Navigating Layoffs: Turning Setbacks into Comebacks

The wave of layoffs over the past few years has been relentless, and I’ve felt its impact firsthand—more than once. Facing back-to-back layoffs was one of the most challenging experiences of my career. It shook my confidence and forced me to reevaluate not just my professional goals but how I approached the job market altogether.

In those moments, applying for a job became my full-time job. I dove headfirst into the process, learning as I went and discovering strategies that worked—and some that didn’t. While the journey was far from easy, it taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of community. Today, I want to share what I’ve learned and invite others to do the same.

1. Processing the Emotional Weight

Layoffs aren’t just a professional setback—they’re deeply personal. The feelings of uncertainty, fear, and even embarrassment can be overwhelming. The first step in moving forward is giving yourself permission to feel all of it. A layoff isn’t a reflection of your worth or abilities; it’s often the result of circumstances far beyond your control.

For me, leaning on friends, family, and even former colleagues helped tremendously. Talking openly about my experience reminded me I wasn’t alone—layoffs are a shared experience, and support is all around if you’re willing to ask for it.

2. Making Job Hunting a Full-Time Job

After the initial shock of a layoff, I quickly realized that finding a new role required the same level of focus and structure as my previous job. Here’s what worked for me:

• Set a Daily Routine: I treated job hunting like a workday—dedicated hours for research, applications, networking, and upskilling. This helped me stay productive and prevented burnout.
• Tailor Every Application: Instead of sending out generic resumes, I customized each one to align with the job description, emphasizing the specific skills and experiences that matched.
• Lean Into Networking: Reaching out to former colleagues, attending virtual events, and engaging on LinkedIn led to valuable connections and insights into roles that weren’t publicly advertised.

3. Addressing the Layoff Head-On

When it came to interviews, I learned that honesty is the best policy. Employers appreciate transparency, especially when layoffs were due to restructuring or budget cuts. Here’s how I approached it:

• Keep It Brief and Positive: I explained the layoff as a business decision and quickly shifted the focus to what I achieved in my previous roles.
• Highlight Growth: I shared how I used the downtime to upskill, volunteer, or pursue certifications, demonstrating a proactive attitude.
• Focus on Value: Every conversation centered on how my skills and experiences could solve problems or bring value to their team.

4. Staying Resilient

Back-to-back layoffs tested me in ways I never expected. There were days when rejection emails piled up, and it was hard to keep going. But I learned that resilience isn’t about never feeling defeated—it’s about finding a way to move forward despite the setbacks.

Some things that kept me grounded:

• Upskilling: I took courses to strengthen my expertise and make myself more competitive.
• Celebrating Small Wins: Even landing an informational interview or getting feedback on my resume felt like progress.
• Maintaining Perspective: A layoff, while disruptive, is also an opportunity to reassess career goals and align with what truly matters.

What’s Your Story?

Layoffs are a shared experience for so many of us. They’re tough, but they also provide a chance to grow, pivot, and find new opportunities. If you’ve been affected by a layoff, I’d love to hear from you:

• What strategies helped you get back into the job market?
• What worked, and what didn’t?
• What advice would you give to someone navigating a layoff today?

Let’s create a space to share success stories and lessons learned. Together, we can support each other through these challenges and turn setbacks into comebacks.

Best,

Vlad Raina

Savvy Recruiter