You’ve been laid off from your job. How can you use this time to recharge and come back stronger?

1 Assess your situation

The first thing you need to do after a layoff is to assess your situation realistically. How long can you afford to be out of work? What are your financial obligations and sources of income? What are your short-term and long-term career goals? By answering these questions, you can create a plan of action that suits your needs and priorities. You can also identify any gaps or weaknesses in your skills, experience, or knowledge that you need to address to stay competitive in the import/export market.

2 Update your resume

Your resume is your most important tool for landing a new job, so you need to make sure it reflects your current achievements, skills, and qualifications. Review your resume and update it with any relevant projects, courses, certifications, or awards that you have completed or received since your last job. Use keywords and phrases that match the import/export industry and the specific roles you are targeting. Highlight your accomplishments and results, not just your responsibilities and duties. And don't forget to proofread and format your resume for clarity and professionalism.

3 Learn new skills

One of the best ways to use your time after a layoff is to learn new skills that can enhance your value and marketability in the import/export industry. Whether it's a new language, a new software, a new regulation, or a new trend, you can find online courses, books, podcasts, webinars, or mentors that can help you acquire new knowledge and abilities. Learning new skills can also boost your confidence, creativity, and motivation, as well as show your potential employers that you are proactive and adaptable.

6 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?