[04.05.09]

39 great comments!

10 Ways To Re-Build After Being Laid Off

I’m lucky in a number of ways.

One way is that I get to meet a lot of smart people through authoring this blog. Many meetings are by phone. Not ideal in many cases but the emotions come across regardless. And, because we are new in our relationship, people are more open in sharing the details of their situation.

The most compelling discussions are with people who need help after a layoff – especially if you have the opportunity to speak with them within days or weeks of the lay off.
So I was thinking today that the experience of being laid off is like experiencing a tornado.

Not one that leaves physical destruction of course, but there are many similarities both in terms of the immediate impact and the clean up and re-building that begins once the dust settles.

1. With most lay-offs you get very little notice. The sudden, unanticipated news can shake you. There is frustration due to the often random nature of the decision. Why me? Why now? What will I do?

2. Like tornados, job layoffs tend to come as local events. Hitting a community or a small division of a big company. A plant shutdown is a good example. So you know a lot of other people affected by the event and have a group of folks now in a need to re-group.

3. As the winds die down, the community comes out to see what happened. Is everyone OK? In the case of layoffs, however, the true nature of most company relationships are laid bare. Those affected are often left to fend for themselves with little help from fellow employees and a package of benefits from the company that never feels quite enough.

4. Then comes the sorting through process. Trying to figure out what you lost and what can be salvaged. A feeling of loss. After a layoff, there are many questions regarding your benefits, how long they last and what needs to be done to get them activated. Many good companies provide help with activation of these benefits and even provide some ongoing support. Either directly or through out placement. Unlike the Red Cross, there are some out placement firms out there offering only surface value.

5. The important re-building process then begins. Mentally and physically you need to prepare for your next role in the work world. Depending on your lay-off situation, it can either be psychologically damaging or a welcome relief (the latter tends to be something that is only realized months later). For the former, there is real healing that needs to happen. One needs to shift from focusing on the old job to planning for the new one.

So how do you re-build after a lay-off?

1. KNOW YOUR BENEFITS

Sit with your spouse ASAP and make sure you are both clear on what benefits you have and don’t have along with roughing out an early budget. Do not assume (especially if the lost income was the only one in the family) that a new job will be found quickly. Optimism is great in job search as it is important to believe in yourself. That the next job is just around the corner. But please don’t build a financial plan that assumes a quick end to the job search.

2. BUILD YOUR STRATEGY

Start with your job objectives. What are you looking for in your next job? Set your targets: title, industry, companies, function, geography, benefits. Who will you tap to communicate these objectives? What role will recruiters play? How will you use the job search sites? Where will you pay for services (paid search, career coach, etc) vs. going it alone? What guiding principles will steer your time and energy each day?

3. PREPARE YOUR PERSONAL MARKETING MATERIALS

Your personal marketing materials speak for you in your absence. They must be well written and precise. They must tell your story in a meaningful way. In addition to your resume (max 2 pages), you need a way to introduce yourself. Sometimes that is a cover letter. At networking events that can be a one-sheet like the SoloSheet I introduced last week. You also need ways to leave people with a professional impression. Do you have a business card that reminds people of your job objectives and positions you well for that ideal job? Are your references in order? Are they ready and willing to share meaningful accomplishments that will be relevant to the hiring company?

4. TELL THE WORLD

Do not be shy with this one. Done correctly, sharing your job search objectives with friends, family, former co-workers, the check-out lady at the grocery store, etc is vital. I say correctly because there are good and bad ways to spread the word. Make sure your job objectives are clear and memorable. People can only help you if you leave them with a tangible memory. If not, you’ll get back very little.

5. NETWORK LIKE CRAZY

Effective job search includes not only communicating with your current circle, but, more important is to reach out to a larger crowd. Preferably made up of people in your industry. Join an industry association. Go to seminars or events where people who hire will attend.

6. TAKE TIME FOR YOU

Lay-offs can be painful. You can feel wronged or cheated. Angry. Those are common emotions. Taking time for you is therapeutic to help heal those feelings and, more important, can get you back in the right frame of mind to interview. Once you begin interviewing, no one wants to hear your frustrations. They want to hear about your ability to have a positive impact on their company. And you can’t communicate that with a chip on your shoulder.

