You Have Been Laid Off. Now What?

Being laid off can be the ultimate career kick in the shins. It is not a new concept or event, but it feels very different when it happens to you. So, now what?

1. First, take a moment. Let the news digest and allow your emotions to settle. Even if you heard layoffs were coming, no one ever thinks it could happen to them. You may feel shock, anger, sadness, or anxiousness. All are valid. You want to get your emotions in check before you jumpstart your job search efforts. Far too often, I have watched people rush into the job search game with their emotions bundling their networking, interview, or application efforts.

2. Set a deadline. Set a calendar deadline to process the event. People can experience an emotional tsunami once they have been laid off. I recommend people give themselves five days. During this time, you can hash out what and how it happened as much as you need to. But at the end of the last day, STOP. Stop talking about anything or anyone around the layoff. From this point on, you only prepare for what comes next.

3. Repeat after me: Being laid off has nothing to do with my performance. Do not waste valuable time and energy trying to pinpoint a reason. People often rack their brains trying to understand why they were laid off. Layoffs are a numbers game of two things: headcount and cost. Notice I did not say performance or loyalty. Employers do not review past performance reviews or think of all the times you worked late. Ironically, for all the painstaking efforts companies make to vet and hire the best talent, they give it away without much consideration.

4. Before you walk out the door, request a letter of reference. Because layoffs are not performance-based, your employer should have no problem providing a letter of reference to help support your job search efforts moving forward. This letter should highlight specific capabilities, skills, and industry knowledge. This can be incredibly helpful as you pursue job opportunities.

5. Get your resume together. Nothing happens unless your resume is at-the-ready. If this task feels overwhelming because you haven't done it in a while, break it down.

• Make a list of what you did on a daily basis, the big projects, the challenges, and the accomplishments.
• Think about what you did, that was not in your job description.
• How did you impact the people around you? Did you mentor others or help other teams when needed?
• What are you the most proud of during your tenure?
• If you are struggling, try researching current job postings of your exact role at other companies. Seeing an example of your role described by an outside source can often kickstart the writing process.

6. Update your LinkedIn profile. And I mean, really update it. Your LinkedIn profile influences your job search, networking, interview, and negotiation experience.

• A high-quality professional profile picture is a must!
• Complete the essential sections: Headline, Professional Summary/About, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications/Licenses, Awards Volunteer, Skills, and Organizations.
• Change your settings to PUBLIC, so e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e can see your profile.
• When aggressively searching for a job, you need a Premium LinkedIn membership. No, it's not cheap- which is an insult to injury when you just lost your job. (Note- *I am not paid or endorsed by LinkedIn.)

7. Engage LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the mothership of professional opportunities and connections. The more you use LinkedIn, the more LinkedIn uses you.

• Dedicate the first hour of your day to LinkedIn. This ensures your job search and networking efforts are never overlooked or pushed off because something else in your day came along to derail your search efforts.
• Click on the LinkedIn profiles of people you are already connected to. This allows you to re-learn where people are working and their current roles. This will enable you to use your professional network in smarter and more focused ways.
• Observe where others are announcing new roles and jobs. This tells you those companies are hiring. Equally important, notice what company they left. This tells you where there is an opening long before the job is posted.
• Pay attention to your feed and get involved. Like, comment, share, and post. If you do post, make sure it is high-quality, professional content. This improves your professional visibility with your connections and beyond.

8. Apply for jobs through LinkedIn AND the company website. Fun fact- these applications don't always go to the same place or the same person. Some funnel directly to the lead recruiter or HR, some funnel to an ATS (applicant tracking system), and some funnel to a general applicant mailbox. This will depend on the company. Completing the application twice may feel tedious, but it is better to be safe than sorry, so your application is not lost in the shuffle.

9. Send a cover letter with EVERY application. Even if the employer does not request one, send one! Every cover letter should be tailored to the job and the company. Demonstrate what you know and your interest in the organization that you CANNOT find on the website. Think about it, everyone goes to the website. Yes- your cover letter can be personalized; no- it cannot be unprofessional.

10. Start Networking! Every networking conversation is an interview in disguise. It is easier and less scary to quietly apply to jobs online, but I promise you, it is 100x more effective to actively network when you are seeking your next job.

• Practice how you will explain your professional story. (see below).
• Do not overthink who you can or cannot reach out to. Every contact is worthy. Why? Because you don't know who they know. Reach out and give yourself a chance.
• Seek professional advice and insights for your job search. This is different from asking someone for a favor. The golden rule of smart networking is to make someone feel useful, not used.
• Networking can happen in person or virtually. Interpersonal connections, even when assisted by technology, drive opportunities faster than blind applications ever will.
• Connect on LinkedIn. Smart networking is about building relationships that last. LinkedIn allows you to stay connected and engaged with the people you meet.

11. Practice explaining your professional story before you start networking. Notice I did not say to practice your elevator pitch. Why? Because no one likes to be pitched. Instead, determine the core elements of your professional story you can lend to a natural conversation. If you can answer these four questions well, you can speak to your career experience with ease. Your professional story should never feel forced.

• What was your job title/role, and whom did you work for?
• What kind of work do you do?
• Moving forward, what kind of work/roles are you interested in?
• What do you love about the work you do?
• Practice explaining your professional story OUTLOUD. Do not show up to your first networking meeting, hoping the words will magically roll off your tongue. Nerves and adrenaline can get in the way, and bundle your message.

Being laid off never feels good. Take a moment to find your footing. But once you do, take the steps that move you closer to your next job opportunity. It only takes one great opportunity to lead to a job offer. Someone has to get hired. It might as well be you.