Getting hired post a layoff!

Have you been impacted by a layoff?

Well, losing your job is definitely not the end of your career. A layoff is a business/ strategic decision, and surely not a reflection of your capabilities.

So, while stressing won't help you find your next break, changing your mindset and taking action sure will. So here is what you must do!

Step 1 : Introspect  

This is a perfect opportunity for you to reflect on your choice of career.

- Would you prefer continuing in the same sector/role or do you want to target a different one?

- If you would like to explore an alternate career, do you have the requisite skills? If not, perhaps it’s best to stick to jobs that fit your current skillset.

- Would you like to leverage this time in hand to upskill yourself on a skill that will take you closer to your dream career?

- Are there any skills/ technologies that you could learn – that would open up more opportunities for you?

- Think about what strengths you bring to the table – technical, functional and behavioural. Map them to the kind of roles that you could fit into.

- What kind of organizations would you like to work with? What did you appreciate/ not appreciate about organizations that you’ve worked with in the past.

- Would you be okay to look at potential consulting or freelance opportunities in the interim? 

- Entrepreneurship is definitely an option – but I’ll talk about it in a separate post.

Step 2 : Execute

- Get your resume in order. A perfect, well crafted resume is your best bet to the perfect job. If needed create separate versions for the kind of roles you’re targeting.

- Update your profile on LinkedIn and other job portals (Naukri, iimjobs, TimesJobs, Monster). Make sure you use the appropriate keywords that capture your skills. Remember, less is more and it is imperative you be precise.

- Create a “Master List” of people you know directly – friends, family, acquaintances, professional associates – that you can connect with to seek support in your job search.

Now it’s time to C-A-T

Connect (C)

- I do hope you’re active on LinkedIn – if not, it’s time you re-activate your Linkedin networks.

- Create a connect with professionals who are either doing the job you are targeting to be in, or are a part of the HR/ Talent Acquisition function of your target companies.

- Just don’t connect and forget. Engage in conversations and at an appropriate time, let them know that you’re available for potential opportunities.

- Never, ever, put a line that says “Open to job opportunities” as a tagline in your Linkedin Profile. Instead, use this Linkedin #OpenToWork feature to let recruiters know you’re open to jobs. Here's the link - https://www.dhirubhai.net/help/linkedin/answer/67405?lang=en

- Top-of-the-mind recall is crucial. So ensure you’re visible on professional networking channels. Comment on posts, write articles/ blogs, engage in productive discussions – establish your credibility as an expert in your field of work.

Apply (A)

- Don’t spam your CV in desperation – apply for job postings (on Linkedin or job portals) only if you see a profile match with the job description. I know of someone at a Senior Management level, who proudly proclaimed of having applied for 800 jobs on the job portal in a week! He still hasn’t landed a job and mostly has been classified as a spammer with most organizations/ Consulting firms.

- In case the name of the recruiter is given on the posting, try connecting with him/her on Linkedin, with a custom message, setting context for the connection.

- If you know the name of the organization that’s hiring – connect with the Recruitment Heads/ Managers from that organization and write to them.

- Make sure you customize your profile to highlight/ explain the relevant parts of your resume in relation to the job posted. An average recruiter spends about 5-7 seconds to skim through your resume. So might as well make visible what you want them to see.

- Get talking to the people on your personal and professional “Master list” and let them know that you’re available for opportunities. Ask if they could perhaps refer your profile within their organization/ networks.

Track (T)

- Make sure to do subtle follow-ups with people who you’ve networked with. And I said subtle.  

- Track the roles that you’ve applied for, and email/ message the recruiter intermittently to show your continued inclination towards the opportunity.

- Be patient. Your interview calls are just around the corner   

I’ll possibly write a separate post about how to tackle tricky questions at interviews. But one key thing that I would like to highlight is that you need to stay and sound confident through the interview process. You are unique and you bring in your own strengths.

So be objective, and not emotional (guilt, low self esteem) when you speak about the layoff. And make sure you tell them about how you leveraged this time to learn a new skill or take up consulting/ freelance assignments.

Who knows, the layoff could pave a path for your next big break, as historically proven by Steve Jobs, Mark Cuban, Oprah Winfrey, JK Rowling, Michael Bloomberg, amongst others!

All the best!