You've Been Laid Off. Now What?
The current economic climate has forced a lot of organizations to cut costs, including layoffs and reducing staff. Here are our top 9 tips for navigating a layoff.
- Update your resume. See our tips here.
- Put together a plan: should you be highly selective? Do you need to get back to work ASAP? Think through your priorities and determine where you can flex from your ideal opportunity.
- Polish your LinkedIn profile and expand your network. Make sure your LinkedIn profile and resume are consistent. Keep any comments on social media or articles positive.
- Be prepared for any call to be a potential employer. Answer your phone in a professional way and be ready to answer questions about your experience or ask if you can schedule a time to discuss when you’re not on the go.
- Keep track of all your job applications. A spreadsheet with what job, where, when, and how you applied can be a great way to organize this information.
- Be prepared to talk about why you’re unemployed and use the right terms. If it was a reduction in force, include data points “My company reduced headcount by 30% because we lost a big client.” Be positive (even if you don’t feel it) and never give off a bitter vibe.
- It’s always easier to find a job when you have a job. Consider consulting while you search. It provides a paycheck, broadens your network and skills, and buys you time to search for a good long-term opportunity.
- Pay it forward and help others in the same situation. Pass along any opportunities that aren’t a fit for you to someone you know; they may return the favor and end up sending you your next job.
- Call your recruiter. Recruiters have access to many opportunities, including those that might not be available on job posting sites. This is a great way to expand your reach to opportunities you may not have found otherwise.
Nicole DelToro has been helping organizations (big and small) hire and retain top talent for over 26 years, while helping individuals realize their personal and professional goals by ensuring they’re working in the environment that’s ideal for their current situation. Contact her at [email protected]
Brooke Fisher brings more than 20 years of financial recruiting expertise to your search. She has worked with both candidates who have just a few years' experience and Chief Financial Officers to match the best candidates to the perfect companies. Brooke's expertise is in mid to large-sized companies in the telecommunications, manufacturing, financial services, and real estate industries. Email her at [email protected]
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.
Brooke Fisher brings more than 20 years of financial recruiting expertise to your search. She has worked with both candidates who have just a few years' experience and Chief Financial Officers to match the best candidates to the perfect companies. Brooke's expertise is in mid to large-sized companies in the telecommunications, manufacturing, financial services, and real estate industries. Email her at [email protected]
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.