Steps to Move Forward After Job Loss

A layoff is not the same as a medical emergency. But too many people panic like it is. Over the last few years, I've supported many people in navigating a layoff. Here's what I'd do if I faced a layoff: 1️⃣ Pause and get clear ↳ Reflect on recent accomplishments and write down specific wins with measurable outcomes. This becomes the foundation of your story. ↳ Identify what drained you in your last role, whether it was tasks, communication styles, or team dynamics. These patterns matter more than job titles. ↳ List 2–3 non-negotiables for your next role. These will become your filter moving forward. 2️⃣ Update my positioning ↳ Rework your LinkedIn headline and resume to match the roles you actually want, using keywords from the job descriptions you're excited about. ↳ Update your “About” section to reflect who you help, how you help them, and what kind of challenges you solve. ↳ Make sure your target job titles show up on your resume, LinkedIn, and “Open to Work” settings so you show up in the right searches. 3️⃣ Start real conversations ↳ Make a list of 10 people in your network who are close to the function or industry you're targeting. Reach out with the goal of learning, not pitching. ↳ Ask thoughtful questions about their path, what they’ve noticed in the market, and what they’ve seen work. ↳ These conversations won’t just open doors, they’ll give you language, clarity, and momentum. When everything feels uncertain, clarity is your power. Use it to rebuild on your terms.

Getting laid off shakes more than your income. It hits your identity, your confidence and your sense of momentum. If you’re not careful, you start to question your own value - just because a company made a business decision. Here’s how I coach laid-off professionals to bounce back stronger: 1️⃣ Separate fact from story. Story: “I wasn’t good enough.” Fact: You were laid off. Those are not the same. Most layoffs are structural, not personal. Stop internalizing systems. 2️⃣ Write your rebound resume. Before you job hunt, list every win from the last 12 months. Quantify outcomes. Reflect on growth. You need a record of proof, not just for recruiters, but for you. 3️⃣ Rework your narrative. You didn’t “lose a job.” You closed a chapter. Learn how to talk about your transition with clarity and confidence: → “My team was impacted, but here’s what I’m taking forward.” → “That chapter ended, and I’m excited to apply everything I’ve built to a new challenge.” 4️⃣ Talk to people who get it. Layoffs can feel isolating. Don’t go through it alone. Find others who’ve landed on the other side. Borrow their perspective until you rebuild your own. 5️⃣ Shift from job seeker to value creator. Don’t just apply. Start conversations. Share ideas. Remind yourself that you still have something to contribute right now. Layoffs happen. What matters is what you do next. If you’re rebuilding, make it intentional. And remember, your value didn’t disappear. It just needs a new place to shine.

If you find yourself unexpectedly looking for a job, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It can feel like everything is happening all at once, and before you know it, that sense of urgency can take over, leaving you feeling stuck. But here’s the thing…I’ve worked with professionals navigating career transitions for over a decade, and I’ve seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t). The key is to take intentional action, one step at a time, to gain momentum without letting the process consume you. Here are my top tips to help you get back on track and approach your job search with clarity and confidence: 1. Pause and Prioritize: Before diving into applications, take a moment to get clear on what you want next. Reflect on your career goals, your non-negotiables, and the type of work environment that aligns with your values. This clarity will help you target roles that genuinely fit, rather than applying to everything that pops up. 2. Leverage Your Network Strategically: Reach out to trusted contacts, former colleagues, and mentors who can provide valuable insights or referrals. But don’t just ask if they know of any openings be specific about what you’re looking for and how they can help. A focused ask gets better results. 3. Refresh Your Personal Brand: Make sure your LinkedIn profile and resume reflect your most relevant skills and accomplishments. Think about the narrative you want to convey and make sure it positions you as a strong candidate for the roles you’re targeting. 4. Create a Routine and Set Small Goals: The job search can feel like a full-time job in itself, so set a daily schedule with manageable tasks whether that’s reaching out to three connections a day, applying to two roles, or dedicating an hour to learning new skills. Consistency builds momentum. 5. Stay Grounded and Resilient: Job searches come with highs and lows. Don’t let rejection or silence get to you. Stay connected with a supportive community, keep up with activities that fuel your confidence, and remember that the right opportunity is out there. When you find yourself in an unexpected career transition, the key is to take action without letting the overwhelm dictate your approach. By staying strategic and grounded, you can navigate this chapter with resilience and purpose. You got this, one step at a time.

