10 tips to come out stronger after a layoff

Losing your job can be extremely stressful. Unfortunately, it’s also increasingly common in the current economic climate. We only have to look to mainstream media to see the waves of job losses affecting the workforce at global corporations across different sectors.

Just a few examples include Google’s parent company, Alphabet, recently announcing a cut of 12,000 jobs globally, toymaker Hasbro laying off 15% of its workforce and Goodyear cutting500 jobs. Layoffs seem to be a frequent occurrence these days.

But these cold hard figures hide the people affected. Behind each of these numbers, the reality of a layoff is extremely personal and can be devastating.

If you’re laid off, your first reflex might be to panic. Try not to (I know that’s easier said than done). There is a way out of it, and your career may be even better on the other side.

In this article, I explain how to bounce back from a layoff, including tips on what to do right after a layoff to mentally prepare and take stock of your situation, how to start the search for your new job and how to plan your career comeback.

How to get back from a layoff

Bouncing back from a layoff can seem like a mountain to climb, especially at first. Once you’ve processed the very initial shock, here’s what to do next…

What to do right after a layoff

1. Don’t lay the blame

While being laid off can feel agonizingly personal, it’s really not about your work or how you perform in your role. Your position may no longer be needed, but you still have all the skills, talents, achievements and experience you had before. 

You’ll likely feel strongly about your situation, but blaming individuals or enacting revenge is counterproductive and will ultimately reflect badly on you. Don’t forget that you’ll still need a reference, and your former colleagues could be a valuable network for finding roles in the future. You never know when you’ll reconnect with people from your previous roles.

2. Stay calm, clear-minded, and focused

Take a step back and try to remain focused, calm, determined and professional. Be kind to yourself and think of this time as an opportunity to reassess your career and remind yourself of your values and achievements.

If you think about it, you probably know of someone who’s been laid off but now has a better job or a whole different career. 

Having this clarity will help you move forward, recognize that your situation will improve and identify the steps you can take to bounce back. Starting with…

3. Start small

After you’ve been laid off, it’s important to set realistic goals for your next career steps - just take them one at a time and you’ll get much more of a confidence boost when each one is completed. You could try doing some of these as a way to feel more positive and productive as you bounce back from a layoff:

• Make a list of your strengths and achievements and pin it somewhere visible
• If you have time, add to your skillset with a part-time or online course or volunteer work
• Spend time with family and friends or on hobbies and interests that make you feel positive. A supportive network will make it easier to stay confident and optimistic - and don’t forget that it’s ok to ask for help
• Thinking of a totally new career direction? Talking to a professional career coach can help you gain clarity and confidence

How to start your new job search

When you feel more focused and clear in your mind, the next major step in your bounce-back is to start your new job search. Here are some tips to approach this successfully…

4. Re-assess your career and future direction

Firstly, create a list of your professional achievements. What results or qualifications did you get or which successes were you most proud of? Doing this serves not only as a confidence boost, but also looks great when it comes to updating your resume (more on that below).

Think of being laid off as a good opportunity to re-evaluate your career so far and think about what’s important to you now. What have you enjoyed about your job? And more importantly, is there anything you didn’t enjoy and are relieved not to have to do anymore? Do you want a change of direction? Could you retrain or do you want to go back to school?

5. Rethink the way you job search

The recruitment market has evolved over the last several years and you may need to consider how you’ll look for a new role. Sending a generic resume to various potential employers might feel positive in that you’re doing something and making an effort, but it probably won’t serve a purpose. You need to get strategic.

This is crucial in bouncing back from a layoff - probably more crucial than anything else you can do. A common error is that people don’t change their resume or cover letter for every role they apply for. Every employer’s needs are different, and you absolutely have to demonstrate how you will add value to that specific organization and in that specific role. It’s also the only way to ensure you’ve got the keywords in your resume to get past the Applicant Tracking Systems that 90% of recruiters use.

6. Take a critical look at your resume

If you’ve been with the same organization for a good while or you want a career change, the likelihood is that your resume will need a complete revamp.

Firstly, take a critical look at the resume you have now (if you have one), and then make sure it’s completely up-to-date. Then take a step back before you evaluate it again. It’s also a good idea to get a former colleague or trusted friend to have a look at it, too.

7. Update your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is a powerful tool in your job search, and neglecting it can mean missing out on some great opportunities. Not only can you use it to find new roles, but the vast majority of recruiters use LinkedIn to find people like you who are looking for work.

That means you need a 100% complete and keyword-optimized LinkedIn profile, and you need to be active on the platform daily - it’s a great way to network (more on that in tip #9).

Jobs are also advertised on Facebook and Twitter, so make sure all your social profiles are up-to-date, active, and professional.

8. Consider a professional career coach

If you’re unsure about where to go since your layoff, you might feel the need for some more structured, formalized, and professional advice.

A career coach can guide you on your path back into the workforce, helping you with everything from identifying what you want from your career and how to get it, to creating the perfect resume, preparing for interviews, and maximizing your opportunities for success.

How to plan your career comeback

So, you’re in the right headspace; you have a perfect resume, your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, and you know the type of role you’re looking for. What’s next?

9. Leverage your network

Face-to-face networking is critical. Friends, family, former colleagues, professional bodies, and career meetups are all great ways to hear about open roles. You can also use your network to make new connections and keep up with your industry.

Talking to people is also great prep for interviews. Getting out there and networking means you’re practicing talking about your key selling points and how you add value. 

It’s also a good idea to put together and rehearse positive, professional responses to questions about your recent layoff. 

10. Reach out to a recruiter

Another part of networking is forming relationships with key recruiters in your industry (LinkedIn is a great way to find and contact them). 

Don’t leave it at the introduction stage, it’s important to keep in touch with recruiters so you’re top of mind and they think of you first when a new role comes up.

And a final bonus tip…

11. Hold your head high because you will bounce back

Dealing with the emotional repercussions of getting laid off can be a real challenge. You’ve no doubt put a lot into your career, and it’s given you a sense of identity and achievement.

But going through a layoff happens to the best of us, and it can also give you cause to reflect and re-evaluate your future -  after all, getting laid off doesn’t hold the stigma it once did.

Remember, you can get back from a layoff - and you may even land a better job.

If you need help standing out in the job market and landing your next role after a layoff, Hanover’s candidate solutions can help you identify your target roles, illustrate your “fit”, excel through interview coaching and negotiate your offer. Find out more.