How to Bounce Back and Get a Job After a Layoff

You might be noticing your company is making cutbacks, or you’ve recently been laid off.  Regardless of the situation, start getting prepared before the last minute.   

As someone who’s experienced a layoff, I know how hard this time can be and all the feelings and challenges that come with it.   

Because it doesn’t matter if you’re working at a job you’re passionate about or stuck in a toxic work environment; nobody wants to lose their job when it’s beyond their control!

A layoff can trigger emotions such as:

• Anger

• Frustration

• Fear

• Insecurity

• Disappointment

• Self-doubt or questing your abilities

• Anxiety about your future

You might be thinking to yourself:

• “How will I find another job? 

• “What will this mean for my financial situation?” 

• “What steps do I take now?”

• “Should I search for a job before I’m laid off?”

• “Where do I even start?”

If you’re feeling any of this, don’t worry.  I’ve got you covered.  Let’s look at the steps you should take to prepare for a layoff and how to bounce back after.  Let’s dive in!

How to prepare for a layoff

Access your financial situation (including a severance package)

Determine your financial requirements and how to manage your money after a layoff.  This includes:

·        Review your savings

·        Establish a budget to accommodate expenses during the job search process

·        Review your 401 K

·        Update your insurance

·        Dial back on spending

Review your layoff specifics (including severance & benefits)

When you're laid off, your employer may present you with a severance package , and the amount is usually based on your length of employment.

It’s important to note that The Fair Labor Standards Act does not require an employer to give you severance benefits, meaning each company has their own policies.    

If you’re notified of your layoff, review your severance benefits and know how to negotiate them.

Severance Packages can include:

·        A lump some one-time payment or monthly installments

·        Extended salary for a certain amount of time

·        Health insurance or life insurance options

·        Stock options

·        Retirement plans

·        Job assistance or outplacement services

File for unemployment

You might be unsure and questioning, “Do I qualify for unemployment benefits after I’m laid off?”  And each state has unique guidelines for filing unemployment claims, so it’s important to research your state’s specific requirements so you can get started and apply. 

Generally, you need to have been laid off through no fault of your own to be eligible for unemployment benefits. Additionally, you must be able to work and actively seek new employment to receive these benefits.

You can look up the U.S. Department of Labor or guidelines by state here: https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits/unemployment-benefits.aspx

Process your feelings

Experiencing a layoff can be pretty distressing and often traumatic, so it's crucial to practice self-compassion during this period.  Give yourself the space to work through the emotions of job loss.

Having a job can give us a sense of security because we know what to expect daily, and we find purpose and confidence in our work.  But, when you lose a job, it impacts your mental, emotional, and financial well-being. 

It’s normal to feel a lot of feelings during this time, so take time to acknowledge how losing your job is making you feel, and that it might be triggering insecurity or fear.  Process these feelings to move forward with a clear mind. 

Surround yourself with Positivity & Positive Support

During this time, your emotions are running high, and it’s hard not to let fear and worry take over.  However, maintaining a positive mindset and surrounding yourself with people who can uplift and encourage you is crucial during this period. 

Also, remain open to new possibilities.  Yes, there are a lot of challenges when you lose your job unexpectedly, but stay positive and open to what greatness can come out of this situation.  Believe in your ability to find work again soon and view this phase as a stepping stone to a better future!

Things to do to stay positive:

·        Start your day with positive affirmations

·        Remain open to positive possibilities

·        Connect with your support network

Job Searching after being laid off

Get clear on want you want to do next

After being laid off, it’s hard not to feel desperate to quickly find a job and jump at the next opportunity.  But take time to get clear on your next career move (especially if you’re unsure).  Find jobs that look interesting, but don’t apply yet.   

When deciding your next career move:

·        Evaluate your strengths and what you like to do. 

·        Look at job descriptions to see what interests you.

·        Reflect on previous jobs and identify aspects you liked or disliked  

·        Identify your career goals (is now the right time to change industries or a career change, or time to go back to school, etc.?)

·        Get clear on your ideal job or dream job

·        Research different positions

Search for jobs Online or Reach out to Recruiters in your field

When starting your job search, look online for jobs on websites such as LinkedIn, Monster, or Indeed. Research companies: Before applying or interviewing, research the company and its culture, values, and recent news to show your genuine interest and to make informed decisions about your job search.

You can also look online for temp agencies for work in your field or look up recruiting companies in your industry to get them working for you to find a great fit.

Reach out to contacts & Network

Reach out to your contacts, including former colleagues, friends, and family members, to let them know you're searching for a new job. Attend networking events, seminars, and industry meetups to make new connections.

Consider emailing your contacts explaining you’re currently looking for new work opportunities in XYZ field doing XYZ. If anyone knows of any new positions available to let you know or please connect you with the right contacts. 

Update your Resume

Start working on your stand- out resume that’s tailored for the position you’re applying to.

One way to address a layoff is to consider how you list your dates of employment.  Just include the year you started and the year you ended with the company; no need to include the month. 

Then, consider addressing your layoff in your cover letter. This only needs to be one sentence that your company recently eliminated your position and then going on to why you’re interested in this company.  

Update your LinkedIn Profile (or Create one)

LinkedIn remains a great job search tool to showcase your skills and qualifications while connecting and engaging with potential employers.  Make sure you have a winning LinkedIn profile. 

Some tips to get started include:

·        Upload a recent & professional profile picture

·        Keep your headline meaningful & catchy

·        Create a meaningful and attention grabbing headline

·        Write a standout summary

·        Highlight your relevant experience

·        Achieve profile completeness- LinkedIn’s algorithm favors users  with complete profiles, so it’s an advantage to fully complete yours.

Prepare for Interviews

Practice your interview skills by preparing answers for the common interview questions, including, “Why are you leaving your current job if you were laid off?”

Tip: Even though you might be frustrated with your company for the layoffs, don’t speak negatively about it during your interview.  Instead, frame your layoff by addressing the layoff, but then focusing on your future goals. You can say something like, “My past company recently had cutbacks and layoffs.  But, I’ve taken this time to really think about my next career path and what I’m looking for which is XYZ.  Then include a couple of sentences explaining why you want this job and to work for the company you’re interviewing for.

This helps you take this question and use it as an opportunity to move from the past to the future in a couple of sentences.

Get your References Lined Up

Almost all companies will ask for a list of 3 references before they extend a job offer.  And you want to ensure you’re carefully evaluating and selecting the right references for them to call.   

·        1) Consider who you want to select;

·        2) Ask them if it’s ok you list them; and

·        3) Ensure they're well-informed and ready to emphasize your desired skills and personal attributes when a potential employer contacts them, helping you secure the position.

Final Thoughts

After being let go, I struggled with self-doubt, insecurity, and a lack of confidence. 

I internalized the layoff as though it was my mistake, but the truth is that these situations are quite common and unrelated to your abilities, value, or potential.

Losing your job doesn't define your worth or predict how much value you'll bring to your next employer. Don't let this derail your progress.

Looking for a new job can feel like a full-time job, so it’s important to still take care of your wellbeing.  Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, and connect with friends and family for support and motivation.    

Stay focused on your future - apply for jobs you're passionate about and pursue your goals and aspirations! It's a challenging period, but you can overcome it.

Believe there’s a bigger plan for you and something better in store for you.  It may feel difficult to see now, but remember, this is just a season or chapter in your life story. Turn the page and trust in better days to come. 

You got this!

- Melody Joy