It’s no secret that we’re living in a time of uncertainty, where layoffs are becoming increasingly common. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these layoffs are not the fault of the hardworking individual. In fact, they are often the result of economic downturns, corporate restructurings, or budget cuts beyond anyone’s control.
Undoubtedly, you’re aware of the recent wave of layoffs. Perhaps you, yourself, have been affected, which might be the very reason you’re reading this article.
Despite this challenging circumstance, it’s essential to remember that being laid off does not define your entire professional story. Far from it. Instead, it offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate your resilience and capacity for growth.
- Resilience: the ability to bounce back from adversity and keep going.
- Growth: the capacity to learn from our experiences and evolve professionally.
If you’ve recently faced a layoff, don’t despair. This article will equip you with five practical suggestions to effectively and powerfully integrate these periods into your professional narrative. The goal is to present it as an opportunity, rather than a threat, to your career.
1. Embrace transparency and honesty
One of the most important aspects of crafting your professional story after a layoff is transparency. It might seem tempting to try and hide or gloss over this period in your career, but this can often do more harm than good. Below, we delve into the reasons why being upfront about your layoff experience is crucial.
- Building Trust: Employers value honesty and integrity. When you are transparent about your employment history, including layoffs, it shows potential employers that you are forthright and trustworthy.
- Fostering Understanding: Layoffs are a common occurrence in today’s ever-changing job market. Most employers understand this and appreciate when a candidate can openly discuss their experiences.
- Promoting Growth: A period of layoff can be a time of personal and professional growth. By being open about this period, you can demonstrate how you’ve used the time to upskill, broaden your expertise, or reassess your career goals.
Remember: “Transparency fosters trust, and trust is the foundation of great teamwork.”
Being laid off is not a mark of failure. It’s a part of many professionals’ journeys. And when handled with honesty and confidence, it can become a compelling chapter in your career story.
2. Craft a thoughtful approach
Getting laid off is a tough experience, but remember, it’s one that many of us have been through. It’s not the end of the world, and it certainly doesn’t have to be the end of your professional growth. You can frame this change in your life in a way that showcases your resilience, adaptability, and hunger for personal development. Here are some strategies to help you do just that:
- Emphasise the positives: No matter how difficult the experience might have been, try to extract the positive aspects from it. Maybe you had the chance to learn new skills, or perhaps you gained a new perspective on your career path.
- Showcase your resilience: Losing a job can be tough, but bouncing back from it shows a lot about your character. Use this as an opportunity to show potential employers that you’re adaptable and able to handle change.
- Highlight lessons learned: Even if the layoff was due to factors beyond your control, there may be lessons you learned from the experience. Maybe you discovered a need for a new skill, or you recognised an area for improvement in your work.
- Discuss the skills you gained: You might have used this time to upskill, learn new things, or diversify your skill set. This could be anything from mastering Excel to gaining a deeper understanding of your industry.
Your career story isn’t defined by a single event, but by how you adapt and grow from each experience. Your layoff is just another chapter in that story. Frame it positively, and it can become a compelling part of your professional narrative.
These strategies aren’t just about painting a rosy picture – they’re about extracting genuine lessons and growth from your experiences. Keep this in mind as you update your resume and prepare for interviews. It’s not about covering up a layoff, but about embracing it as a part of your unique career story.
3. Highlight transferable skills
It’s perfectly natural if some of your gathered wisdom seems tailored to the specific company where you were employed. Indeed, certain experiences may not seem immediately applicable to other companies or industries. However, don’t underestimate the value of your evolved skill set. These are the competencies that you’ve honed over time, and they are unquestionably transferable. Any business, regardless of its sector, can benefit from these skills.
Let’s discuss how to identify skills acquired during your previous role that are applicable to new opportunities.
- Transferable Skills: These are skills you’ve acquired that can be used across a wide range of roles and industries. Think about your problem-solving capabilities, communication skills, project management expertise, or technological proficiency. All of these could potentially be invaluable in your next role.
