As I read the headlines about the large layoffs in the computer industry and the responses of those affected, I recalled my own experience with layoffs.
That occurred on my first day back to work following my first maternity leave.
My manager called me within minutes of my return from leave to “update some paperwork” with Human Resources.
As the HR representative joined us, they informed me that I, along with several other employees, had been laid off.
They brought my items to me, took my identification badge, and escorted me out of the facility.
That’s the end.
I went from sobbing about having to leave my baby at home to crying over losing my job in a single morning.
Yet, this turned out to be the best thing for my profession.
Within thirty days, I got a significantly better job.
How did I retake my career so swiftly and with such success?
In retrospect, I attribute that to three significant elements.
1. Sell your skills
At the time of my layoff, I had spent about nine years working in the IT and cybersecurity audit and compliance industry. During that time, I had built up an impressive set of skills, including technical skills, leadership skills, and training skills as a corporate teacher.
Hence, I quickly revised my résumé to ensure that it showed all of my skills.
If you have recently been laid off, consider the abilities you have earned over the years.
If you’ve been at your job for some time, it’s likely that you haven’t evaluated your abilities or updated your résumé in years.
Take the time to evaluate your skills and change your CV to show what you’ve done.
Knowing your value can provide you with the confidence to recover your career.
You might also take this chance to examine any new abilities you should learn in order to be a competitive applicant for a new job.
2. Establish your network
It may sound trite, but it is really essential to utilize your resources when searching for a new job.
This is especially true when thousands of other unemployed professionals are simultaneously seeking employment.People you’ve worked with in the past may be the best thing you have going for you when you’re looking for a job.
For example, the week I was fired, I called an executive at my old company with whom I had worked closely and had a great relationship.
I described the problem to him and proposed a lunch meeting.
The next week, when we met, he gave me my previous position without an interview since my track record spoke for itself.
While I did not accept that position, I requested one that better suited my needs as a new mother.
After two weeks of that lunch meeting, I signed the employment offer letter.
Ask your professional connections whether they are aware of or have any available openings.
You will be astonished by how many individuals are eager to collaborate with you again.
This is also an opportunity to be straightforward about your desired role and professional goals.
This will guarantee that your network is aware of your desired career path.
3. Keep a positive mindset.
The day I was laid off, I was inconsolable, but the following morning, I determined to alter my perspective.
I saw the layoff as a sign that something greater was on the horizon.
Because I could concentrate on a brighter future, there was no need to dwell on the past.
Although I received three months of severance pay, I was also pleased that I could spend more time with my child.
This optimistic disposition was clear in my interaction with the executive who gave me the position, and I believe it influenced his choice to hire me.
I urge you not to linger on your circumstances, however tough they may seem.
While you look for a new career, you should prioritize positivity.
You want prospective employers to focus on your positive attitude and the value you provide to the firm.
It will not be simple, but it is feasible.
Now, I recognize that getting laid off contributed to many of my professional achievements because it enabled me to detach from my job identity and concentrate on becoming the greatest version of myself.
With the three elements of my abilities, network, and optimistic outlook, I was able to regain my footing after being laid off.
I think that these keys will work for you as well.
