If you’re reading this post after losing a job, I’m so sorry!
Having been in your shoes before, I know that almost nothing feels worse.
And yet, I also know that there’s incredible opportunity out there when you’re ready to pursue it.
So please take some time to grieve, to be with friends and family, and to take care of yourself.
And then when you’re ready, here’s a step-by-step plan to get you back in the game.
Step 1: Discover What You Want Next
As painful as losing a job is, it can often serve as the prompt to discover what you actually want to be doing.
So before you rush into the exact same role you had before, be sure to spend a little time exploring:
What you love doing and what motivates you
What opportunities there are in that space
And the best part is that this exploration can also get you reconnected with friends, former coworkers, and mentors - which is exactly what you need after being disconnected from your former workplace community.
So here’s a complete free guide to finding the next perfect role for you!
Step 2: Update Your Resume to Match Your Focus
Once you’ve identified your North Star, it’s time to update your resume.
But not in the generic way of “Let me just add a couple more bullet points from my last job.”
Instead, understand that recruiters and their applicant tracking systems want candidates who closely match their job descriptions.
So to reduce the amount of time you need to spend looking and applying, make sure that you follow this simple formula:
Bookmark several job postings that you want to pursue
Identify the common lingo across those jobs (e.g., “A/B testing” or “Cross-Functional Leadership”) - or better yet, employ a tool to help you do that!
Incorporate that specific language into every part of your resume - your headline, your summary, your experience, and your skills
For even more detail, here’s a free guide to crafting the perfect, stress-free resume.
Step 3: Get a Referral
With your updated resume in hand, it’s time to get back out there.
But just like the title promised above, I don’t want you wasting months waiting by the phone.
Instead, the data is incredibly clear: The fastest way to get a job is via referrals.
So don’t bother applying for a job you’re truly passionate about if you don’t have a plan to get a referral - the odds are just too stacked against you.
Instead, recognize that:
You don’t need to know anyone at a company to get a referral.
You don’t need to have gone to a specific school to get a referral.
All you need is LinkedIn (and yes, the free version) and a little bravery!
So to get you rolling towards way better odds, here’s a full guide to getting a referral at any company in the world.
The Bottom Line: Getting Laid Off Sucks, But Finding a New Job Doesn’t Have To!
I’m so sorry you have to be reading this.
But having been in this dark place myself and come out with even better opportunities than I had before, I want you to know that this is just a step on your journey.
And with the above tips and a little luck, it’ll be a short step towards better times ahead!
Wishing you tremendous success,
Jeremy