Emily Worden • Next Act Career

Hi Emily,

Layoffs have dominated the news cycle and I’ve got hundreds of people writing to me looking for advice about navigating layoffs. It's a scary time, and I'm here to help. 

Today’s newsletter is divided into two parts: 1) What to do if you’re worried about a layoff, and 2) What to do if you’ve been laid off. 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT A LAYOFF

1) BRAG BOOK: This is a document where you track all your accomplishments in real time. Whenever you finish a project, solve a problem, or get a kind message from a colleague, write it down in your Brag Book. It doesn't have to be a big project either - write down all your accomplishments, big or small!

2) Find your original job description - have you done more than what was listed? That will inspire your Brag Book.

3) If you are laid off, you will likely immediately lose access to your company account. Start a folder now and stash all your work and impressive projects, so that you have access to them later.

4) Update your Linkedin profile and be active on it. Comment on other posts, write your own posts, reconnect with your 1st connections and make new connections - especially at companies that interest you.

5) Where else might you want to work? Identify five other companies that you think would be great places to work. Scan the “Best Places to Work” lists, search by your area, talk with your friends who are happily employed … then start following that company on LinkedIn, turn on the “I’m interested” button on their company page, and make connections with people who work there.

6) Reinvigorate your network. Scan your email and mobile contacts and make a list of people to contact. Check in with them, even if you haven’t spoken in years. 

7) Evaluate your skills - are there any areas where you can improve? How about some upskilling? Can you take a class, workshop, or certificate program? (Can your employer pay for it?)

8) Mind your budget - build up your savings and stock your emergency fund.

9) Make doctors’ appointments - if you get medical insurance through your job, book doctor appointments you’ve been putting off.

10) Don’t worry about your resume yet. Yes, a good resume is important to your job search, but so is a strong LinkedIn profile and a robust network. Too many people focus solely on their resume, but there are other things to consider too. Plus, the work you put in your Brag Book, Story Stash, and LinkedIn profile will inform your resume updates.

FINAL NOTE: If you work for a company with over 100 full-time employees, use the WARN Act and track your company. (The company has to report upcoming layoffs to their state, so you can track in the info for your state, I also like layoffs.fyi.)

WHAT TO DO IF YOU EXPERIENCED A LAYOFF

1) Feel all the feelings. Anger, grief, shame, depression, anxiety, stress … it will all hit you. You’re on an emotional rollercoaster and it’s important to acknowledge and work through the wave of emotions that hit you.

2) Know it’s not your fault. Your job was eliminated for reasons out of your control. It is not a reflection of your performance, skills, or competence on the job. You can be a top performer and still be laid off.

3) Gather testimonials and recommendations from your colleagues. You will likely post about your layoff on LinkedIn and get all sorts of people supporting you and saying nice things. Capture that lighting in a bottle! When people say, “Let me know how I can help,” ask them for a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile.

4) Make doctor’s appointments. If you had a good healthcare plan from your company, take advantage of it before it goes away. Squeeze in all the doctor appointments you can before the insurance runs out.

5) Apply for unemployment benefits right away. It could take a few weeks to kick in.

6) Calculate your runway. Did you get a severance package? Look at your monthly expenses and calculate how long the severance package can keep you afloat. This might give you some breathing room.

7) Negotiate your non-compete clause. If your contract has a noncompete clause, see if you can negotiate around it to make it easier to find your next job. An employment lawyer can help with this.

8) Don’t start job hunting right away. I talk with people all the time who were laid off and say, “I’ve got to brush up my resume.” Ok, yeah, eventually, but take a beat first. Process your emotions, get your fiscal needs in order, make those doctor appointments, take a mental health day … whatever makes this time easier.

9) Don’t just focus on your resume. Today’s job market is tough, and you need more than a good resume to get a new job. An optimized and active LinkedIn profile is essential, as is a robust network and connections with recruiters. Work on your profile, reconnect with your network, and reach out to recruiters who specialize in your industry.

10) When you’re ready to announce you’re Open to Work, get specific about what you want - what kind of job titles do you want at what kind of companies? The more specific you are about what you want, the easier it is for your network to help you.

PS: If you’re posting about being Open to Work, use my Open to Work Info Sheet and LinkedIn template to help you. 

I'm rooting for you,

- Emily

Emily Worden