Lay-offs have been in the news often lately, and it’s a topic that causes anxiety for almost everyone. There is some good news, though: according to Forbes, data from March 2022 through December 2022 shows that more than 70% of people who were laid off had found a new job within three months. Even better, more than half of those workers also reported a higher salary at their new job.
Being laid off is never fun for anyone. It can leave you worrying about your future and what lies ahead in terms of your career. It’s okay to feel upset; however, if you experience a lay-off, you can use this time to bounce back and take the opportunity to start a new chapter of your career.
You will need some time to feel the loss of your old job, especially if it’s a career path you love and enjoy. Just remember that it’s a temporary setback and likely has nothing to do with your ability to do your job well. This is your chance to be open to new opportunities and take a chance on something you might not have thought about before.
7 Strategies to Get You Back on Your Feet After a Lay-off
Don’t give up on yourself – something exciting is coming. Here are 7 ways to bounce back after being laid off from your previous job.
1. Take a break
Before you jump into your job search, take a little break to process what happened and take time to reflect. Practicing self-care, doing a fun activity and anything else that helps you feel better is a good move to help you work through this difficult time. You want to take this time to take care of yourself and work on new goals for yourself as you become ready. Turn to your support system to explore your feelings and build your confidence back up before taking the next step.
2. Be open to opportunities
Have you ever wanted to switch careers? Or try something new? Now is the best time to be open to new opportunities that might interest you. Put feelers out on your social networks and research job opportunities online. If contacts ask if you would be interested in volunteering or helping in a freelance capacity, this could be a good opportunity to keep your skills updated and try something new while you find something permanent.
3. Create a job hunt routine
You don’t want to get stuck in a slump of being in bed all day and not being productive. Make sure to keep a routine and engage in healthy habits. Exercise every day and eat well to support your health. Build a routine with specific hours dedicated to your job search. Create realistic goals around how many jobs to apply to per day, research you need to do, and anything else that is related to job hunting. Keep a healthy sleep schedule and take time during the day to engage in things you enjoy.
4. Revamp your resume
It’s easy to forget about updating your resume and portfolio when you are comfortable in your current role. This is your time to update and revamp your online brand and spruce up your resume to highlight the important skills you’ve learned over the years. Do some research to find out what employers are looking for in your industry and prepare to give examples of your accomplishments in interviews. You may even want to consider getting additional certifications to stay ahead of the competition.
5. Connect with a recruiter
Recruiters can help match you with a role and company that is suited to your skillset and experience. Connecting with a recruitment company will match you with a recruiter who can guide you on your resume and cover letter and give you the right advice for excelling at interviews. You will also have opportunities sent to you that match what you are looking for, which saves you time during the job hunt process. Through their professional networks, many recruiters know of open roles you won’t find on job boards. Best of all, most recruitment agencies are free! You have nothing to lose by putting yourself in the system.
6. Network
85% of jobs are filled via networking with personal and professional connections. Networking is very helpful when it comes to gaining advice as well as learning about opportunities that may not be listed on job boards yet. Companies often hire employees based on referrals and are usually open to speaking with candidates who have a good reputation. Don’t be shy to reach out to former colleagues and managers as they may know of something and can help you. Your connections will lead you to make more connections that could eventually help you land your next role!
7. Stay optimistic
It’s easy to feel defeated during a job hunt. After all, you might be competing with many professionals who are in the same situation as you. Understand that finding a new job might take some time and try to keep your confidence up. Be kind to yourself and reassure yourself that you are doing the best you can. The right fit will come to you soon. Bring this positivity to your interviews as well. Focus on how you will thrive in your new role and that you have the experience to succeed at a new company.
Are you – or someone you know – looking for a new opportunity? From administrative to finance and accounting, to technology and legal staffing, discover how our recruiters can help with your staffing needs.