How to find a job quickly after you've been laid off

Getting laid off from work can be one of the most gut-wrenching experiences in your career. Because a lot of people in the workforce attach personal worth to their career, it is entirely reasonable to have an emotional reaction when this happens. Plus, there is something to be said about taking a couple of days to process your feelings about getting laid off. 

Being productive during a job search feels a lot different from being productive at a job, so take some time to refocus and reprioritize yourself. Once you are ready to start your job search, take a look at the ideas below on how to start. 

Tap into your network

Ideally, you should be working on your network while you’re employed and building connections in good times. If you help other people when you are in a position to do so, it will make it easier to ask for introductions and connections when you may need help in the future. For 1-2 hours, take a Saturday morning every month to reach out to people on LinkedIn or via email to keep in touch. 

When you are ready to reach out to your network after getting laid off, it helps to have a thoughtfully crafted message. It’s easy to obfuscate and make excuses for why you are reaching out, but your contacts will appreciate the honesty. Be transparent about your situation and have a clear ask. 

Update your resume, Linkedin, and Cover letter

It is a rare candidate nowadays that gets hired without at least a cursory social media check. Update your LinkedIn within the first few days of getting laid off and start working on a new resume and cover letter draft soon after. You never know when the next job opportunity will present itself - email yourself a copy of your resume so that you always have it handy.

Reconnect with old managers or colleagues

If you feel embarrassed about reaching out to people after being laid off, remember that it’s pretty likely they’ve been through the same experience. In fact, according to HBR, almost 20% of successful executives in a major study were laid off at some point in their careers, and almost 45% suffered a major career setback. Odds are, the person you are talking to can empathize with your situation. 

When reconnecting, ask if they’ve heard of any opportunities they could pass on to you or if they can connect you to people who might be able to help.

Set up 3 networking calls per week

Setting goals for yourself is important, especially at a time where you might be at a loss about what to do. Not doing so will make it easy to procrastinate and might harm you in the long run. Plan on making at least three calls a week to people who may be able to help. Making phone calls rather than sending emails is a great way to have better personal interactions with people who might be able to help.

Join other networks

Think outside your personal network and brainstorm ways in which you can expand your connections. 

Accompany a friend to an industry event (even if it's not an industry you have experience in). Research online for opportunities to connect with people - Eventbrite is a good resource, as well as Meetup and Facebook events. You might have to root through a few pages of unrelated events, but if you find something interesting, register for the event and add it to your calendar immediately. 

Vyten is putting on #HopeSummit - a global virtual summit that helps thousands of job seekers navigate the next step in their professional careers during uncertain times. An online conference to come together and support each other so that we can get back to normal times.

Keep things in perspective

Job seeking is stressful in normal circumstances, but being laid off can be devastating. It’s important to keep your mental health at the forefront of the job application process and try to keep things in perspective - applying to dozens of jobs in a frenzy every day or giving up and not applying for weeks at a time is equally harmful.

It’s important not to obsess and react in moderation - that can include a few hours of job-seeking each day, at least 20 minutes of exercise, 5-15 minutes of meditation (e.g. iAwake or Headspace), reading books, and listening to podcasts.

Find your balance. And you'll find your perfect next role!

Edward Gorbis is the Founder of www.careermeetsworld.com, a career coaching platform that helps motivated professionals maximize their career potential and reach financial independence. 

Note: If I can help you land your next role by connecting you with someone in my network, please send me a short note, and I will do what I can to help you!