7. GET IN SHAPE AND EAT RIGHT

What to do with your extra time? Get fit. You’ll feel better, look better and, as an extra benefit, your interview suit won’t be quite as snug!

8. SHOW PATIENCE

The job search process takes time. Impatience doesn’t make it go any faster. Build your strategy and give it time to play out. Patience comes across as cool and confident – especially across a desk during an interview. It also prevents any nagging of recruiters or hiring managers during the process. If you act like you have a lot going on, you are more interesting than someone who clearly only has eyes for one opportunity. Don’t seem desperate – even if you feel that way some days.

9. INTERVIEW AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

Interviewing is good for you. Practice interviewing is great preparation for the important ones down the road. The more you put yourself into a face-to-face discussion, the more comfortable and polished you will be when it counts. So, find jobs to interview for even if they are not ideal. Give it your best. Get an offer and you can take that confidence with you.

10. A TEACHABLE MOMENT

If this was your first lay-off or your first time out of work in your career, go look yourself in the mirror and say this: “Never again”. Never again will I avoid networking because I didn’t NEED to at the time. It is so easy to network while working. It takes time and focus, yes. But, boy does it pay off when you really need it. Instead of starting from scratch, you have a whole crew of people ready to help you clean up and re-build. Many of whom you helped find a job over the past few years.

So, tell me.

What was your lay-off experience like?
Is this a reasonable analogy? If not, what did it feel like to you?

Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your story.

And, as always, if you liked this post…
Share it with a friend.

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Matthew Gustavson

It is true. My layoff was some what expected, but there were others that shocked the whole office. I worked for a publishing company, and when the Publisher quit one day we all saw the writing real quick. I am in IT and have had several phone and face to face interviews, but no job yet.
There is also something that is not touched on and that is positions that you interview going away. I was interviewed and told that the position was mine. I was then told that HR would be contacting me shortly to iron out all the details. One week goes by and I call my recruiter and he tells me that the position is being delayed for due to HR having due diligence for the person that was holding the position currently. Another 2 weeks go by and then I am informed that the company decided to not fill the position and that I will be kept on file for further positions if they come available. Nothing better than having your hopes get so high and then have them dashed.
Right now I am waiting to hear from another company on a third interview to see if I will be hired or not.
Good luck to all you guys.
Matthew Gustavson

It is true. My layoff was some what expected, but there were others that shocked the whole office. I worked for a publishing company, and when the Publisher quit one day we all saw the writing real quick. I am in IT and have had several phone and face to face interviews, but no job yet.
There is also something that is not touched on and that is positions that you interview going away. I was interviewed and told that the position was mine. I was then told that HR would be contacting me shortly to iron out all the details. One week goes by and I call my recruiter and he tells me that the position is being delayed for due to HR having due diligence for the person that was holding the position currently. Another 2 weeks go by and then I am informed that the company decided to not fill the position and that I will be kept on file for further positions if they come available. Nothing better than having your hopes get so high and then have them dashed.
Right now I am waiting to hear from another company on a third interview to see if I will be hired or not.
Good luck to all you guys.
http://profile.typepad.com/6p01156efc5f7b970c tesspantaz

Thanks, Tim. Solid advice, and a very helpful article for a very stressful time for many people.
http://profile.typepad.com/6p01156efc5f7b970c tesspantaz

Thanks, Tim. Solid advice, and a very helpful article for a very stressful time for many people.
http://www.AskColleenKing.com Colleen King

I was laid off for the first and only time in my life about 6 years ago. Even though my group and I weren’t thrilled with our jobs at the time, we were less thrilled with the idea of unemployment, and what were we going to do next.
This turned out eventually to be the best thing that ever happened to me. I caused me to start my own business, and five years later things are going well. So once you get over the shock, it may end up being a great opportunity if you’re open to it.
I own an insurance agency. As I see people go through this nightmare, I try to help by getting the word out that in the area of health insurance, there may be options other than COBRA for you, so don’t sign up without checking it out. You can look for things online, but I suggest that you are better off goign through an indepdent agent, especially if you have health issues, large or small.
Check out my article on COBRA alternatives on my blog site listed below. Click on the Individual Insurance link to find articles on COBRA. Then call someone before you do it yourself online. The cost to you is the same, but the help you will get by calling someone can be invaluable.
http://www.AskColleenKing.com Colleen King

