9 Tips From a Top Recruiter On How To Ace Your Job Hunt Post-Layoff

The “Pink Slip” situation more often than not leaves the individual with lots of questions and emotions of denial, anger, depression, etc., especially with the limited explanation given for the same. Then comes the biggest task of all, finding your next job.

So as they say,

When the going gets tough, the tough get going

So, what next? Well, basically you have to do all the things that you would’ve done if you were voluntarily looking for a job change. Here are a few tips on acing the job hunt post layoff.

Here are a few tips on acing the job hunt post layoff.

1. Take a break

Yes, what you have at hand is free time which is unexpected and unasked for, but it is free time nevertheless. Try to get over the blues and gather your spirits back by taking this opportunity to spend quality time with yourself and your loved ones

2. Stop judging yourself

Before you start taking a layoff as a judgment of your performance, keep in mind that most of the times, the reason for the layoff might simply be the rendering of your role or skills redundant within the organization.

3. Explore the job market for the skills that you possess

It’s important to understand the demand for and future of the current skills that you possess, in the wider industry. Doing some research into job postings and the experience level in demand can be a good way to understand this.

Secondly, read articles on what’s trending in your industry. There might be new jobs getting created in an alternate industry. If you see yourself sitting with skills that are currently losing steam, it’s time to upgrade.

4. Upgrade your skills

While being in the job we tend to get limited to what is demanded of us. Our learning, within the limited time, gets restricted to its relevancy to the current role. But the industry keeps moving on and reinventing itself. New roles get created. So take this opportunity to upgrade and advance your skills to the next level or broaden them. The best of learning today is available to you on the click of a button, with platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Udacity, etc.

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5. Spruce up your resume

Recruiters do not go through each and every resume they get. Their inboxes are flooded with applications, 90% of them irrelevant. Keywords are the first filter, so ensure that you include all of your skills in the resume and all the specifics of your prior roles and projects. Put a clear summary of your skills and experience in the first page of your resume; The initial shortlisting process may not even go to 2nd page.

6. Look on the bright side

With no notice period to serve, you are available for an immediate joining, which is an attractive proposition for employers with vacant positions.

7. Tap into your personal/ professional networks 

Employee referrals tend to get an edge in the selection process. So reach out to your network. Check with them if there are any relevant positions open in their organizations. Request a referral.

8. Don’t just rely on job boards

More than 70% of the companies are now moving to more social platforms to recruit and advertise. While you have to continue using popular job boards like Naukri etc., look for jobs posted on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and various other platforms, depending on your industry. Reach out to recruiters directly or business leaders/ managers who could be managing teams with your work profile.

9. Be patient

When “Pink slips” are the talk of the town, hiring activities slow down in general. Having said that, the hiring cycle in any organization might get delayed but it never stops. Be prepared for the situation where there might be fewer openings and a longer hiring process. Set realistic timelines for yourself to land a job.

This article is a part of the #Fired2FiredUp Campaign by YourDOST. Visit the campaign for real life stories, learnings and tips from career psychologists and recruiters.

Have you experienced a layoff recently? Are you finding it difficult to cope with it? Talk to an Expert at YourDOST.