Advice for the laid off (from someone who’s been there): 1. Give yourself 24 hours to grieve. Get angry, be sad, process your feelings. Then flip the switch and let it go. 2. Your full-time job just became Job Seeker. Get to work! Spend 8-10 hours a day becoming the best job seeker the world has seen. 3. Blind applications are a waste of time but may be necessary to maintain your unemployment benefits. Do the minimum. 4. Work on your skills and certifications. 5. Spend time with your family and friends. 6. Work out. 7. Leverage your network. Your next job will come from people you know. Reach out and ask. 8. Minimize expenses. It can take months. 9. Don’t take a job out of desperation. You will only make yourself miserable and eventually wind up unemployed again. 10. Target the job you want precisely. Allow yourself one remove from that job as a practical matter. Don’t try to fit into every open role you see. 11. Have faith. Being unemployed doesn’t mean you’re unemployable. You’re between jobs. 12. Don’t be ashamed. You weren’t laid off because of what you did or failed to do but because of factors almost completely beyond your control. You were liberated from a sinking ship, not tossed overboard from a yacht. 13. Don’t make hasty financial decisions. You will regret them later. 14. Remember that you are not your job. Your job is simply what you do to pay your bills. The loss of a job is not the loss of a person or an identity. 15. Better days WILL come. Bet on it (and yourself). We’re all pulling for you!

😔 The moment you hear, “We’re letting you go,” everything shifts. Shock. Like the ground just disappeared. Anger. “I gave them everything—and this is how it ends?” Bargaining. “Maybe if I had just hit that number…” Denial. “This can’t be happening.” And finally, acceptance—because staying stuck in the past won’t build your future. I’ve been there. As a Senior Region Manager in aesthetic sales, I watched half my team get laid off in a single day. Good people. High performers. Completely blindsided. Getting laid off isn’t just losing a job. It’s grief. It’s identity loss. And if no one’s told you this yet—whatever you're feeling is valid. 👉 So where do you go from here? 1️⃣ Process your emotions. Before you update your LinkedIn, take a beat. Name what you're feeling so it doesn't control you. You can’t heal what you won’t admit. 2️⃣ Update your resume. Focus on results, not just responsibilities. Let your wins shine. 3️⃣ Optimize your LinkedIn profile. This is your online storefront—make sure it reflects your story, skills, and value. 4️⃣ Create a job search strategy. Random applying isn’t a strategy. Be intentional. Know your target roles, companies, and decision-makers. 5️⃣ Practice for interviews. Confidence is built through preparation. You're not starting over. You're starting stronger. 👇 If you’ve ever been laid off, what’s one piece of advice you wish someone had told you right away? → If you're navigating a layoff and wondering what’s next, send me a message. I’ve helped professionals in medical sales and leadership land roles they love—roles where they’re valued, respected, and finally excited to go to work again. Let's talk about your next chapter. You don't have to do this alone. #layoffs #careertransition #jobsearchstrategy #linkedinprofile #resumetips #aestheticsales #medicalsales #leadershipcoaching

I had coffee with someone who wondered how I could be so productive and positive after such an exhausting experience. They’ve been out of work two months before me; I understood the weariness in her typically youthful face and the sadness of her voice. I explained this is the second time in 27 years being part of a management misalignment, re-org/layoff. I remember so vividly the shock and paralysis in 2008. No one says it’s normal to feel like you’re in a haze, you’re angry, you’re hurt. It’s grief and that is normal. I gave her 4 steps that I took to recover and these 4 steps became muscle memory everytime I transitioned from one place to another thereafter. The same 4 steps will save you emotional pain when you know your compass, aka your core values, are being tested or misaligned. - first, start with your why. Why do you work? Why did you want to work there? Why this job? Why this career? - second, what. What did you bring to the team? What did they give you/or what did you learn? What would you do again? What would you do without? What are your non-negotiables? - third, assess. Spend one week assessing if you are up to speed with the market, latest trends in industry, familiar with the newest tools. Go toe to toe with the job descriptions and evaluate yourself. Then get acquainted with the stuff that is missing. Webinars, free conferences, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera + certifications. As you are applying + interviewing, keep learning and apply what you are learning to the conversations. Building your own plane and flying it at the same time; businesses do it all the time! - fourth, create your compass. What motivates you to get up and work? And what do you need to see/feel/hear to be excited about aligning your personal brand with theirs? How will you know if what they say rings true for you? What kind of environment do you need to thrive in? Then use these answers to sort through the jobs, use these answers to reframe your resume, use these answers to refine your networking skills and use these answers to interview opportunities for your career prospects. Use these answers to dissuade your negative thoughts and the people around you who might not understand your compass.

As an executive recruiter, I've witnessed countless professionals transform unexpected layoffs into powerful career pivots. Here's your comprehensive guide for turning this challenge into an opportunity 📈 Immediate Actions (First 48 Hours): • Document everything from your termination meeting • Review severance package details thoroughly • Address healthcare coverage gaps • File for unemployment benefits • Archive important work samples and documentation • Connect with colleagues before losing access Next Steps: • Give yourself permission to process the change • Update your LinkedIn profile strategically • Review your financial position and timeline • Reflect on your career direction • Start networking with purpose Remember that a layoff is often more about company circumstances than individual performance. I've placed numerous executives who used their layoff as a catalyst for significant career advancement. This is your opportunity to: • Reassess your career trajectory • Target organizations aligned with your values • Build a more intentional professional network • Position yourself for roles that truly excite you The key is maintaining momentum while being strategic about your next move. Don't rush into the first opportunity - use this time to ensure your next role is a genuine step forward. Check out my newsletter for more insights here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju #executiverecruiter #eliterecruiter #jobmarket2025 #profoliosai #resume #jobstrategy #careerresilience

