Discover how to continue professional development and maintain peer support after experiencing a job layoff.

During periods of unemployment, along with continued learning, consider voluntary opportunities, which represent valuable learning, engagement and excellent use of your time.

Start by choosing a volunteer project to start networking and increasing LinkedIn contacts. Consider furthering your education, perhaps starting with free online courses such as LinkedIn Learning and then posting your certificate for prospective recruiters, colleagues, and hiring managers to notice.

Volunteering is a great way to pay It back, do something for a cause that you care about, learn new and hone existing skills and of course expand your network. It’s also a brilliant thing to talk about at interviews. Plus who knows, it could lead to opportunities you would never have known about otherwise. It could be that you volunteer a set amount of hours / days per week or per month, so it will leave plenty of time for job searching and probably energise you more on the days you are searching for your next role.

Continuing to stay sharp professionally while unemployed is a vitally important component in today's job market. Employers want to know what you have been doing since leaving your last job. Be sure to put a priority on learning, skills development, and personal growth during a job search.

Do like I did… start something totally new… fresh energy, lots of time… two great ingredients to start a new business. I started a new business totally out of my comfort zone and it worked out fantastic!

Personal projects relevant to your career can keep your skills sharp. You can also add to your skillset by getting a new certification.

Last updated on Jul 10, 2024

Here's how you can keep growing professionally while unemployed after a layoff.

Losing your job can be a challenging experience, but it also presents an opportunity to grow professionally. While the initial shock may leave you feeling lost, it's important to remember that this period can be a time of significant personal development. By focusing on your skills, expanding your network, and staying proactive, you can turn this setback into a stepping stone for your career. Embrace the chance to reflect on your professional journey, identify areas for improvement, and strategize your next move. With the right mindset and actions, unemployment can become a productive phase that propels you forward.

1 Skill Sharpening

During unemployment, take the opportunity to sharpen your skills. This could mean deepening your expertise in areas you're already familiar with or branching out into new domains. Consider online courses, certifications, or even self-directed study to enhance your skill set. This not only keeps you engaged and intellectually stimulated but also makes you more attractive to future employers. Remember, learning is a continuous process, and staying updated with industry trends and technologies is crucial in today's ever-evolving job market.

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Susan Mozian

Virtual Career Coach | Resume Development | LinkedIn Brand Development | Career Transition Consultant | Interview Coaching | Salary Negotiation Coaching | Trainer
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Start by choosing a volunteer project to start networking and increasing LinkedIn contacts. Consider furthering your education, perhaps starting with free online courses such as LinkedIn Learning and then posting your certificate for prospective recruiters, colleagues, and hiring managers to notice.

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Marsy Billinger (she/her/hers)

Career and job search coach extraordinaire - I don’t have all the answers to life, but I do for job search!
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It’s very important to do this before interviewing. It shows you are taking the initiative and not counting on the company to pay for it.

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2 Network Growth

Networking is essential, especially when you're between jobs. Reach out to former colleagues, join professional groups, and attend industry events, even if they're virtual. Every interaction is a chance to learn and to make connections that could lead to new opportunities. Networking isn't just about finding your next job; it's about building relationships that can offer support, advice, and insights that are invaluable for your professional growth.

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Nathan Adams

★ 1,000's of resumes reviewed and written; 1,000's of job seekers coached to success! ★ Career Coaching | Resume Writing | Job Search Strategy | Interview Training | Salary Negotiation
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It's best to start networking while employed, because networking takes time. Networking is like gardening; you must plant seeds, water them, and wait for them to grow.

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3 Volunteer Work

Consider volunteering your skills to organizations or causes you care about. This keeps you active in the workforce and can fill gaps in your resume. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and can also be a great way to demonstrate your commitment to your profession. It often leads to new skills and experiences that can be just as valuable as those gained in paid employment, and sometimes even more so because of the unique challenges and opportunities they present.

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Suzanne Penny

Executive Career Transition & Leadership Coach. Get unstuck, drive positive change and step into your leadership light. Coaching & Training Leaders & Teams to Transition & Thrive. Championing Single Parents. 🦋
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Volunteering is a great way to pay It back, do something for a cause that you care about, learn new and hone existing skills and of course expand your network. It’s also a brilliant thing to talk about at interviews. Plus who knows, it could lead to opportunities you would never have known about otherwise. It could be that you volunteer a set amount of hours / days per week or per month, so it will leave plenty of time for job searching and probably energise you more on the days you are searching for your next role.

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4 Personal Projects

Unemployment is an excellent time to work on personal projects that can showcase your skills and passion. Whether it's a research paper, a blog related to your field, or a creative endeavor, these projects can serve as practical examples of your capabilities. They also give you something tangible to discuss in interviews, demonstrating your initiative and dedication to your profession even during periods of unemployment.

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Jerome Gielkens
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Do like I did… start something totally new… fresh energy, lots of time… two great ingredients to start a new business. I started a new business totally out of my comfort zone and it worked out fantastic!

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Nathan Adams

★ 1,000's of resumes reviewed and written; 1,000's of job seekers coached to success! ★ Career Coaching | Resume Writing | Job Search Strategy | Interview Training | Salary Negotiation
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Personal projects relevant to your career can keep your skills sharp. You can also add to your skillset by getting a new certification.

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5 Mental Wellness

It's crucial to maintain your mental wellness during unemployment. Engage in activities that promote well-being such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Peer support groups can also be beneficial; connecting with others who are in similar situations can provide comfort and practical advice. Maintaining a positive outlook will not only help you cope with the challenges of unemployment but also keep you motivated and ready for new opportunities.

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Nathan Adams

★ 1,000's of resumes reviewed and written; 1,000's of job seekers coached to success! ★ Career Coaching | Resume Writing | Job Search Strategy | Interview Training | Salary Negotiation
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Remember, it's okay to not be okay as long as you are actively seeking help. Mental wellness is crucial to the success of your job search.

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6 Strategic Planning

Use this time for strategic planning. Reflect on your career path and consider where you want to go next. Set goals and create a roadmap for achieving them. This might involve identifying the types of roles you're interested in, the companies you admire, or the skills you need to develop. Having a clear plan will give you direction and purpose, making it easier to navigate through this transitional phase with confidence.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Craig E. Cunningham, SPHR, MA, HRBP, VP, Senior HR Director

Human Resources Manager l Compensation | Talent Management | HR Business Partner
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During periods of unemployment, along with continued learning, consider voluntary opportunities, which represent valuable learning, engagement and excellent use of your time.

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Terrence H. Seamon

Guiding executives, teams and professionals through challenging transitions to change while strengthening their resilience and well-being | Leadership development consulting | Career transition consulting
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Continuing to stay sharp professionally while unemployed is a vitally important component in today's job market. Employers want to know what you have been doing since leaving your last job. Be sure to put a priority on learning, skills development, and personal growth during a job search.

Like

Here's how you can keep growing professionally while unemployed after a layoff.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Skill Sharpening

2 Network Growth

3 Volunteer Work

4 Personal Projects

5 Mental Wellness

6 Strategic Planning

7 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

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Here's how you can keep growing professionally while unemployed after a layoff.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Skill Sharpening

2 Network Growth

3 Volunteer Work

4 Personal Projects

5 Mental Wellness

6 Strategic Planning

7 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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