How Should You Navigate Your Job Search Amid News of Mass Layoffs?

Trying to find a job while others are losing theirs due to layoffs isn’t an easy feat, and it doesn’t instill a sense of security in the job market, either. Today’s job landscape is trying, but experts recommend standing out by using the following tips: Make your job search targeted and personal, make your network work for you, and understand the role skills-based experience will play in hiring decisions — and use it to your advantage.??

By Helen Harris?

If you’re in the market for a new job, chances are you have had your finger on the pulse of the recent layoffs across a slew of industries in the past months — not just the widely recognized technology sector.?

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) identified the layoffs across the board in just a few of these other categories:?

• Construction??
• Manufacturing
• Trade, transportation and utilities?
• Finance and insurance?
• Real estate?
• Education and health services??
• Health care and social assistance?
• Arts, entertainment and recreation?
• Accommodation and food services?
• State and local positions?

With this information in mind, how can you best approach a job search in your desired field??

For instance, are there questions you shouldn’t bring up and unique ways to better target your job search to help you stand out as the qualified candidate you are??

Experts suggest the first step to getting ahead during this challenging time is to make your job search more personal than ever. It’s just as much about you finding the right fit for you as it is about the company finding the right fit for them.

Make Your Job Search Personal

When you’re looking for a job, it’s easy to apply to multiple companies each day. But how personal and targeted are your applications? And are you taking the time to make genuine connections??

If not, it may be worth the extra time to stand out in a sea of other applicants who are also applying to multiple jobs each week.?

Matt Warzel, career coach and resume writer, says that you should consider targeting 20 companies you want to work for. Next, he suggests using LinkedIn tools to search for things you might have in common with those 20 companies, such as college alumni or contacts who work there.?

He advises you to rank them in the order of their desirability as a potential employer, and visit sites such as Indeed or Glassdoor to see if they have posted any jobs fitting your qualifications. By doing this, you will be able to narrow your list to five top companies to target for outreach and to cultivate relationships that may lead to new opportunities.

From there, you will want to schedule informational interviews with representatives of companies you are most interested in learning about.?

“But rather than inquiring about job openings at their companies, ask for insights and how they achieved success in their own careers,” said Warzel. “They will be responsive because people enjoy talking about themselves.”

Get Noticed by Flexing Your Networking Skills?

You usually always submit a resume and cover letter if you apply to a job, but how can you stand out in this challenging time??

Warzel states that it may be impactful to create a post-application cover letter.?

“This will allow you the chance to communicate your story that connects with the employers and also gives them the proverbial ‘hello,’” said Warzel.?

He suggests that you tell a story about how you feel connected to the employer, how you know what they do and how the product or service they provide is better than anything out there (i.e., bigger, faster, cheaper, etc). The goal of this outreach is to connect with them, let them know you understand the brand, and that you want to be a member of the team.?

Warzel offers a few other tips for your job-application process:?

• Be selective in where you are applying to: Try to find job opportunities where you’re above an 85% job match. If you do apply for a job you believe you’re a match for, ensure you include actual tangible examples directly relating to that job.?

“Optimize your resume with keywords from the job description, but do not lie either,” said Warzel.?

• Fill out every single field in the application: “ATS will sometimes toss candidates if they leave it blank. At the very least, write in “not applicable," said Warzel. “And make sure to auto-populate your answers using the drop-down box if applicable to ensure proper visibility during search results with other software or ATS.”?
• Grow your LinkedIn network and presence: Warzel stresses LinkedIn is a gift to people who are looking for an opportunity to grow their networks and create new business partnerships, but that you should remember to keep your connection requests authentic and relevant to your professional network.

One potential connection you might wish to make could be with someone in HR or recruiting at a company you just applied to.?

Warzel states a good introduction could look like this: “Hi, [name], I came across your profile while I was researching your company and would love to connect."

He advises that you don’t get into specifics about your application but rather explain why you admire the company and ask to connect. Then, after they connect, you can InMail them a message saying something along the lines of, “I'm a big fan of your company. Attached (attach your cover letter) is the story of how I’ve come to know what you do is important. I recently applied to the (name of role) position online. If there’s anything I can do to better myself so I can earn an interview with your company, please let me know.”?

