It’s happened again. Your company has had to lay off employees. You feel like you’ve been punched in the gut. It’s a feeling of surprise and deep personal loss. If this is you, take some time to review the following key points. They will help guide you through this difficult time.
LAYOFFS STILL HAPPEN
A layoff is a situation where an organization eliminates or reduces its workforce, often due to economic conditions. It can be a difficult and confusing time for those who are laid off. There are a few key things to keep in mind as you begin your job search.
Layoffs are not going away, whether you’re working in the office or remotely. It’s important to be prepared for when layoffs happen in your industry. IT CAN FEEL DEEPLY PERSONAL.
Don’t panic. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and scared but remember that you will get through this. Currently, the job market is very strong and candidates are in high demand. You should be able to have plenty of opportunities to choose from!
TAKE TIME and ASSESS
It’s normal to need some time to yourself after a layoff. Take 48-72 hours to yourself to think, feel and be with your family. During this time, it’s important to remember your value has not decreased and focus on your next steps.
Second, take some time to assess your situation. What are your skills and strengths? What do you want to do next? There are ample opportunities out there.
NEGOTIATE SEVERANCE
If you’ve been laid off, you may be entitled to severance pay. Severance pay is a one-time payment that an employer makes to an employee who is laid off or terminated. There are a few things to keep in mind when negotiating severance.
First, remember that you have skills and strengths that are valuable to employers. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for what you deserve. Second, be realistic about what you’re asking for. Don’t ask for more than you’re realistically going to get. Finally, always be professional and courteous when negotiating with your employer. Remember, you want to leave on good terms so you can maintain a good relationship with them in the future.
NURTURE, DON’T BURN
It’s important to remember that things are always changing, and you don’t know who knows who. So don’t burn any bridges with your former employer. Maintain a positive relationship with them in case you need their help in the future.
Start networking. Connect with friends, family, and professional contacts to see if anyone knows of any openings. Referrals are a great way to get a job. Ask your friends and family if they know of any openings. And be sure to ask for referrals from your former employer. They may know of positions that are not openly advertised.
UPDATE YOUR BRAND
Your resume is your key marketing document. It’s your opportunity to show potential employers what you have to offer. When updating your resume, be sure to tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for. Highlight your skills and strengths that are relevant to the position.
Your LinkedIn profile is also important. Make sure it is up-to-date and portrays you in the best light possible. List your experience, skills, and education. Connect with friends and colleagues, and join groups related to your industry.
Finally, be sure to showcase your work portfolio. This can be anything from a physical portfolio to a website or blog. Showcase your best work and make it easy for potential employers to see what you can offer them.
Finally, update your resume and start applying for jobs. There are plenty of opportunities out there, you just need to be proactive in finding them.
BUILD A PLAN
When you’re starting your job search, it’s important to be intentional. You want to focus on jobs that best match your skills and what you’re looking for.
It’s important to research the company and the position before you apply. Make sure the company is a good fit for you and that the position is a good fit for you. You don’t want to waste your time applying for jobs that aren’t a good match.
It’s also important to tailor your resume and cover letter specifically for the job you’re applying for. Highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the position. Be sure to follow up after you submit your application. A phone call or email can show that you’re interested in the position and that you’re a motivated candidate.
Connecting with a headhunting firm such as NW Recruiting Partners is an advantage for your job search as well. Working with headhunters allows you to have direct access to ample opportunities and contact with hiring managers. Recruiters cut out the need for you to throw your resume into a company’s job bank, instead, you will be presented directly to the key decision-makers. Your headhunter also serves as your advocate during the interview and hiring process.
The job search can be challenging, but it’s important to stay positive and stay focused on your goal. With hard work, connecting with a recruiter, and determination, you’ll find the job that’s perfect for you.
Looking for the right boutique recruitment firm that can help you rewrite your Job Descriptions? Consult one of our high-caliber recruiters at recruiting@nwrecruitingpartners.com or call us at 206.343.8732.
Interested applicant? #FindYourPath with Seattle Financial. Click on the Job Seeker tab and you might find the right opportunity for you!
