Layoffs suck! In January 2019, I was laid off from my role as a corporate trainer at a nationwide retail company after just 6 months of employment. 80 others across the company were laid off and given severance packages. Though I really enjoyed the work itself, my team and the company, I had to accept the company's decision and move on.
Now when I see stats like this one from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, I realize that I should I expect that a layoff could happen to anyone at some point.
Now when I see stats like this one from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, I realize that I should I expect that a layoff could happen to anyone at some point.
- Job layoffs hit 190,410 in the first quarter, a 35.6% (percent) increase over the previous year and the worst first quarter since 2009, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
It can be easy to see how likely it is to be removed from a job for reasons out of your control. So how did I overcome a layoff experience and find a job in my field at a larger, more established company within a little over one month? I share my tips in the video below.
If you're not into watching videos, just read my notes :).
Disclaimer: This is by no means a way to say that I did things perfectly or these are the things that will absolutely land you a job int he same amount of time, however I believe they will help. I'm also sure there are plenty of people that have received jobs quicker with different methods. These are my suggestions based on my own experience.
First, you need to deal with your emotional health as a first step before moving forward with the stress of starting a new job search. Your health should always be a top priority and not to be overlooked. Also, throughout the job search process you will need to talk about what happened and why you are on the job market. When you do not address your emotions you may not think so clearly or be able to talk about what happened. You may even come off as negative to your previous employer. This is never a good thing. As a recruiter I've talked with a number of people that have talked badly about their past employer or manager and I've not been able to move forward in the process, because this is a sign of how you may act once hired. You could be telling the truth, but people do not want to work with folks that seem negative, especially if we are seeing this trait within such a short time of speaking with you. Take the time you need to recover, regroup and practice how you will discuss your situation. I suggest sticking to the facts of the situation and the opportunity you now have to pursue something new.
I will be honest, I actually took a vacation before ramping up my search, however I feel that I would have landed a job in even less time if I had gotten started a bit sooner and set a better schedule.
Another thing to consider is that eventually, unless you magically come into a large sum of money, you will need to go back to work. It's a lot easier to get back into the work routine, if you've been keeping a schedule similar to what you were doing before the change.
Stay Motivated and Positive During your Search!
Jessica Krystal
Follow My YouTube Page
Disclaimer: This is by no means a way to say that I did things perfectly or these are the things that will absolutely land you a job int he same amount of time, however I believe they will help. I'm also sure there are plenty of people that have received jobs quicker with different methods. These are my suggestions based on my own experience.
#1. Take Some Time To Recover
Following a layoff or termination, a person will need some time to process the situation of this huge life change. Spend time to deal with your emotions, address what happened and develop a positive way to discuss the situation. Why is this so important?First, you need to deal with your emotional health as a first step before moving forward with the stress of starting a new job search. Your health should always be a top priority and not to be overlooked. Also, throughout the job search process you will need to talk about what happened and why you are on the job market. When you do not address your emotions you may not think so clearly or be able to talk about what happened. You may even come off as negative to your previous employer. This is never a good thing. As a recruiter I've talked with a number of people that have talked badly about their past employer or manager and I've not been able to move forward in the process, because this is a sign of how you may act once hired. You could be telling the truth, but people do not want to work with folks that seem negative, especially if we are seeing this trait within such a short time of speaking with you. Take the time you need to recover, regroup and practice how you will discuss your situation. I suggest sticking to the facts of the situation and the opportunity you now have to pursue something new.
#2. Stay Active By Setting a Schedule
Its's so easy to get into a new habit of relaxing more because you are not required to step into the workplace for a while. Maybe you received a nice severance package and feel that you'll have income flowing in for a while. Well I will tell you that the severance income can run out pretty quickly. Though taking the time you need to process things before jumping right into your search is good, I suggest giving yourself a timeline for when you will get back on the job search.I will be honest, I actually took a vacation before ramping up my search, however I feel that I would have landed a job in even less time if I had gotten started a bit sooner and set a better schedule.
Another thing to consider is that eventually, unless you magically come into a large sum of money, you will need to go back to work. It's a lot easier to get back into the work routine, if you've been keeping a schedule similar to what you were doing before the change.
#3. Spend Time On Getting Referrals
Networking works. I recommend talking to people instead of relying solely on submitting your to jobs online. People trust people they know. When you have solid referrals recruiters and hiring managers take priority to talk with you and pursue you as a potential candidate.Stay Motivated and Positive During your Search!
Jessica Krystal
Follow My YouTube Page
