What to Do (and Not Do) After a Layoff
Over the past two months, I’ve been working with a woman I’ll call Kim. She’s an accomplished tech executive, and she’s been preparing herself for a layoff. While her company is on solid footing right now, they sell to public institutions. She’s been seeing budgets shrivel up, and she’s worried that her days there are limited.
During our most recent career coaching session, she shared that she’s exploring consulting projects as well as full-time roles. I mentioned that it’s a great idea, to shield her against a gap if her current job ends abruptly. Her next question is one that I’ve been asked dozens of times throughout my career:
“Do I really need to worry about a gap in my resume?”
I’ve been a career coach for over 15 years. A lot has changed during that time. Since the pandemic, employment gaps are no longer seen as a ‘red flag’ they once were, especially if they’re less than a year long. But there’s an outcome of these gaps you may not realize unless you experience it firsthand.
As people surpass a certain length of unemployment, something starts to happen: Their muscle memory erodes. They start to forget what it feels like to use their strengths regularly. They lose touch with the skilled, competent parts of themselves. They may start to lose faith in their ability to learn and adapt, to make valuable contributions to a new workplace. And because they are not in a strong place emotionally, they may have a harder time presenting themselves competitively to potential employers.
This is not to say that people can’t or won’t get hired if they’re ‘Open to Work.’ In fact, the opposite is true. Candidates who have been unemployed for longer periods may, out of necessity, be more likely to accept less competitive offers, which would make them more attractive to potential hirers. But because they’ve forgotten what it feels like to use their strengths, they may feel less qualified and capable, which would make it harder for them to negotiate competitively for themselves.
In a ‘best case’ scenario, the timing would align. A departure from a job would be the result of a more competitive offer and a more interesting opportunity. Ideally, the candidate would have allocated time in advance to take necessary steps to bring this offer to fruition: preparing their materials, finding quality roles, and applying to enough positions to make the odds turn in their favor. Soft skills also take time: Warming up a network that may have lay dormant for a while, or refreshing their interview skills. If all this can happen while someone is actively working, they are putting themselves forward from a place of strength and confidence.
Timing is rarely under our control. For those finding themselves affected by a layoff, here are a few steps to take to keep your muscle memory and retain your confidence:
Routine + Ritual = Self Care
It’s so tempting to tell yourself, “I’ve been in the grind for X many years, I deserve some time to relax.” Of course you do, within reason. But without structure, you will lose hours to doomscrolling and having job envy on LinkedIn. Take steps to build external structure around you, whether it’s a standing Zoom coffee date every morning with an unemployed or retired friend, signing up for classes at the library, or making a fitness buddy through a neighborhood group. This is self care, and it’s critical.
Limit your ‘down’ time
Too many people wait until their severance has run out to start really looking for a new role. Instead, see your job search as the marathon it will likely be. Take steps early to brainstorm your past accomplishments, write out your STAR stories, and reconnect with past colleagues. Most of the skilled career coaches that I know will have waiting periods for sessions and services, so keep that in mind as well.
Use your talents – every day
Staying connected with your most competent self is perhaps the most important thing you can do. Try to use your strengths and talents every day – whether you’re helping friends informally, doing small paid projects, or volunteering. Keep in mind – you don’t have to only use your narrow professional strengths. Just doing anything that you’re innately good at is key.
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