Just lost your job? Do this next.

While publicly announced mass layoffs have definitely slowed down in the latter half of 2023, smaller scale layoffs are still happening. If this happened/happens to you, it is important you position yourself for a successful job search.

If you're reading this, you likely have a LinkedIn account.

The very first thing you need to do is UPDATE YOUR PROFILE.

I don't mean, change your status to #OpenToWork and include an end date on your position... you'll want to go through your entire profile, top to bottom, and complete every field first.

When you change your status to #OpenToWork, if your name is in a Recruiters pipeline, they will get a notification. Your network will also be notified via their LinkedIn feed. If your profile is incomplete, you could be missing out on attracting their full attention.

How to update your profile

Starting from the top...

Profile/cover photo - while they are not required, they're definitely encouraged. Keep it professional. Simple. Clean.

Headline - A good format strategy would be something along the lines of:

Job Title | Industry | Key Skills

For example, Frontend Developer | eCommerce | React, Shopify

or Account Manager | Payments, FinTech | Mid-market - Enterprise Sales

You can also include your designations in your Headline or with your last name (CPA, PMP, etc)

Location - even if you're only looking for remote work, setting your location can be important as some remote positions require it still and this will help with your searchability

About - Fill in that about section. Write a brief summary, include your skills and experience. If you need help, feel free to utilize AI to write this up. If you're in a technical role, you can also keyword dump in this section all your relevant technologies

Experience - Have this mirror your resume. Accurate job titles, companies (with proper company logo), and bullet descriptions. You can also select "Skills" for each position as well

Education - If you have post secondary, include it.

Licenses and Certifications - If you have any relevant certifications, include all of them!

Skills - You are allowed to include up to 50 skills. This is a great place to keyword dump on your profile. Include every possible keyword/skills relevant to your experience and field

Recommendations - Send recommendation requests to ex-colleagues, bosses, or clients

Now that your profile is up to date...

Time to change your status.

On your profile, click the [Open to] icon.

Fill in all the required fields. If you are unemployed and really want to maximize exposure, select "All LinkedIn members". This will add the Green Banner to your profile photo.

Profile up to date. Check.

Open to work status set. Check.

Time to write the post! You should be given the option to write a post when you change your status is open to work. This is an important step in getting the initial boost of eyes on to your LinkedIn profile and reaching the masses.

When writing this message, there are a couple key things to keep in mind.

You are writing this for YOU. Not to give appreciation to the company that just laid you off (while you can still briefly mention this)...

A great way to craft this post, would be something along the lines of...

Well, it happened. We've been seeing layoffs across industries and it finally made it's way to my team. As of today, I am actively looking for my next opportunity.

With X years working as a Job Title, I've had exposure working in various industries including ABC, DEF, and GHI. If you or anyone you know is looking for a dedicated employee to join their team, I am seeking an opportunity where I will continue to expand on my experience as a Job Title.

Please like, comment, or share this post as it will greatly help my efforts.

Something short and sweet works best. LinkedIn will often push the OpenToWork updates as well, so fingers crossed you get some quick engagement.

If you do start getting traction with the post... make sure you are active in the comment section and engage with EVERY comment.

This is not the time to sit and wait. The job search is extremely challenging, especially in todays market.

A couple other great steps you can take via LinkedIn to help with your job search include:

-Setting Job Post alerts

-Follow company pages

-Reach out to EXISTING network connections

-Reach out to NEW network connections

-Be active on the platform by commenting and engaging with other posts

-Turn on LinkedIn notifications on your phone so you don't miss anything

As I mentioned, the job search is tough. Starting off with a bang can have a MAJOR impact on your short term success. Recruiters and hiring managers live on the platform, so maximizing your exposure here is critical.

I hope these insights help in your new job search. If you are looking for further advice or insights, please send me a message and I'd be more than happy to connect.

Signed,

Jesse