I was laid off for the first and only time in my life about 6 years ago. Even though my group and I weren’t thrilled with our jobs at the time, we were less thrilled with the idea of unemployment, and what were we going to do next.
This turned out eventually to be the best thing that ever happened to me. I caused me to start my own business, and five years later things are going well. So once you get over the shock, it may end up being a great opportunity if you’re open to it.
I own an insurance agency. As I see people go through this nightmare, I try to help by getting the word out that in the area of health insurance, there may be options other than COBRA for you, so don’t sign up without checking it out. You can look for things online, but I suggest that you are better off goign through an indepdent agent, especially if you have health issues, large or small.
Check out my article on COBRA alternatives on my blog site listed below. Click on the Individual Insurance link to find articles on COBRA. Then call someone before you do it yourself online. The cost to you is the same, but the help you will get by calling someone can be invaluable.
glen Loock

Great article and it was right on target. I am not laid off for the second time in three years, and I find it is harder on my wife than on me. While we both saw the possibility of this lay off it is still a hard thing to except. I have noticed that often the significant other is the one who takes it harder than the one who actually lost their job. But having a good support network as well as a good professional network makes being “in transition” easier to deal with.
glen Loock

Great article and it was right on target. I am not laid off for the second time in three years, and I find it is harder on my wife than on me. While we both saw the possibility of this lay off it is still a hard thing to except. I have noticed that often the significant other is the one who takes it harder than the one who actually lost their job. But having a good support network as well as a good professional network makes being “in transition” easier to deal with.
http://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/dpizzutti Dena

This is all very true. I was laid off in January. Like many others, I never thought it would happen to me, and really wish I had gone to all of the networking events I had seen advertised while I was working. In order to earn a little extra money, I started doing Tastefully Simple (www.tastefullysimple.com/web/dpizzutti). At the very least, its helping me meet new people and stay busy in the meantime.
Best of luck to everyone!
http://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/dpizzutti Dena

This is all very true. I was laid off in January. Like many others, I never thought it would happen to me, and really wish I had gone to all of the networking events I had seen advertised while I was working. In order to earn a little extra money, I started doing Tastefully Simple (www.tastefullysimple.com/web/dpizzutti). At the very least, its helping me meet new people and stay busy in the meantime.
Best of luck to everyone!
http://profile.typepad.com/6p01156fffeec2970b www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?

After going through the other emotions, I found
the best attitude adjustment to adopt, especially
if you received “a financial package to leave”,
is that your ex-company just gave you a sabbatical
to go find what you really want to do.
In the morning I make coffee, search and apply
for new opportunities, then I play tennis for a
couple of hours with a group of guys. In Colorado
if you shovel the snow off the courts, more exercise,
they are ready to play again in a day or two. About
11:30 we head to BurgerKing, who has whopper Juniors
for a $1 and senior drinks are free.
Head Hunters, I mean recruiters, can chat with
me in the afternoon or Email.
Frank Bennett
http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=817255
http://profile.typepad.com/6p01156fffeec2970b www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkevorVESH9jHPpopOOXabZ-me8QOi_EHk
After going through the other emotions, I found
the best attitude adjustment to adopt, especially
if you received “a financial package to leave”,
is that your ex-company just gave you a sabbatical
to go find what you really want to do.
In the morning I make coffee, search and apply
for new opportunities, then I play tennis for a
couple of hours with a group of guys. In Colorado
if you shovel the snow off the courts, more exercise,
they are ready to play again in a day or two. About
11:30 we head to BurgerKing, who has whopper Juniors
for a $1 and senior drinks are free.
Head Hunters, I mean recruiters, can chat with
me in the afternoon or Email.
Frank Bennett
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

