Let’s face it, getting laid off sucks. It’s like getting dumped by someone you thought you’d be with forever. Only instead of eating ice cream in your PJs and crying over rom-coms, you’re left to pick up the pieces of your professional life. And according to Crunchbase News, more than 102,000 tech workers in the U.S. have joined the ‘Layoff Club’ so far in 2023. Welcome to the party, folks!

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Great, I’m part of a statistic. What now?” Well, as your friendly neighborhood Career Coach, I’m here to tell you that it’s not all doom and gloom. Consider this your guide to turning that layoff lemon into career lemonade.

Step 1: Put on Your Game Face

Look, it’s normal to feel like you’ve been hit by a truck. A really big, mean, job-stealing truck. But remember, you’re not your job. You’re a talented, capable professional who just hit a speed bump. So, wipe off that frown, and let’s get to work.

Step 2: Take Stock

Think of this as your career inventory. What skills do you have? What experience can you leverage? Is there anything you could improve upon? This is your chance to take a good, hard look at what you bring to the table.

Step 3: Get Organized

Ever tried finding something in a messy room? That’s what job searching without a plan feels like. Start by updating your resume, collecting references, and setting a clear job-search strategy.

Step 4: Join the Cool Kids

Networking isn’t just for salespeople and politicians. It’s for anyone looking to advance their career. So, put on your best virtual smile and start schmoozing with professionals in your industry.

Step 5: Take a Breather

Don’t rush into the first job that comes your way. Give yourself some time to figure out what you really want. As the wise philosopher Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Step 6: Be Your Own Hype Person

This is where you sell yourself. Update your LinkedIn profile, showcase your achievements, and make sure potential employers know just how awesome you are. Remember, modesty is for job interviews, not job searches.

Step 7: Keep in Touch

Just because you’ve been laid off doesn’t mean you have to lose touch with your colleagues. Stay connected, and who knows? They might be the ticket to your next job.

Step 8: Stay Positive

It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re job hunting. But remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful career. Keep an open mind, stay positive, and never settle for less than you deserve.

⏭️ So there you have it, folks! Nine steps to reclaiming your career after a layoff. Now, go forth and conquer the job market! And remember, if you need more guidance, our team of experts are ready to help. Check out our program by CLICKING HERE or Book a FREE Career Strategy Call and receive your guide.