Getting Laid Off - MAC053

Managing A Career

There is a lot of uncertainty in the job market right now with so many news stories talking about this company or that company laying of large portions of their workforce. If you've been following the guidance that I've shared in the various episodes of this podcast, you've likely done all within your power to keep your name off of "the list", but sometimes, no matter what you do, you could find yourself impacted by a layoff.

When you lose your job, it's ok to have feelings. Acknowledge them. Work through them. Find support for them. In Episode 043 - Mental Health and You, I cover several resources and strategies that may help you in this situation. Additionally, most companies offer counselling services to those affected by a layoff; take advantage of them if you need them. If you need an escape, spend a few days taking a mental vacation so that you can return refreshed and able to focus on finding new employment.

Once you have recovered from the initial shock, the next phase is to address short-term needs. Begin by understanding what, if any, severance is offered -- not just monetary, but how long will your health insurance continue, what sort of job placement assistance will be offered, etc. Additionally, apply for any government unemployment benefits as soon as possible. It usually takes time for those processes to complete, so starting early ensure a minimal gap before they begin.

Once your immediate personal needs have been addressed, the next steps are to prepare for the upcoming job search. If you are like most people, you haven't kept your resume up to date because there wasn't a need. Take some time to review and update it. If you were offered job placement assistance as part of your severance package, that usually includes someone available to help revise your resume. Don't forget to review and update any online profiles such as LinkedIn or job boards as well.

Before you begin the actual job search, it's a good time to reflect on WHY you were let go. Why were you selected instead of your peers? What skills should you work on while you look for a job? This is also a good time to look at new skills that you can develop that can open up additional options for potential jobs. Use your time away from the daily grind to focus on learning and growth.

In Episode 029 - Building a Network, I had covered how to expand your network. You don't build a network overnight, but if you've spent time building a strong network, now is the perfect time to take advantage of it. As a personal anecdote, other than my very first job in high school, every job I've ever had can be traced back to my network in some capacity. Reach out to those that you know to see if they have leads and connections on a new job.

At this point, you are ready to begin the actual search. Determine what your ideal situation will be and target jobs that meet that criteria. Will you look for a similar job to the one you had or will you leverage new skills that you are building to transition to a different type of job? Would you be open to considering a freelance or contractor position? Is this a good time to consider a management position? Early in your job search, it's ok to be selective. But the longer the search goes, the more flexible you may need to be, based on your personal situation.

Job hunting can be trying and stressful. It is good to have someone on your side during this process. Don't be afraid to engage a personal Mentor or a Career Coach to help you with the process. They can help you review your plan and practice interview techniques so that you are better positioned to land the job that you want. There may even be instances where you will want to use a Placement Firm to aid your search -- for instance, many executive positions are not listed on the public job boards and going through a placement firm can get you access to that type of position.

If you treat your search as your job and track your progress like a project, you can distance yourself from negative emotions and keep the focus on the goal. Use the lay off as an opportunity for personal growth. And if you find you need a Career Coach, reach out to my via the ManagingACareer.com contact form. I will schedule an introductory session where we can talk about your goals. If we're a good fit, we can set up regular coaching or I can refer you to other coaches I know that may suit your needs.