Steps to take when you get Laid off
Companies lay off employees for many different reasons ranging from a bad economic position to eliminating "poor performers". It does not matter what the reason given for the lay-off is, it can be a devastating blow to an employee's sense of professional self worth. Theactionsyou take right in the aftermath of a lay-off is very important.
- Sort out your emotions.
After being laid off, it is important to take care of yourself and how you are feeling about the situation. Some people go into a sort of panic mode not knowing what to do or how they are going to take care of their family. This is an understandable reaction and should be acknowledged, but not over-extended. When a person is in panic mode, they can unintentionally make themselves look and sound bad in the professional sense. This happens by talking about the lay-off right away to others in the business world. The key is to give yourself time to get a handle on how you are feeling before talking to anyone about the reasons for the lay off.
- Build up your self confidence.
To put it simply, you will not find a decent job acting like a whipped puppy. Employers want to hire people who hold their head up and know what they can bring to the proverbial table. Take the time to build up your self-confidence before talking to potential employers. Make a list of everything you have accomplished. It can be very uplifting to see all the great things you have done, in black and white. Read that list, commit it to memory and pat yourself on the back for everything on it. Ask other close friends and family members if you are having trouble putting a list together. Those closest to you will have no problem helping you see how awesome you are!
- Work on your professional image.
Polish your professional image by putting a positive spin on the lay-off. This might sound ridiculous, however it is possible. You can think of the lay-off as your golden opportunity to move into a different field, or area of your profession. The lay-off has given you the chance to expand your horizons and move forward in your career goals. This will look and sound good on your resume as long as you actually know it and believe it in your heart. Do not convince yourself that your last job was a bad thing, simply a necessary stepping stone on the path to where you ultimately want to be.
- Get back out there!
Once you have your mind and emotions in check, start putting yourself out there again. Update your social media status' to indicate you are looking for a certain job. Update your resume to bring the best possible light to your skill set and capabilities. Avoid doing the desperation job search! In other words, do not apply to any and every job you come across. This behavior can actually put off some employers. Yes, you need to secure employment quickly, however apply only for jobs that will benefit your career goals and your skill set. Please note that there is nothing wrong with working a job simply because it puts food on the table and pays the bills for the time being. While working this type of job, keep putting your resume out there in search of the job you know you deserve.
Lay-offs are not a pleasant experience for anyone, but it is up to you how you handle it. The things you do immediately following a lay-off can greatly affect your future. The one thing you cannot do is give up on yourself.
