You’ve been laid off. How can you use networking to find your next job?

I have been laid 3 years in a row for different reasons. What I have learned from this experience is using the art of storytelling to share my loss and change with my social media community. This approach was used to inspire others and let companies or hiring managers know I am open to work. Moreover, I developed an action plan with a marketing strategy to help me progress. Executing this plan allowed for me to put myself back into the job market, meeting people, secure interviews and build brand awareness. This would help me gain engagement with industry experts and groups on LinkedIn. Staying active, consistent and persistent as a job seeker using a marketing mindset will help you stand out from your competitors.

Following a layoff, networking becomes pivotal in securing a new job. Start by reconnecting with former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to expand your network further. Utilize informational interviews to gather insights and showcase your skills. Engage in online communities and forums relevant to your field to stay visible and build connections. Offer assistance to others in your network, fostering reciprocal relationships. Additionally, consider joining professional associations or alumni groups for additional networking opportunities.

When it comes to your personal profiles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, it's wise to keep personal details private or be careful about what you share publicly—remember, potential employers often check these. For LinkedIn, make sure your profile has a recent, professional photo, a catchy headline summarising your experience, and accurate contact information. Building an online presence is important; engage with posts that interest you and consider creating your own content—it can really boost your professional image.

Of course layoffs are not uncommon and this is part of ongoing labor dynamics. One thing that can be done in this regard is to to revisit professional networks and online presence and update profiles as needed including new certifications, work experience, accomplishments and any other activities that would introduce them well to potential employers. They also need to review their skillsets and competencies to identify gaps and bridge them to ensure they are updated on critical skills dictated by the industry to be attractive candidates. Active participation in industry conventions as speakers and presenters would be essential and helpful to reconnect with experts and to have new connections.

Engage in meaningful networking to uncover your next career opportunity. Connect with professionals in your industry, attend industry events, and join relevant online communities. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your skills and expertise, and don't hesitate to reach out to your network for advice, referrals, and job leads. Networking is about building relationships, so nurture connections and stay active in your network to stay informed about potential job openings and opportunities.

Build a squad! Job searching can be incredibly lonely, especially when the rejections pile up. I always recommend my clients to find two or three peers in a similar position and to start working on projects together. These projects should be connected to what you do professionally already, so you stay in a work-like routine. But you can also explore new modes of work (for example running online events), where you can learn from each other. You and your squad lift each other up, you keep each other accountable, and you might also jointly create valuable content which you can share on your socials.

Make a list of all your contacts, starting from your school friends, college friends, ex - colleagues, friends, relatives, alumni of your school / college, mentors, clients etc. and write to them. Make sure its a personalized note mentioning your professional journey and what is it that you are looking for now. Do not be afraid or feel shy to ask for help, you never know from where you get your next best opportunity. It is extremely important to follow up with your connections and be persistent. Your network is your asset.

Networking is like net worth. Definitely your biggest strength will be the ability to reconnect with the people around you who can help you out. Increasing visibility on professional platform is really worth. Don’t hesitate in seeking help and referral.

Your friends and family can be as important to your success as your professional network, and they're more likely to be invested in seeing you achieve your goals. It can be tempting to keep your friends and family separate to your professional life, but you can find some really powerful allies by being honest with them when looking for new opportunities.

When you reconnect, make certain you do not sound bitter. No one wants to refer someone who is depressed. Be upbeat, even if you have to fake it.

Start looking "through" your network, versus "at" your network. Let's say you're interested in getting into banking - but none of your friends or 1st degree connections (using LinkedIn terms) works in banking. If you just look "at" your network, you will think there is no one there to help you. But if you look "through" your network, you will see that there are people who work in banking who are friends of your friends, or the sister of a friend, or the uncle of your neighbour - and so on. When you ask for conversations with people your friends are connected with, you can expand your network. Target companies of interest then see who can get you a conversation.

When applying for a job always check whether you have anybody in your 1st or 2nd degree connection who works there. The higher level the better, function is less important than level in the organization. Think if you’re a recruiter and your HR admin colleague forwards you a resume vs let’s say VP of Treasury does that (regardless of what’s the role).😉

Value addition which one can bring to the profession is so important today. Strategic networking can be based on that agenda. Linkedin can be very effective in finding people related to sector, domain, etc. One can introduce through personalized connect request adding how can they learn from each other. This can be an asset when looking for career move. Though laid off from a company, the value one can add to the sector will continue to stand and fetch another job.

