Last year was a tough year for the job market due to the fallout from the coronavirus. While 2021 offers some level of hope with a vaccine and the potential of a federal stimulus package, many Americans have faced layoff after layoff in careers they have spent a lifetime building.
If you have been affected by this global crisis in the form of a layoff, you may be ready to curl up and wait for the storm to blow over. We are here to tell you that now is not the time to be complacent. Now that you have received your “pink slip,” you will want to take action right away.
If you have just gotten the awful news of being laid off, realize that you are not alone. Millions of Americans are facing similar plights all across the nation. Professional Head Hunters have some suggestions that could help you to get back on your feet and back in the employment game faster as the economy recovers.
Start By Grieving & Reflecting
Experts at Monster, the global leader in job and career opportunities online, recommends taking some time to grieve the loss of the job or career and reflect on what you gained from the position. This reflection can help you as you recover and start looking for another opportunity that will come your way.
This reflection time can help you determine what skills you gained in that position. Think about what specific skills, abilities, competencies, and knowledge you gained in that position that may be able to help you in landing your next job.
Don’t forget that you should not just reflect on these acquired skills, but start writing them down. That list can come in handy when updating your résumé and preparing for future interviews.
Develop A Plan
Once you have gotten over the initial shock of losing your job, you should begin to put the pieces back together by developing a strategic plan.
- Start studying other companies that could use your skills and specialities.
- Create a list of people who can help get your résumé in the right hands at those companies.
- Consider investing in a career counseling session that can give you some direction and help you see what your skills can be used for and in what industries.
- Research fully what transition to a new position could look like for you and your family. Take into consideration daycare and commute.
Get Started on a Job Hunt
In recent posts we discussed how to utilize online resources for your job hunt, and how to build your relevant skills. As you begin your online search, make sure your résumé is ready to go once you find an appropriate job listing.
For more resources on building your skills, fine tuning your résumé, or bouncing back after a layoff check out our resources pages at North Shore Career Center and MassHire North Shore.
