Overcoming a Setback: Four Pieces of Advice After Being Laid Off

Losing a job can be a difficult and stressful experience (I know, I am currently in this boat), but it can also be an opportunity to reassess your career goals and make a change. If you have recently been laid off, here are some steps you can take to get back on track and find your next job.

Write a resume that tells a story: Your resume is a vital tool in your job search, so making it as effective as possible is essential. Instead of simply listing your job duties and responsibilities, tell a story about your career. Highlight your accomplishments and achievements, and show how you have made a difference in your previous roles. This will help you stand out from other candidates and show potential employers the value you can bring to their organization.

When writing a resume and LinkedIn profile that tells a story, there are a few key areas to focus on:

• Accomplishments and achievements: Instead of simply listing your job duties and responsibilities, highlight your accomplishments and achievements. This can include increasing sales, improving efficiency, or implementing new processes. Use concrete numbers and examples to show the impact of your work.
• Transferable skills: Emphasize the skills you have developed in your previous roles that are transferable to other industries or positions. This can include things like problem-solving, leadership, communication, or teamwork.
• Career progression: Use your resume to show your career progression and how you have grown and developed in your previous roles. This can help demonstrate your ambition and potential for future growth.
• Use keywords: Recruiters and algorithms often search for candidates, so it's important to include relevant keywords in your resume and LinkedIn profile. These might include specific skills, technologies you have experience with or industry-specific terms.

Focusing on these critical areas allows you to create a resume and LinkedIn profile that tells a compelling story about your career and demonstrates your value to potential employers. Remember to use strong action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to make a substantial impact.

Research companies with purpose and intent: Researching companies with purpose and intent is an important step in the job search process, as it can help you find a job that aligns with your values and career goals. In addition to looking at the company's website and mission statement, there are a few other resources you can use to get a better understanding of a company's culture and work environment:

• Glassdoor: Glassdoor is a website that allows current and former employees to leave reviews and ratings about their employer. You can use Glassdoor to get a sense of what it's like to work at a particular company, including information about its culture, benefits, and management style. Glassdoor also offers insights from previous candidates on their interview experience.
• Comparably: Comparably is a website that allows employees to anonymously rate and review their company and compare it to other companies in the same industry. You can use Comparably to get a sense of how a company compares to others in terms of compensation, work-life balance, and overall satisfaction.
• Company website: The company's website is another great resource for learning about their culture and values. Many companies will have a section on their website dedicated to their mission and values, as well as information about their products or services and company history.

By researching these resources, you can better understand a company and determine if it is a good fit for you and your career goals. It's also a good idea to connect with current or former company employees to get a more personal perspective on what it's like to work there. By doing your due diligence and researching companies with purpose and intent, you can increase your chances of finding a fulfilling and meaningful job.

After you apply, send a message to a connection within the company: Sending a message to a connection within the company after applying for a job can be a helpful way to increase your chances of getting your resume viewed or even an interview. Here are a few tips for making the most of this opportunity:

• Keep it brief: Your message should be brief and to the point. Introduce yourself, explain why you are reaching out, and thank your connection for their help. Avoid going into too much detail or sending a long, rambling message.
• Be professional: It's important to keep your message professional and respectful, even if you have a personal relationship with your connection. Use proper grammar and spelling, and avoid using slang or overly casual language.
• Tailor your message to the company and position: Make sure to customize your message to the specific company and position you are applying for. Mention why you are interested in the company and the role, and highlight any relevant skills or experience you have.
• Follow up if you don't hear back: If you don't hear back from your connection within a reasonable amount of time, it's okay to follow up with a brief message to check in. Just be sure to be respectful of their time and not overdo it.

By following these tips, you can send a professional and compelling message to a connection within the company and increase your chances of getting your resume reviewed or even an interview. Remember to be gracious and thank your connection for their help, as they are taking the time to assist you in your job search.

Stay positive: Staying positive during a job search can be challenging, especially if you have recently been laid off or are struggling to find a job. However, it's important to maintain a positive attitude and keep perspective. Here are a few tips for staying positive during the job search process:

• Keep networking and applying to new jobs: It's important to stay proactive and continue applying to new jobs and networking with potential employers. This will help you stay engaged and motivated, and increase your chances of finding a job.
• Surround yourself with supportive friends and family: Surrounding yourself with supportive and positive people can help you stay motivated and keep a positive outlook. Lean on your friends and family for emotional support and encouragement, and seek out opportunities to connect with others who are also looking for work.
• Take care of yourself: It's important to take care of your physical and mental health during the job search process. Make time for self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. If you need a pick-me-up, check out this motivational playlist I have created.
• Remember that setbacks are opportunities to learn and grow: It's natural to feel disappointed or frustrated when things don't go as planned, but it's important to remember that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep an open mind and be willing to try new things and take risks, and you will be more likely to find success.

By following these tips and staying positive, you can navigate the job search process with confidence and resilience. Remember that you are capable of overcoming any challenge and finding a job that is fulfilling and meaningful.By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the job search process and find a new job that is fulfilling and meaningful. You can bounce back from a layoff and confidently move forward with a strong resume, a clear sense of purpose, and a positive attitude.