How to Successfully Reset Your Career After a Layoff

No matter the environment or the economy, layoffs and job cuts remain a dreaded part of the American workforce. Whether you’re personally experiencing layoff anxiety, or are worried about your significant other in the workforce, it is imperative to be prepared for a layoff situation.

Since you may not be able to control whether or not you’ll be laid off as a company employee, focus on how to handle a layoff if it ever happens to you.

Leave Graciously

The average employee in the U.S. changes jobs a dozen times or more over their career. And while it's certainly not the most enjoyable part of starting a new job, knowing how to leave your old one is just as important as knowing how to start a new one.

The reasons for leaving an old job are varied. Maybe you're moving up in your career, looking for new challenges, or searching for better pay and benefits. But sometimes you don't have a choice: You get laid off.

Of course, it's much easier to leave on good terms when you're the one making the decision — even if your decision is to stay at home with your kids instead of going back to work. However, if you've been laid off, it can be hard to feel positive about anything related to the company that just let you go.

But even in this situation, it's important that you leave on good terms so that you can successfully reset your career after a layoff — and avoid burning any bridges in case you have to come back through them again someday.

Don't Get Down

It can be hard to keep your chin up when you've lost your job, especially if it's a shock. You might feel as if you'll never find another job. Or you may worry about what others will think of you.

But try to not get down about it. Remember that losing a job is common and doesn't mean anything about your abilities or character. Even if your job loss was your fault, don't beat yourself up over it. Think about what you've learned from the situation instead of dwelling on what went wrong. A positive attitude can help you stay calm, get organized, and find another job.

Assess the Market

One of the hardest parts of being laid off is figuring out what to do next. You may have been at your job for years, and the prospect of starting all over can be daunting, especially when you need to replace your income with a new job. In addition, layoffs often happen in waves, so there may be a lot of people all competing for the same positions.

The first thing you should do is assess the market. What kind of jobs are available? If you were laid off from a job in manufacturing, for example, it's probably not a good idea to focus on that industry right now. Even if there are jobs available, they may not be as plentiful as they are in other areas.

You don't want to head down a dead-end career path because you think that's where the jobs are. For example, there may be plenty of fast food and retail jobs now, but these aren't going to pay very well or have much room for growth. If you have any skills that could transfer over into other industries with better prospects — such as healthcare or tech — consider focusing on those fields instead.

Once you figure out which industries and types of jobs to pursue, take some time to update your resume and brush up on any relevant skills.

Reach Out to Your Network

After a layoff, your network can be your most important resource in finding a new job. You’ll want to reach out to people who knew you at past jobs and understand your skills and personality. Make sure to also stay connected with the people you met through your recently-ended position, as they may be able to provide valuable information about the industry you work in.

However, it’s not enough to simply send out emails and make phone calls. You should take the time to tailor each message for each person on your contact list. If you don’t think this is possible, it’s time to cull down your contacts from LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social networking sites.

You can also use these tools to reach out to new connections who might be able to help you with your job search. They can connect you with recruiters or hiring managers at companies where you want to work.

Think about Part-Time Work

After being laid off, your first priority should be to get back into the workplace as soon as possible. This can help boost your confidence and keep you from feeling like a loser. It might not be in your desired field, but it will allow you to interact with others and get out of the house each day. Plus, it will give you the money you need to pay the bills while you continue searching for full-time work.

One way to restart a career is by applying for part-time jobs. This is especially beneficial for stay-at-home moms or dads who want to reenter the workforce at their own pace. It also gives them a way to get through the interview process again so they can refresh their memory of what works and what doesn’t.

Another advantage of taking on part-time work is that it provides an opportunity for networking. Your co-workers may know someone looking to hire or they might be able to give you a recommendation when they hear about an opening at their company.

Use a Staffing Firm

If you're trying to figure out where to start, consider taking advantage of a staffing firm's services.

A staffing firm is a third-party company that connects employers with employees on a temporary or permanent basis. They help businesses fill full-time positions as well as contract roles and even temp assignments. In turn, they assist job seekers in landing work based on their skills and experience. By using a staffing firm like Local Hr, you can reset your career more quickly after being laid off or changing career paths by finding the right job at the right time for you.

Conclusion

In the end, having a solid game plan to follow will help you regain control of your career in the wake of layoffs. But fear not—it’s not as stressful as it sounds! Simply identify what you can control and try your best to let go of everything else. And perhaps most importantly, be realistic and take things one step at a time. While a job may not be guaranteed after a layoff, there’s plenty that you can do to improve your chances of landing on your feet again more quickly.