From Layoff to Better Off: 5 Steps You Should Take Before Applying for Your Next Job
If you suddenly find yourself unemployed (looking at you, Facebook and Twitter), this is for you.
Losing a job can be scary and unsettling. Instead of panicking, consider using this time to architect your next career move.
Here are 5 things you can do once the initial shock is over and before you apply for a job:
1. Spend time reflecting before you do anything else
Life is unpredictable, and for whatever reason, here you are.
Take advantage of this “pause” to self-reflect. It’s so easy to just apply for a position with a similar title because you think you’re qualified, but first, ask yourself:
- Were you happy at your job?
- Is this even the right position-fit for you?
Be realistic with yourself. Did you often wonder if you were wasting your life? Did you often wake up with anxiety at 3am? Or did you find immense satisfaction?
By spending the time, you’ll be amazed at what you can figure out about yourself, which will help you plan your next move.
2. Paint your ideal future
Write down what you actually want in a future job based on the thought experiment above.
Maybe it’s in the same field, or perhaps you’d like to take this inopportune experience to explore other options. Don’t be limited by “job titles” you’re familiar with seeing. Inevitably, your skills could be a perfect fit for a position you’ve never heard of or an industry you’ve never considered.
Give yourself the gift of exploring and casting a wide net to see what’s out there. Take those “career title” blinders off and color outside the lines.
3. Describe your superpowers
Write down your expertise, skills, capabilities, and what makes you unique.
What adjectives regularly came up during 360 reviews? Don’t stop there, though. Also, think about your life experiences and what you’ve learned from them. You’re an expert in a lot more than Python or Technical Recruiting.
- What topic(s) could you talk about for 30 minutes without preparing?
- What have you lived through?
- What hobbies do you pursue on the side?
- What do your weekends look like?
Thinking of your unique skills and experiences in terms of where, when and how will also help you with your resume, interviews, and your “personal elevator pitch.”
4. Define your short-term and long-term goals
Based on all this reflection, where does this leave you?
Maybe your short-term goal remains finding new employment ASAP to pay the bills. Or maybe you’ve realized that in the next 5 years you’re ready for a different profession. It’s critical that you take action along the way.
If changing careers is in the long-term plan, then set up small steps to help you for whenever you’re ready to make that leap. For example, you could take online training, obtain new certificates, or even set the goal to “talk to one person a month in X field” just to gather insights and build a relevant network.
Documenting and regularly revisiting your goals and aspirations will help you live a more fulfilling and aligned life.
5. Use the multiplier effect to your benefit
Be open about your situation with your network.
Don’t just quietly change your LinkedIn profile to “Open to Work.” Instead, create a post explaining what happened and what you’re looking for and ask for introductions or ideas. Here’s the catch, be as specific as possible.
If you just say, “I was laid off from X, and I’m on the market again,” then people will only spend 20 seconds thinking about how they can help you based on what they already know about your career. Instead, tell them what you’re hoping to accomplish, which other industries/types of positions you’d be open to, etc.
By making it easy for them to help you, they’re more likely to make relevant introductions, send you open positions, or pass on “your ask” to their own network.
Nobody wants to lose a job, but sometimes it can be an opportunity to take off the blinders and make sure your work life is aligned with the “rest of your life.” Here’s the truth: you can’t separate one from the other, and you only have one life to live. So what are you going to do differently this time around?
If you want to be invited to join an upcoming free career guidance session to walk you through the above process, please sign up here.
Jessica Seepersad and Alina Okun are founders of Walnut, a career management startup focused on guiding young professionals towards fulfilling and personally aligned careers.
