Network.
Let your friends, family, and professional contacts know that you are looking for a new job. Attend job fairs, industry events, and networking events to connect with potential employers and industry professionals.
Consider joining professional organizations or online job search groups to expand your network. Put as many irons in the fire as you can here.
Set weekly goals.
Hold yourself accountable. Stay organized and track your activities and outcomes. Different activities will yield different results, so know which avenues work so you can focus on the most productive ones.
Create your painted picture.
This is a vivid, descriptive story of your life at a specific future date. Pick January 1, 2027 for example. Write down where you will be living, what you will be doing. As much detail as you can. Write what first comes to mind. Then, ask yourself- what do u need to do in the next 6 months to take steps towards this painted picture.
Take time to reflect and assess your skills.
Reflect on your career to date and assess your skills. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What do you love doing, and what do you find challenging? This self-reflection can help you to identify areas where you can improve, and also give you a sense of direction for your next steps.
Try multiple things.
Often when folks get laid off they put all efforts into 1 role they are seeking. Instead, carve out time to pursue some non conventional avenues.
Let’s say you are seeking a full time job as a software engineer. You can also look for part time mentoring roles, freelancer roles, and even things like helping tech teams with technical hiring . It’s not to say you want these other options as your main job, but rather seeking a variety of opportunities maximizes the types of folks you reach out to and this wides your reach considerably.
Talk to your former manager.
Even if you’ve been fired by this person, it’s likely that they want to and can help. Tell them what you are seeking and ask them to introduce you to 2 of their connections who they think can help get you closer to your goals.
Invest in your personal and professional development.
Finally, take this time to invest in your personal and professional development. This can mean taking online courses, attending conferences, or even just reading books or blogs about where you’d like to grow the most. By investing in yourself, you'll be better equipped to tackle any new challenges that come your way.
In conclusion, being laid off can be a challenging experience, but it doesn't have to be a negative one. By taking time to reflect, networking with others, considering freelancing or consulting, building your own projects, and investing in your personal and professional development, you can come out of this experience stronger and more prepared than ever before. So keep your chin up, stay positive, and keep going!
Debbie Madden
