GOT LAID OFF? WHAT TO DO NEXT?
Being laid off is a devastating blow especially when you pour your heart and soul into your work, only to get “thanks, but it's time to part ways” speech. What an ego check right?-- it is a jolting reality that screams “‘Yep, you’re replaceable”. First thing, take a deep breath and a day or so to deal with this change. Then get back in there! Have you ever heard the quote “The test of success is not what you do when you are on top. Success is how high you bounce back when you hit the bottom.” by George S. Patton. IT’S TRUE! Let’s get ready to bounce back with these five tips:
YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR BEST WORK
Lean on Your Network: The industry thrives on connections. Now is the time to reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Not only can they provide moral support, but they might also know about opportunities that haven't been widely advertised yet. Networking can open doors you might not have considered. Maintaining an active presence can significantly impact your job search. Engage with industry discussions on social media, attend virtual and in-person seminars, conferences and events. Update your LinkedIn profile! Visibility keeps you in the minds of industry peers and may lead to unexpected opportunities. Again, update your LinkedIn profile. Stay visible and engaged!
2. MAKE YOUR RESUME ATS-PROOF
Your biggest hater is the AI ATS! In this digital age, we have to craft resumes to get beyond the AI screening built into the ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) system. Getting your resumes evaluated by humans is a slim chance nowadays. Many companies rely on their ATS systems to filter out resumes. To ensure you make it through do these things:
Tailor your resume for the role you are seeking & yes that absolutely means placing similar language on your resume that is listed in the job post that you have performed. It is not recommended to fake it until you make it on your resume 🙁
Stay away from filler, fluff and malarkey language. Be specific. Quantify those wins
Your resume can be visually appealing Picasso but not so much that the ATS can’t extract necessary data.
Always double-check spelling and grammar. Poor grammar and misspelled words can lead to your resume being overlooked, use spell check tools or your cousin.
3. GET THRU THE STATIC AND RADIO SILENCE
You'll face many No’s before you hear a YES!. Each 'No' gets you closer to that YES!, YOU’RE HIRED. Don’t get distracted, be resilient. Don’t give up. When you hear a no, use that as an opportunity to ask the HR/Hiring Manager what feedback they can offer to help improve your job search. Stay optimistic!
4. A NEW INDUSTRY AWAITS
Maybe the time is now to try a new industry. Step out of your comfort zone. Your skillset is like a versatile toolbox. Explore your role in new industries. Ever thought about a career in Wine & Spirits? Turn those lemons into a lemon drop martini!
5. THE DREADED INTERVIEW QUESTION
When the topic of being laid off comes up during the interview process, it can be tough. It is important to keep your answer positive and focused on the future. Be concise and factual about the reason - organizational downsizing/restructuring or overall industry challenges. For instance, "Being laid off was unexpected, but I utilized the time to further my education in XYZ. I've been strengthening my expertise in XYZ and positioned myself well for this role.” Showcase your resilience! Remember, how you handle this question can demonstrate your ability to turn challenges into opportunities, leaving a lasting impression on your potential employer.
At Seven Park, we're not just recruiters. We offer full support, training, and coaching to help you confidently navigate career transitions. Whether you're overcoming setbacks or seizing new opportunities, we provide the tools you need to succeed.
#LaidOff #Careers #Networking #Recruiting #BestAdvice