I’m so sorry you are here, I’m sorry we are connecting like this. I’ve been there and remember how hard it was to wrap my head around all the work, effort, stress, and heart I put into work for it to just disappear. Who was doing the work now, how would these things get done? How will I find another job? What is even out there?
Over the years of speaking to job seekers—and job seeking myself due to layoffs, contracts ending, or shifts in the business—I’ve found myself often in this place.
Here are some things I try to do immediately. They aren’t easy, but they essentially reset your brain, which is a key thing to do during such a grand shift.
Embracing a New Beginning
Losing your job can feel like a heavy blow, but it's important to remember that it also opens the door to new opportunities. The first 48 hours after being laid off are crucial for setting a positive tone for your job search. Here's how you can turn this challenge into a springboard for your next career move.
Day 1: Reflect, Regroup, and Prepare
☕Morning: Take a Moment to Reflect
Emotional Processing: It's okay to feel upset or anxious. It’s ok to feel downright angry. Acknowledge these emotions, but don't let them overpower you. Talk through them with family, friends, trusted advisors. Be real about them, write them down or record them however you naturally would.
Positive Outlook: I know this is hard but shift your perspective. Think of this as a chance to find a job that aligns better with your aspirations. Think of this as a moment to look into yourself and discover how your skills can best serve, inspire, and grow.
☀️Afternoon: Update Your Base Level Toolkit
Resume Refinement: Revamp your resume on the highest level. Sign into Teal to help get your resume under control fast with formatting, AI, and more. Highlight recent achievements, update skills, and tailor it for the job you want. Use this time to reflect and feel good about yourself and what you’ve accomplished. If you get stuck or it’s been a long time since you’ve updated your resume, contact me. I’d be happy to spend a few minutes to help guide you through an approach.
LinkedIn Overhaul: Update your LinkedIn profile. Make sure it reflects your latest experiences and skills. Put up the #opentowork banner. Engage with your network and let them know what’s going on. Make sure anyone you’ve worked with at your last role is a connection. Start asking for recommendations from those people right away.
🌙Evening Plan and Prioritize
Goal Setting: Set clear, achievable goals for your job search.
Organize:
Apply for unemployment if it’s available. Look for other forms of government assistance that you may be eligible for. If you have severance from your previous employer, make sure you get detailed information from HR and understand fully what you can and cannot do during any severance timeline.
Create a daily schedule. Set a schedule of when you'll be job searching. It's important to have a schedule for many reasons, namely goal achievement, but also for setting boundaries and balance going into a new role or life change. You also need some 'you' time and down time. Habits take 28 days to build so this takes time, balance, and focus. You can't go in swinging with everything 19+ hours a day (I say this from experience). You'll go farther by setting a schedule. Allocate time for job searching, networking, developing and refining skills development, and engaging in self-care.
Maintain You Time. Make sure the time you set aside for yourself is held. Download an app to help with a few quiet moments like Calm or Headspace. Make a little space in your day to just chill, meditate, relax. It's important in a job search to be 'fresh' whenever someone calls, so make space to maintain calm ideas, optimism, and keep an open mind while you are seeking your next adventure.
Day 2: Dive into the Job Hunt
☕Morning: Research and Reach Out
Job Market Research: Identify industries and companies you're interested in. Use job search engines like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to research. Keep a list of top companies you’d like to target first, secondary companies, and companies that don’t align with your values or goals.
Networking: Reach out to your network. Let them know you're looking for opportunities by posting on LinkedIn. Ask if you can use them as a reference when the time comes. Some companies still reach out to references so you want to be ready. Look at anyone in your network who is hiring, see if there’s a match. Consider attending virtual networking events.
☀️Afternoon: Skill Up
Online Courses: Utilize platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning to brush up on skills relevant to your desired role.
Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications that could enhance your employability in your field.
🌙Evening: Apply and Anticipate
Job Applications: Start applying to positions. Tailor your cover letter and resume for each application. Don’t do the shotgun approach. Take enough time to customize your applications, even if that means apply to just one or two jobs to start. Use your time wisely here. A ton of people just hit “Apply Now.” Instead, seek out opportunities to go beyond the basics. Just because you can “Apply Now,” doesn’t mean you should.
Mental Preparation: Prepare for the possibility of rejections. Stay optimistic and persistent.
Tips for Staying Energized and Positive
Routine is Key: Stick to a daily routine. It keeps you focused and productive.
Stay Active: Exercise can boost your mood and energy levels.
Connect with Others: Don’t isolate yourself. Keep in touch with friends, family, and former colleagues.
Reflect on Achievements: Remind yourself of your past successes and strengths.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation or yoga.
Being laid off is undoubtedly challenging, but it's also a chance to rediscover your potential and explore new career paths. Use these initial 48 hours to set the foundation for a proactive and positive job search.
🌟Remember, every end is a new beginning, and this is your moment to shine in a new role that awaits you!
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