Out of Work? Game on!

Lay-offs, downsizing, and right-sizing are terms that leave an emotional wake in the world-of-work. The shifting of talent supply and demand has become ubiquitous in all sectors and whether you have been let go, or left on your own accord, it’ time to consider what’s next.

Silver Lining

While it’s hard to see the bright side with a lay-off, it’s essential to process your emotions and mourn the loss before you dive into a new job search. Clarity of mind and the space for reflection will give you the chance to consider what you really want next that honors your values and plays to your strengths. It may also be a great opportunity to consider something new and different. Perhaps an entrepreneurial venture, or a career pivot in a new field.

My voice teacher many years ago shared the concept of a 24-hour pout period. This is a designated day to rant and rave in the privacy of your own space to wallow, whine, and let it all out when I didn’t land an audition with a contract. I still give myself time to grieve the loss of career disappointments, so I can honor the setback and muster my resilience to get back on the proverbial horse.

Blame Game

Loss is upsetting and a career loss can be devastating emotionally and financially. It’s easy to blame your organization if you are a casualty of a restructure, or if the slate has been cleared of current staff when a new leader is hired. This happens frequently and your talent, value-add, and experience may not have been part of the decision-making process.

You might throw metaphorical darts at your former company’s logo in the 24-hour pout period, but eventually it’s time to consider the lessons to be learned. Consider how you can approach your next career opportunity differently to ensure that you are seen, heard, and valued by your organization, especially in lean times where your outcomes are scrutinized. Perform your due diligence when considering organizations to research their history of downsizing and solvency, so you can approach new opportunities with your eyes wide open.

Exit Strategy

Even if you were laid off, you can still be strategic about your departure. Ask for LinkedIn recommendations from trusted former colleagues or leaders who will speak highly about your work. Consider whom you can ask to serve as a reference for future opportunities.

Negotiate a severance package that honors your tenure and service to the organization. While the standard package may be offered, you can and should negotiate because it never hurts to ask.

Here are a few other essentials to consider as you depart.

• Request outplacement career coaching resources or funding to work with a coach to navigate your new job search. You can itemize your personal coaching expenses on your taxes.
• Ask about COBRA coverage to extend your health care during the transition.
• Apply for unemployment insurance to help you bridge the gap financially.

Avoid the Spray and Pray Job Application Approach

LinkedIn is an amazing tool that I highly recommend maximizing in your job search. Polish your profile to tell your story, showcase your expertise and value-add and make sure you have a current (and realistic) photo of yourself. In the digital age, LinkedIn is the first-place recruiters and hiring managers go to check you out.

To trigger the algorithm and become more visible on the platform, connect with 500+ people, comment and share compelling posts, and craft your own posts or blogs to showcase your subject matter expertise.

The reality is that thousands of people apply to roles posted on LinkedIn and other online job site, so don’t simply apply to everything that looks remotely interesting. Take the time to do your research and find people who work at these organizations that are in your current or prospective network.

Seek out alumni from colleges and universities you attended, or organizations where you have worked before. Turn warm leads into informational interviews and have conversations with people as you apply for roles. Most companies have referral programs for candidates they recommend who are hired which come with a financial bonus.

80% of your time should be spent networking and building relationships and 20% should be spent on the application process. People hire who they know and trust and blindly submitting mass applications is an exercise in futility and frustration.

 Time for a Change

The forced change in your employment is the ideal opportunity to reflect about what you really want your life and career to look like.

Consider working with a career coach who can take you back to the basics to consider:

• What strengths do I want to put to work?
• What do I want my life to look like, as well as my career?
• What are my values and interests and how can I align them with a new role?

Getting a bit more existential, it’s never too early or late to reflect on the following:

• What brings me meaning and purpose?
• What have I always wanted to do and never had the chance?
• What will I regret not doing?
• What do I want my legacy to be?
• What do I want to feel proud of?

Empower Your Network

If I can leave you with one thing to remember, it’s to have clarity about your story. Develop the narrative about what you want to do and the strengths you bring to a new opportunity. This should be honed into a brief conversation you can share easily during your networking conversations and job interviews.

Don’t keep your unemployed status a well-kept secret. While being laid off can feel embarrassing and sad, you are in good company and will find solace knowing you are not alone. It’s no longer a red flag in the hiring process since the practice has become so prevalent. Be relentless about sharing your new career narrative with everyone, including family and friends so they can be career scouts and ambassadors for you.

The career world is about relationships and others will help if they know what you are looking for and what you bring to the table.

Resiliency Matters

While the set-back sucks in the moment, it also provides an opportunity to showcase your resilience and recovery skills. Change is ubiquitous and being able to navigate unexpected change, challenge, and circumstances showcases you as a valuable player in the career world.

Perhaps you took on contract, or part time work to make ends meet during your career transition. Showcasing your scrappiness is an asset and one you should share proudly. You deserve to be happy in life and career and this fresh start is the first next step.