Most people who find a home in corporate America have been laid off, fired, or experienced downsizing at one time or another. The way that businesses are now restructured, any stigma associated with being fired is not what it used to be; it’s actually how you deal with being let go that will ultimately decide how you move forward in your career. Being laid off happens, but what happens next is up to you.
In the immediate aftermath of a job loss, give yourself time to decompress. The first phase is recovery, don’t make any big decisions in those first few days, and don’t rush into the job market the day after you’ve received the news. You need time to process what happened and “how you feel about it.”
Then the hunt for a new job, a better job, can begin.
Before you make any networking calls or explore jobs on Wavely, make sure your social media profile is up and running and that you have work samples in order. Reach out to former colleagues and friends who work for organizations that interest you. Your goal is to find out what’s going on in a given sector and organization and “learn what success looks like” in it. Use what you glean from these conversations to rework your resume. The “language people use to describe success” should be reflected in your LinkedIn profile.
A job search requires incredible dedication. Don’t lose focus, the temptation when you get an interview or callback is to stop all other activities. However, even if you feel you’re getting close to a job, make sure you have other irons in the fire. One way to sustain momentum is to populate your calendar with professional meetings and networking events. Aim for at least one function a week.
LinkedIn is the go-to networking tool for job searching. Recruiters and hiring managers actively seek and vet talent on LinkedIn. Along with searching and applying for jobs via LinkedIn, here’s a tip: Seek out the hiring managers and key decision-makers for the jobs you are applying to and send these key people a connection request with a personalized message.
Being unemployed for any length of time can be difficult. It’s probably one of the most challenging times a person can face, especially if the job loss comes unexpectedly. However, remember that being laid off doesn’t mean the end of the world. It can instead be the first step in a new direction.
With Wavely, you can chat with companies directly. So go ahead and ask any questions you have in mind.