You've been laid off and want to stay in touch with former colleagues. What's the best way to do it?

1 Be honest and respectful

Don't pretend that nothing happened or avoid mentioning your layoff. Your former colleagues probably know about it and might feel uncomfortable if you ignore the elephant in the room. Instead, be honest and respectful about your situation and express your gratitude for working with them. You can also share some positive memories or achievements that you had together and show your interest in their current projects.

2 Choose the right channel

Depending on how close you were with your former colleagues, you might want to use different channels to stay in touch. For example, you can send a personal email or a LinkedIn message to those who you had a good rapport with and let them know that you are available for a chat or a catch-up. You can also join or create a group chat on WhatsApp, Slack, or other platforms for those who you want to keep in touch with more casually. However, avoid spamming them with too many messages or calls or using inappropriate or unprofessional language.

4 Ask for help and advice

While you should not rely on your former colleagues for finding a new job, you can still ask them for help and advice if you need it. For example, you can ask them for a recommendation, an introduction, or a testimonial if they are willing and able to provide it. You can also ask them for their opinion on your resume, your portfolio, or your interview skills if they have experience or expertise in those areas. However, be respectful of their time and availability and don't pressure them or make them uncomfortable.

5 Keep it positive and professional

The last thing you want to do is to burn bridges with your former colleagues by being negative or unprofessional. Don't badmouth your former employer, your boss, or your coworkers, even if you feel bitter or angry about your layoff. Don't complain about your job search, your financial situation, or your personal problems, even if you feel frustrated or depressed. Don't overshare or disclose confidential information, even if you feel tempted or curious. Instead, keep it positive and professional and focus on your strengths, your goals, and your opportunities.

6 Stay in touch regularly

Finally, don't let your former colleagues forget about you or lose interest in you. Stay in touch regularly, but not too frequently, and update them on your progress, your achievements, and your plans. You can also congratulate them on their milestones, celebrate their successes, and wish them well on their birthdays, holidays, or other occasions. You can also invite them to join you for a virtual coffee, a lunch, or a networking event if you are in the same area or if the situation allows it. By staying in touch regularly, you can show that you care about them and that you value their friendship and collaboration.

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?