@Colleen – Glad to hear your story ended well! Appreciate your advice re: COBRA.
@Dena – Good luck with the business. Great thought to keep meeting people along the way . . .
@Glen – You are absolutely right about the effect on your spouse. Keep communicating!
@Matthew – Great point about jobs going away while you are interviewing for them. You are right.
@Frank – I like your attitude. Important to keep a balance in life when in transition.
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

@Colleen – Glad to hear your story ended well! Appreciate your advice re: COBRA.
@Dena – Good luck with the business. Great thought to keep meeting people along the way . . .
@Glen – You are absolutely right about the effect on your spouse. Keep communicating!
@Matthew – Great point about jobs going away while you are interviewing for them. You are right.
@Frank – I like your attitude. Important to keep a balance in life when in transition.
http://oneclickva.com Yelena

Oh, you’re right on when you say that “with most layoffs you get little notice”. I had exactly 5-minute notice, if you can call it that. One day I couldn’t log into the remote terminal (I was working from home at the time) and called in to report the problem. I was informed that my access was revoked and I was laid off. Sure, the business was a bit slow, but the company owner gave absolutely no hints about possible belt-tightening. Actually, he was talking about expanding the company! He expanded alright – laid off half the people in one day.
Anyway, that was the first time (and the only time) I got laid off and I was completely unprepared. It was a total shock (plus my husband did not have a job at the time). Took us a while to recover from this. I wasted a lot of time though by not letting anyone, but my immediate family know and not networking.
A few months later I snapped out of it and decided to start my own business. So in retrospect, as tough as it was on me and my family, the layoff was – weiredly enough, a good thing.
http://oneclickva.com Yelena

Oh, you’re right on when you say that “with most layoffs you get little notice”. I had exactly 5-minute notice, if you can call it that. One day I couldn’t log into the remote terminal (I was working from home at the time) and called in to report the problem. I was informed that my access was revoked and I was laid off. Sure, the business was a bit slow, but the company owner gave absolutely no hints about possible belt-tightening. Actually, he was talking about expanding the company! He expanded alright – laid off half the people in one day.
Anyway, that was the first time (and the only time) I got laid off and I was completely unprepared. It was a total shock (plus my husband did not have a job at the time). Took us a while to recover from this. I wasted a lot of time though by not letting anyone, but my immediate family know and not networking.
A few months later I snapped out of it and decided to start my own business. So in retrospect, as tough as it was on me and my family, the layoff was – weiredly enough, a good thing.
Julie

Great post Tim. I would add a couple of points for those that are new in the career/job transition:
1. Networking is not like it used to be. It’s a kinder, gentler world and everyone wants to help you. So don’t be shy in asking for help and give, give, give as much as you can in helping others. That’s what networking is all about these days. Thankfully.
2. Patience is definitely important. Also, when opportunities do arise, and you actually get interviews, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Keep networking and contacting your target companies. What could be better than having more leverage and actually getting two job offers?
3. Targeting specific companies is important because something like 80-90% of job opportunities (especially at the senior level) are hidden, meaning not advertised. So find a minimum of 30 target companies, prioritize them by A, B, C and practice. Then start finding contacts and reaching out with your “practice” companies. Once you get good, start going after all your target companies.
Good luck to everyone recovering from a tornado, or otherwise. Some of us actually chose to be in this career transition!
Julie

Great post Tim. I would add a couple of points for those that are new in the career/job transition:
1. Networking is not like it used to be. It’s a kinder, gentler world and everyone wants to help you. So don’t be shy in asking for help and give, give, give as much as you can in helping others. That’s what networking is all about these days. Thankfully.
2. Patience is definitely important. Also, when opportunities do arise, and you actually get interviews, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Keep networking and contacting your target companies. What could be better than having more leverage and actually getting two job offers?
3. Targeting specific companies is important because something like 80-90% of job opportunities (especially at the senior level) are hidden, meaning not advertised. So find a minimum of 30 target companies, prioritize them by A, B, C and practice. Then start finding contacts and reaching out with your “practice” companies. Once you get good, start going after all your target companies.
Good luck to everyone recovering from a tornado, or otherwise. Some of us actually chose to be in this career transition!
Kesha Nuss