I was embarrassed that I lost my job. I was angry. I was ashamed. While other colleagues got to stay, I had to leave. Why? And for awhile, I didn’t want to tell anyone I had been let go. My pride got in the way. I didn’t want people knowing. I waited too long to ask for help. If I could go back in time, here’s what my post layoff action plan would look like: 1️⃣ Accept the layoff news Stop wondering why you and what you could have done differently. Why did others get to stay? Accept the decision to start moving forward and begin the grieving process. 2️⃣ Create a new routine You entire day won’t be filled looking for a job. Take breaks. Make sure to eat and hydrate. Exercise. Read a book. Go for walks. Sit in the stillness and clear your mind. 3️⃣ Start updating your resume Focus on including metrics and key accomplishments. Cost savings, time saved, targets exceeded. Go through old performance reviews if you can. Ask a friend to review it and be open to the feedback. 4️⃣ Ask for help Tell your family, friends, neighbors, alumni network, parents of your kids’ friends- tell everyone you are looking. Cast a wide net. Let them know the types of roles you are looking for so they can recommend you and set you up for networking meetings 5️⃣ Use tools Use tools like Massive which helps you auto-apply for roles. It’s your own personal AI recruiter (Check out Massive in comments) to help you kick start the job search process. The job search is hard enough in this market. Create a support system and structure - ask for help. What advice would you add? #leadership #culture #MitaMallick #MassivePartner

How to bounce back after a layoff. 🔟 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗷𝗼𝗯: [𝘖𝘯 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬. 𝘈𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱.] 1️⃣ 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 Process the emotional impact. Reflect on your career goals and what you want in your next role. 2️⃣ 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 Highlight your recent skills and accomplishments. Focus on the skills relevant to the jobs you want. 3️⃣ 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 Reach out to former colleagues. Attend industry events and connect with professionals at companies of interest. Referrals can boost your chances. 4️⃣ 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Share content related to your career on LinkedIn. Build your personal brand and attract potential employers. 5️⃣ 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 Practice answering common questions. Craft a compelling narrative that highlights your experience and its relevance to the position. 6️⃣ 𝗕𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗮𝗽 Be honest about your layoff. Focus on how you used the time productively, like learning new skills or taking on freelance projects. 7️⃣ 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 This provides financial support while you search for your next position. It allows you to focus on finding the right opportunity. 8️⃣ 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 Take online courses or certifications. Address any skill gaps you've identified in job descriptions for roles you're targeting. 9️⃣ 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗳𝗳 Prepare a concise, professional explanation of your job loss. Focus on the circumstances rather than personal feelings. 🔟 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 This can help bridge employment gaps, provide income, and potentially lead to full-time opportunities. Remember, being laid off is often due to factors beyond your control. Approach your job search with confidence in your skills and experience. I know this isn't easy for those who have experienced a layoff but use this as an opportunity to find a role that aligns with your career goals. __________ P.S. Follow me (Dr. Chris Mullen) for daily posts on personal growth, leadership & the world of work. 𝗣.𝗣.𝗦. 🔁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝗯.

10 Gentle Steps After a Layoff: A Different Kind of Guide 🌱 The last thing you need right now is another post telling you to update your resume. Let's focus on you first. 1. 🛑 Don't Job Hunt Yet Give yourself at least a week. Your mind needs space to process. The jobs will still be there, and you'll approach them with fresher eyes. 2. 📱 Digital Detox Day Step away from LinkedIn and industry news for 24 hours. The constant stream of updates can wait. Your peace of mind can't. 3. 🤙 One Call, One Day Connect with one person daily. Not about jobs - just connect. You'd be amazed how a friendly voice can shift your perspective. 4. ✨ List Your Superpowers Write down everything you're great at - work stuff, life stuff, all of it. Read it when doubt creeps in. 5. 🌟 Be Someone's Hero Consider mentoring a junior dev or student. Nothing reminds you of your value like helping others grow. 6. 🎨 Revisit Old Passions Remember that game design you sketched years ago? That story you wanted to write? Now's the time. 7. 🌿 Nature Reset Take a walk without your phone. Let your mind wander. Solutions often appear when we stop searching. 8. 💝 Self-Care Ritual Create one small daily practice that's just for you. Morning coffee in silence. Evening sketching. Whatever fills your cup. 9. 🎮 Play Games Not for research - for joy. Reconnect with why you fell in love with this industry in the first place. 10. 🤗 Share Your Story When you're ready, share with others going through the same thing. You're not alone in this journey. Remember: This pause isn't a setback - it's a reset. Our industry is built on second chances and comeback stories. You've got this. 💪 #gamedev #gamedevelopment #career #layoffs #mentalhealth