- Technical Skills: This is where you consider your industry-specific abilities. For example, if you were in a marketing role and versed in SEO or Google Analytics, these skills could be very attractive to potential employers in a similar field.
- Soft Skills: Don’t undervalue your interpersonal skills. Your ability to collaborate, lead, motivate, and negotiate are all critical attributes that can set you apart in the job market.
Every skill you’ve acquired in your previous role is a stepping stone to your next opportunity. Don’t see your layoff as a setback, but rather as a setup for a grander comeback.
Now, take a moment to list down each of these skills. This will not only help you realise the value you bring but will also assist you in crafting an impactful resume. Your layoff period is not a gap in your professional story but a period of growth and resilience. Remember, you’re not starting from scratch; you’re starting from experience.
Want to delve deeper into the realm of transferable skills? We’ve got just the resource for you. We previously published an enlightening article that thoroughly explores this topic, complete with helpful examples. Fin the article here and get a deeper understanding.
4. Showcase achievements and impact
Being laid off does not erase your past contributions or the value you’ve brought to your previous organisations. In fact, focusing on these can help reinforce your professional worth in your resume. It’s crucial to remember that you are not defined by your layoff, but rather by the impact you’ve made and the achievements you’ve garnered throughout your career. It’s important to present these with pride.
Your achievements are your personal evidence of your capabilities and the value you can bring to a new organisation. They are your shining beacon during a layoff period.
Quantifying your achievements helps potential employers understand the scope of your impact and the value you added to your previous organisations. Remember, numbers speak louder than words on a resume. Here are some ways you can quantify your achievements:
- Percentage: Use percentages to highlight efficiency improvements, cost savings, or revenue growth.
- Numerical Value: If you’ve increased sales, managed a team of a certain size, or been responsible for a project budget, including these numerical values can be impactful.
- Ranking: If you’ve been ranked or rated in your job (e.g., “top salesperson of the year”), include this in your achievements.
By highlighting these achievements, you’re telling a potential employer that despite a period of layoff, you’ve previously shown resilience and capability in your career. This is the story that will shine through in your resume.
5. Leverage networking and references
Transition periods are often fraught with uncertainty and fear, but they don’t have to be. With the right mindset, they can be an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Let’s focus on one key strategy: networking.
Networking is about making connections and building enduring, mutually beneficial relationships. It is your ticket to tap into the hidden job market, a means to discover opportunities that aren’t advertised.
Here are some valuable tips to help you leverage networking during your transition period:
- Stay Connected: Reach out to former colleagues, supervisors, or classmates. Make an effort to keep these relationships alive. They might know of opportunities that you would otherwise miss.
- Elevate your online presence: Update your LinkedIn profile. Engage in relevant discussions and post content related to your field. This can attract the attention of potential employers.
- Join professional groups: Participate in forums and discussions. Attend seminars, webinars, or workshops. These platforms give you a chance to meet industry leaders and like-minded professionals.
How to obtain references?
References can be the deciding factor for a hiring manager. Here are some effective ways to obtain them:
- Ask politely: Reach out to your previous colleagues or supervisors. Explain why you need a reference and what it should entail.
- Provide a reference guide: Give them an idea of the job you’re applying for. Share the key skills or experiences you’d like them to emphasise.
- Follow up: Don’t forget to thank them for their help. This maintains a positive relationship and keeps the line open for future requests.
Remember, the transition period is not merely a pause in your career. It’s a moment to discover new paths, acquire new skills, and forge new relationships. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of it.
Use these expert tips to bolster your job search following a layoff. It’s crucial to view this period as an opportunity for growth and the chance to find a more fulfilling role. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but the only viable option is to keep moving forward.
Don’t waste precious time dwelling on the situation. It’s beyond our control, and it’s important to recognise this to avoid unnecessary stress. Remember, every setback is a setup for an even greater comeback.
