Bouncing Back From a Job Loss
Losing your job can be difficult at the best of times, but in the current climate it can hit harder – especially while the future feels uncertain. So, what are the things we can do to stay positive and productive in the search for a new role?
1. Get the right support
Surround yourself with a solid support team. Friends and family are great to lean on emotionally. It’s surprising how something as simple as a walk together or a good chat over a coffee can instantly improve your mood.
2. Maintain a routine
Create a new routine that reflects your old one as much as possible. Set your alarm for the same time each day, eat around the same time and stick to your regular exercise routine if you can. Keep up with your hobbies and stick to any weekly commitments you had outside of work. You might find this routine gives you something to anchor to, and a greater sense of normality, and you’ll be looking after your wellbeing, too.
3. Update your resumes and online profiles
It might seem daunting at first, but updating your resume and online profile can actually make you feel good. Writing down your achievements and experience helps you recognise your skills and your value to future employers.
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4. Remain patient and positive
It can feel hard not to take silence or rejection personally, but try to keep things in perspective as much as you can. Due to current circumstances, hiring could be put on hold for now.
Think about all that you have achieved, not just in the workplace but in your personal life too. Stay on top of your job search and follow up on applications to keep active and positive.
5. Set achievable job seeking goals
Finding a new job can feel like an immense task. Breaking it down into bite sized chunks can help you work through it. Set goals, such as making three phone calls or applying for three jobs each week.
Review your goals regularly so they remain realistic and achievable, and know it’s ok to change them according to what’s working and what’s not.
6. Connect with your network
Starting with people you know can make it easier. Contact your referees to see if they can recommend someone you can speak to, and reach out to ex colleagues, customers, suppliers, family and friends.
Connect with people online and promote yourself on social media. Doing these things can help you build up a network, and might open up areas of opportunity.
You might not be used to talking about yourself and your skills, or connecting with people professionally to ask about opportunities. But getting more comfortable and confident with networking could take you a long way towards finding that next role.
7. Take this opportunity to upskill
Now is a great time to brush up on skills that could help you stand out to employers. There are lots of ways to do this – from short courses to online courses for in-demand industries. Courses can sometimes present networking opportunities, or a stepping-stone into a role.
Upskilling will make you more valuable to future employers and potentially open the door to more varied and interesting roles. It can also ignite a passion in you for something new.
Starting the search for a new role after losing your job can feel overwhelming – especially if it’s a been a long time since your last job search. But following these seven steps can help you stay positive, productive and on track to finding your next role.
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