This will allow them to go to their applicant tracking system and take a look at your profile.

When it comes to your resume and cover letter, Jamelah Henry, recruiter, career coach, expert resume writer and skills trainer, advises that you keep your cover letters at 250-300 words or less.?

“Anything more is considered information overload,” said Henry.

She states that you should consider making your resume stand out with a catchy header, keeping it to one-to-two pages maximum and removing jobs from far back in your career.

For example, Henry says you could use something like the following: Senior HR Professional with Project Management Expertise.?

“The resume should back this up highlighting the HR experience and highlighting projects including role, number of people on team, outcome, successes, etc.”

Deirdre Orr, talent development expert, speaker and corporate trainer, adds that it’s also important to remember to keep this document professional and avoid using clichés or overly informal language. She also recommends that you tailor your resume and cover letter to each company by taking the time to research each company you apply to and making sure the letter addresses their specific needs.

Beyond submitting your resume and cover letter and maybe a personal message to the recruiter, Henry stresses that constant networking is key in the job-application process.?

“Many people tend to think sending out numerous requests to HR professionals online is a form of networking, but networking requires both online presence as well as face-to-face,” said Henry. “Organizations are starting to host in-person events again and many are open to the public. I suggest attending these events (even if you’re an introvert) and meeting with decision makers or people who can connect you to decision makers.”?

She suggests you go the extra mile and create a business card (digital or print) so you can promote your brand as a job seeker.?

If an in-person event is not doable for a certain company, Warzel recommends an “iced-coffee” approach, which entails connecting with employees at a company you’re interested in and sending them a request for an informational interview in return for a $5 coffee gift certificate.?

“Start with locating a second-degree connection who can make for an introduction,” said Warzel. “Use your language from the post-application cover letter, which would entail a short note explaining why you admire the company and why you’d love to work there, why you’d like to talk to an employee or what they think it would take to get hired. You are not asking them to help you get a job or pass along your resume. You're simply asking for information to help improve your candidacy and earn the interview by yourself.”?

If You’re Considering a Career Shift, Explore These Industries

If your current efforts to land a stable job in your career field seem too much of a challenge at this time with people continuously being laid off, you may consider taking a bridge job or making a career shift into other industries that are hiring and retaining employees, at more consistent rates.??

While the current job market as a whole is volatile, there are still some industries that are hiring more than others, says Orr.?

She points to the following industries that are more open to applicants during this current state:

• Health care: If you’re looking to transition into health care, there is a high demand for health care workers. There are positions in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities hiring nurses, doctors and other support staff.
• Food and beverage: “With many restaurants and bars closed and working with limited staff, the food and beverage industry has been hit hard,” said Orr. “However, there are still some companies that are hiring, such as grocery stores and food delivery services.”
• Retail: Orr indicates that although many retail stores have closed, there are still quite a few that are hiring, such as online retailers and other essential businesses.
• Technology: “The technology industry is always in demand, and that is even more true during this time,” said Orr. “Companies are looking for software developers, IT support staff, and other tech-related positions.”?
• Education: Orr states that Although schools have pivoted a lot during the pandemic, there is still a demand for educators. If you are looking for a job in this field, there are tutoring services, online education companies, edtech, and other businesses related to education are hiring.

Henry adds to this list, stating that legal services, law and banking are also top industries for qualified candidates that are responding to applicants and requesting interviews currently.?

Regardless of if you pursue one of the above career categories, Elena Sabry, career and job search coach, mentor and personal brand strategist, emphasizes the importance of keeping your LinkedIn profile optimized so recruiters can find you and see your skills.?

“Every day, recruiters are searching for candidates on LinkedIn and online,” said Sabry. “If your profile is optimized, you can be found and approached by recruiters. Employers want to find and keep the best talent. Know your strengths, and show your value to employers.”?

Understand Job Security by Doing Research and Asking the Right Questions??

One of the biggest factors in a job-search process is usually the question, “Is this job one I can stay in and grow in long-term?” Especially right now, in a time of economic uncertainty and mass layoffs, you might not feel comfortable asking this question.?

But to get a handle on what to expect and how you should prepare if you are laid off, you need to know the current state of the company you are applying to. And this starts by doing your research.?

