Learn how to handle a layoff positively with tips on professional growth and leadership development coaching strategies.

Finding a new job or new opportunity take time and months. Job search is a job and I recommend planning your day: - Job search strategy, action plan, - Day-to-day tasks (walking, gym, groceries, meeting with friends, ex-colleagues) Don't forget to rest, take some time off, rest, and start again. Be patient and resilient. Finding a job is a project that has a beginning and an end.

Last updated on Jun 13, 2024

Here's how you can navigate a layoff while ensuring your professional growth.

Facing a layoff is a tough challenge, but it's also an opportunity to reassess your career path and focus on professional development. While the immediate aftermath may be daunting, there are strategic steps you can take to navigate this period effectively. Leadership development coaching can support you in turning a layoff into a chance for growth, equipping you with the resilience and skills needed to move forward with confidence. It's about harnessing your potential and redirecting your career trajectory towards new, fulfilling opportunities.

1 Embrace Change

Embracing change is essential when you've been laid off. It's natural to feel a mix of emotions, but it's important to acknowledge these feelings and then pivot towards positive action. Start by re-evaluating your career goals and consider what you truly want from your next role. Leadership development coaching can help you to identify your strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that you're ready for the opportunities ahead. Remember, change is the only constant, and with the right mindset, it can lead to new beginnings.

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Andrea Gibbs

Lawyer Turned Technology Executive| Semiconductors, Foundry | AI | Software, SaaS| Government Affairs | Business Development| Incubation| Strategy| Trade| Policy| Risk& Compliance| M&A| Deals| Board Expertise| Optimist
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A lay-off is an emotionally charged event. Ensure you take time to take care of yourself, to allow space to grief the loss, to feel all the emotions and process it. This will then bring you up to open yourself fully to the new opportunities ahead. It is a blessing in disguise and you can choose to see it as a gift of freedom to recalibrate and land the next role that will bring you more joy.

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2 Network Smartly

Networking is more than exchanging business cards; it's about building genuine relationships that can provide support and open doors to new opportunities. After a layoff, reach out to former colleagues, industry peers, and mentors. Share your situation honestly but focus on the future and how you can add value to others. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and use social media platforms to stay visible and engaged. Each interaction is a chance to learn and grow, so network smartly and with purpose.

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3 Update Skills

In today's dynamic job market, updating your skills is crucial. Post-layoff, take stock of industry trends and the skills in demand. Leadership development coaching can guide you in identifying which skills will bolster your employability. Consider online courses, workshops, or even pursuing a certification if it aligns with your career goals. This proactive approach not only enhances your resume but also demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

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4 Craft Your Story

Your professional narrative is powerful. After a layoff, it's important to craft a story that positively frames your experience and future aspirations. Reflect on your achievements and how they've prepared you for the next stage of your career. Leadership development coaches can assist in articulating this narrative in a way that resonates with potential employers. This story becomes a part of your personal brand, showcasing resilience and readiness for new challenges.

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Andrea Gibbs

Lawyer Turned Technology Executive| Semiconductors, Foundry | AI | Software, SaaS| Government Affairs | Business Development| Incubation| Strategy| Trade| Policy| Risk& Compliance| M&A| Deals| Board Expertise| Optimist
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Take stock and write out a job marketing plan that reflects your values and the culture you wish to join or create in the next role. It's important to be intentional in your actions knowing both what you want and don't want in a new role.

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Elena Sabry

Helping Managers, Executives & Entrepreneurs to make their next career move & grow their personal brand
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Employers and your contacts will ask you questions: - Are you working? - Why did you leave your last job? - Tell me about yourself/ walk me through your resume. - What role/ job are you looking for? - What's your strength, the value you can bring to people and organization, etc. Prepare your answers with your coach or someone who knows you well. This can be the beginning of telling your story...

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5 Seek Feedback

Feedback is a gift, especially during times of transition. After a layoff, seek constructive feedback from trusted colleagues and mentors. This insight can provide clarity on areas for improvement and reinforce what you're doing well. Leadership development coaching often includes 360-degree feedback mechanisms which offer comprehensive perspectives on your performance and behavior. Use this feedback to refine your approach and strategies as you pursue new career opportunities.

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6 Plan Strategically

Strategic planning is essential when navigating a layoff. Set short-term goals that will lead to long-term success, such as updating your resume, practicing interview skills, or networking with three new contacts each week. Leadership development coaching can help you to create a structured plan with actionable steps. This focused approach keeps you moving forward and ensures that every effort you make contributes to your professional growth.

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Elena Sabry

Helping Managers, Executives & Entrepreneurs to make their next career move & grow their personal brand
Report contribution
Finding a new job or new opportunity take time and months. Job search is a job and I recommend planning your day: - Job search strategy, action plan, - Day-to-day tasks (walking, gym, groceries, meeting with friends, ex-colleagues) Don't forget to rest, take some time off, rest, and start again. Be patient and resilient. Finding a job is a project that has a beginning and an end.

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Bryan Powell, PCC, CPBA, CPMA

High Performing Teams and Leadership Coach I 4X Top Voice on LinkedIn I Forbes Coaches Council Member and Contributing Author I ICF Ignite Global Ambassador I Coaching Geek
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When coaching individuals that have experienced a layoff it has become essential to create a strategic game plan that is focused on both action as well as care. The current workplace environment has continued to see layoffs almost on a daily basis and those that are searching for new roles find themselves in a daily grind to find that opportunity that fits their skills for months if not in some cases more than a year. Build a plan alongside your coach or mentor that includes accomplishments throughout the week that will lead to your success. In addition, be intentional about your personal time to disconnect and reenergize. The stress can build and negative emotions or anxiety can take over in interviews. Stop, pause, and reenergize.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can navigate a layoff while ensuring your professional growth.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Embrace Change

2 Network Smartly

3 Update Skills

4 Craft Your Story

5 Seek Feedback

6 Plan Strategically

7 Here’s what else to consider

Leadership Development Coaching

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Here's how you can navigate a layoff while ensuring your professional growth.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Embrace Change

2 Network Smartly

3 Update Skills

4 Craft Your Story

5 Seek Feedback

6 Plan Strategically

7 Here’s what else to consider

Leadership Development Coaching

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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