learn new skills or enhance existing ones can be incredibly beneficial. Identifying gaps in your skill set and seeking out opportunities for professional development through online courses, workshops, or seminars is a proactive approach to staying competitive in your industry. Additionally, engaging with a coach or mentor can provide valuable guidance and support as you explore potential career paths and navigate this transition period.

Learning new skills, earning certifications, and taking various education courses is a great way to use this transition time! You refresh your skills and build new ones to offer. You also may end up expanding your network which could lead to join possibilities!

They say "sometimes things happen for a reason. We don't always see what that is right away." A layoff is a downsizing. It's hard for it not to feel personal. The opportunity for you is the silver lining. What do you like to do and want to do? Is there something you wished you could do? You have, no doubt, built up many skills. Be thoughtful about how to position those skills as transferable to your next role. Plus, you will bring a fresh and diverse perspective on a career pivot. You got this!

Absolutely, exploring different career paths is a valuable step during this transition. Reflecting on your passions and strengths can guide you toward careers that align with your interests and goals. Conducting informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions about your next steps. Working with a career coach can also be beneficial in identifying potential paths and creating a strategic plan for your career transition. Remember, a layoff can present opportunities for discovering a career that is more fulfilling and aligned with your long-term aspirations.

This is one of the most important aspects of your job search. Build and nurture your network. Give yourself a goal for how many calls or Zooms per week you'll set up. Attend in-person and virtual events to expand your network. The majority of jobs get filled due to a referral. Your odds are significantly increased when someone introduces you, endorses you, recommends you, and gets your resume into the consideration pile!