Great article, Tim and very well written. It is true that we all tend to go through the various emotions until we reach acceptance and are able to move forward in interviewing for our new ideal career. I especially like the part about networking while you were still working. This is probably the biggest mistake I made and definitely one that I won’t repeat in the future. I will continue to keep in contact with all the friends and professional connections along the way as they offer both professional and moral support.
Kesha Nuss

Great article, Tim and very well written. It is true that we all tend to go through the various emotions until we reach acceptance and are able to move forward in interviewing for our new ideal career. I especially like the part about networking while you were still working. This is probably the biggest mistake I made and definitely one that I won’t repeat in the future. I will continue to keep in contact with all the friends and professional connections along the way as they offer both professional and moral support.
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Yelena – Thanks for sharing your story. It is interesting to hear how many people find good things after a lay-off. And, you are right, it is tough to go through.
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Yelena – Thanks for sharing your story. It is interesting to hear how many people find good things after a lay-off. And, you are right, it is tough to go through.
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Julie – Great additions – thank you!
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Julie – Great additions – thank you!
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Thanks Kesha – I think we all have learned the lesson about constant networking at some point in our careers. Spread the word!
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Thanks Kesha – I think we all have learned the lesson about constant networking at some point in our careers. Spread the word!
Monique

Thanks for the advice Matt. Unfortunately I have been laid off 3 times in the last 3 years! And I ran out of money. I don’t know how I’m going to pay next month mortgage. My field is advertising and marketing and Im ready to change direction. My problem is that if I start a new career I will make a entry level salary, which will be lower then my current unemployment check. I’m in my early 50ies and was hoping for some easier times, but the opposite is happening. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Monique
Monique

Thanks for the advice Matt. Unfortunately I have been laid off 3 times in the last 3 years! And I ran out of money. I don’t know how I’m going to pay next month mortgage. My field is advertising and marketing and Im ready to change direction. My problem is that if I start a new career I will make a entry level salary, which will be lower then my current unemployment check. I’m in my early 50ies and was hoping for some easier times, but the opposite is happening. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Monique
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Monique – Thanks for your comment. I wrote you a private note at the e-mail address you left. Feel free to get in touch – happy to help you any way I can!
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Monique – Thanks for your comment. I wrote you a private note at the e-mail address you left. Feel free to get in touch – happy to help you any way I can!
Linda

Great article and yes, like a tornado…unexpected and unprepared when given notice of being laid off.
If I had 20/20 vision, I would have anticipated it and done all the things before to keep current with education, CEU’s, networking, keeping my resume current and having a LinkedIN profile in place.
The current position of being amongst the unemployed gives me time to get back to the basics. Being laid off was a new experience for me and is one of the most humbling and earth shaking occurrence of my life but a great time to reassess and regroup for the next chapter in my work. I did let my certifications go in the midst of working a lot but not anymore. Hind sight is 20/20 and I am better equipped now to meet the challenge of today’s economy in the workforce through additional education, CEU’s, networking and it does offer opportunities to get back in touch with the community, family, and friends.
Best of luck to all you and thanks to all who blog, share personal, and professional experiences.
Linda

Great article and yes, like a tornado…unexpected and unprepared when given notice of being laid off.
If I had 20/20 vision, I would have anticipated it and done all the things before to keep current with education, CEU’s, networking, keeping my resume current and having a LinkedIN profile in place.
The current position of being amongst the unemployed gives me time to get back to the basics. Being laid off was a new experience for me and is one of the most humbling and earth shaking occurrence of my life but a great time to reassess and regroup for the next chapter in my work. I did let my certifications go in the midst of working a lot but not anymore. Hind sight is 20/20 and I am better equipped now to meet the challenge of today’s economy in the workforce through additional education, CEU’s, networking and it does offer opportunities to get back in touch with the community, family, and friends.
Best of luck to all you and thanks to all who blog, share personal, and professional experiences.
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Linda – Great to hear your progression! A lot of hard work but a big payoff when you get your head on straight . . .
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Linda – Great to hear your progression! A lot of hard work but a big payoff when you get your head on straight . . .
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