If you are a senior professional, and you spent a significant time of your life at the company, this situation can be particularly difficult and emotional.
While, unfortunately, layoffs are more common than ever before, losing your job is a traumatic event - not only is there the loss of a reliable and consistent income, but also the loss of the confidence and identity attached to your career.
So, what should we do in this situation?
I summarised the approach I usually take with people I work with, and I hope it will help you, too:
🟢 Take control of your mental health
Layoffs bring feelings of hopelessness and increase the risk of depression. It's normal to feel a range of emotions after being laid off, including shock, anger, sadness, and anxiety. Give yourself time to process the loss of your job first. If you feel you can't cope, it would be wise to find and join a support group or consider a therapy. You can also try filling your day with activities that lead to better mental health, such as exercising, meditating or finding a hobby you enjoy.
🟢 Assess your current skill set
After a job loss, it's common to be hyperaware of your weaknesses. Instead, try to assess your readiness for future jobs by examining your abilities and how they can be transferable to various positions. What soft and technical skills do you possess? What recent certifications have you obtained? How does this meet the current job market requirements?
🟢 Gain a new credential or take an online course
Continue learning and building new skills to remain competitive in the job market. Some of the most in-demand skills include programming, UI/UX design, data engineering and data visualisation. Of course, check the trends in your field and decide if you need some upskilling.
🟢 Update your professional materials
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your most recent job experience, skills, and especially accomplishments. If relevant to your industry, update your portfolio to include recent work.
🟢 Apply strategically
Customise your resume and cover letter for each job application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the specific role. Bear in mind that the job search can last longer than you expected. Apply to jobs regularly, but also ensure you're applying to positions that genuinely interest you and match your skills.
🟢 Prepare for interviews
Practice interviewing – especially if you are on the market again after a long period of time. Prepare answers to common interview questions and practice speaking confidently about your experiences and what you can bring to a new role.
🟢 Consider temporary work or freelancing
Try this if finding a permanent position takes longer than anticipated. This can be an excellent way to keep your skills sharp, fill gaps in your resume, and provide financial support.
🟢 Get the support of a career mentor/coach
If you feel lost, ask for professional assistance. A professional can support you as you make major decisions about your next steps, act as moral support and assist you in fine-tuning your resume, interview skills, and LinkedIn profile.
Bouncing back after being laid off can be challenging, but it is a manageable process – just do your best about all the things you can control.
I'm just a message away if you need me. 💬
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