Orr explains that if you want to know how secure a job that you’re applying to, you should take the time to research the company and the position.?

“Find out as much as you can about the company culture and the job duties,” said Orr. “This will help you determine if the job is a good fit for you.”?

Orr adds a few more points:??

• Consider the company's financial stability: When you are considering a job, look at the company's financial stability. This information is usually available online or through the human resources department. This will give you an idea of how secure the job is.

“Look at their annual report, SEC filings, and credit rating,” said Orr. “This will give you an idea of how secure the company is and if they are likely to lay off employees in the near future.”

• Consider the company's history: When you are looking for a job, find out as much as you can about the company's history. This includes looking at their hiring and firing practices.?
• Ask around: When you are looking for a job, talk to people who work for the company. Find out what they like and don't like about the company. This will give you an idea of the company culture and the job security.

“Current and former employees will be able to give you first-hand accounts of what it is like to work for the company and in the position,” said Orr. “This can be very helpful in getting a sense of the stability of the company and position.”

• Research the position: Try to find out how long the average person stays in that position and what the turnover rate is.?

Beyond researching the position and company, Warzel states that during your interview, you should make an effort to talk about the future of the role.?

This can be done by asking questions such as, “I read that X, Y and Z are the company’s values. Can you give me an example of what these values look like in action?” or “What are the metrics my performance will be evaluated against?” or ‘What are the biggest challenges the team is facing currently, and what are the most significant growth opportunities?”

Prioritize Skills and the Value You Can Bring To a Company??

Beyond identifying how secure the job is, how to make your resume stand out, and how to network effectively, what else is there to do??

One more critical thing: You must prioritize your skills, above all else, in today’s job market.??

“It’s critical that you invest in your skills and expertise,” said Sabry. “When people know and like what you do, they recommend you to others.”

Sabry stresses that during crisis times, companies are ultimately just trying to survive. To do this, they have to cut and save. And sometimes, it is the people who have put in years of hard work with incredible skills, that are let go.

But this is why she stresses that in today’s workforce, you have to focus on your skills and constantly develop new ones — an idea she said is contributed to LinkedIn’s CEO Ryan Roslansky.

In a recent Harvard Business Review article, Roslansky stated that one of the most important areas across the global labor market where more adaptive thinking and leadership is needed is around a “skills-first mentality.”?

“I think companies that focus on skills as the currency — [and as companies] shift away from more antiquated signals like only degree, or pedigree, or where someone worked — will help ensure that the right people can be in the right roles, with the right skills, doing the best work. I think it’s going to create a much more efficient, a much more equitable labor market, which then creates better [opportunity] for all. But that’s part of that adaptive mindset shift as well.”

With Roslansky recently shedding light on the importance of skills, this creates a silver lining even in the darkest job-searching times. You can become better at whatever you want. Because you are not where you went to school, the clubs you participated in or a certain GPA. You can build a better you during the time you have now.?

Due to mass layoffs, job searching can be stressful and unnerving, even for the most experienced professional. But it is important to remember that there are still jobs and ways to remain employed.?

“Someone, somewhere is searching for a professional like you,” said Sabry. “Optimize your LinkedIn to be found and contacted by recruiters or hiring managers. There is a huge power in connections and networking.”?

Top Takeaways

How Should You Navigate Your Job Search amid News of Mass Layoffs?

• Make your job search as personal as possible and consider targeting 20 companies you really want to work for. Try to find job opportunities where you’re an above 85% job match.?
• Networking plays a huge role in getting ahead in the job search and making connections at potential companies you want to work for: Do your best to attend both in-person and virtual events.?
• “If your profile is optimized, you can be found and approached by recruiters. Employers want to find and keep the best talent. Know your strengths, and show your value to employers.”?
• Make sure to research the position and the company and to “ask around” in order to get a sense of stability for the position you are applying for.?
• You must prioritize your skills, above all else, in today’s job market.??
• “It’s critical that you invest in your skills and expertise. When people know and like what you do, they recommend you to others.”
• It may be temporarily difficult to find a job in your field, but there are ways to brush up on top skills, network and find a job somewhere while you wait for your next opportunity.