Networking isn’t just about quantity; it’s about quality and authenticity. Navigating a job search after being laid off can be challenging, but strategic networking can significantly enhance your chances of finding your next opportunity. Following the below framework is an effective way to get you next offer. C: Cultivate Existing Ties O: Optimize LinkedIn Profile N: Navigate Virtual Events N: Nurture Informational Interviews E: Engage by Volunteering C: Contribute Generously T: Track Consistent Follow-Ups CONNECT represents building meaningful connections and leveraging them effectively during your job search journey. 🤝

Ask yourself: Who in your network hears about jobs? Keeping in touch with people, reconnecting after a long gap in correspondence, scheduling live meetings to deepen the relationship – all these networking activities take time. You can’t give everyone the same amount of attention, so for job search purposes, review your network to see who is likely to hear about jobs. Some people to prioritize include those who recently made a move themselves, recruiters and other HR professionals, and the very socially active (we all have friends who seem to know everything that’s going on!). Make a list of people who are likely to hear about job leads or be in a position to make referrals, and start your networking efforts there.

Volunteering can be an excellent way to network to build professional connections, and showcase your expertise. Offering your time, and talents to causes you're passionate about, so you can demonstrate your capabilities to potential clients, partners, or future employers. When you volunteer in a setting that aligns with your professional expertise, you effectively put your skills on display and showcase your value. This hands-on experience allows you to build credibility and establish yourself as a knowledgeable professional. You may gain valuable references or testimonials. Volunteering is an opportunity to connect with like-minded people creating connections that lead to professional relationships, and new networks.

Its all about displaying ones expertise and values in order to gain more attraction 🧲 from the employers. Theres an important saying in India amongst the traditional people which means what is shown that only sells. So going by it until and unless we display our worth no one will get a dream of the important skill set that we may be carrying silently which can be in some sense advertised in order to get attention from the would be employers.

Strategically showcasing your expertise and value is essential. Specific to Linkedin below mentioned pointers will certainly fetch you 'SUCCESS' - Strategic Headline: Compelling headline that resonates with your audience, keywords relevant to your niche and emphasize your unique skills. - Unleash Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. -Content Authority: Write LinkedIn articles to share insights, tips, and industry knowledge. - Curate Skills: Highlight your top skills. Consistently update and showcase them across roles. - Engage Authentically: Engage with others’ content, participate in groups, and offer value. - Storytelling: Use the “Featured” section. Share links to projects, articles, or presentations that tell your story.

Showcasing your expertise and value involves creating compelling content and actively engaging with your network to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Share articles, blog posts, or presentations on topics relevant to your field, highlighting your unique insights and perspectives. Participate in online discussions, comment on industry trends, and offer thoughtful contributions to showcase your expertise. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to publish articles, share case studies, or provide recommendations that illustrate your capabilities. Additionally, seek opportunities to speak at conferences, webinars, or panel discussions to showcase your expertise in front of a broader audience.

First off, if you are going through this, I understand your frustration and anxiety. While it may not be of much consolation, the post pandemic era has seen a lot of shifts in the work force, and having been laid off due to economics has become an unfortunate commonplace scenario. If you have a strong networking presence: reach out and let your trusted connections know you are searching for a position, and provide some context so they can help you. Stating that you just need a job does not really allow for connections to assist- they need more specificity since they are going to put their names and reputations on the line when referring you. Also, utilize your network for support. Receiving tips and encouragement will allow you to persist.

P.E.R.S.I.S.T: - Not just an acronym; it’s a mindset that empowers you to thrive. Positivity (P): Maintain an optimistic outlook. Focus on solutions rather than problems. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. Endurance (E): Cultivate resilience. Persevere even when faced with obstacles. Remember that challenges are temporary. Resilience ®: Bounce back from setbacks. Adapt, learn, and evolve. Resilience fuels progress. Steadfastness (S): Stay committed to your goals. Consistency and determination lead to success. Initiative (I): Take proactive steps. Seek new opportunities, network, and explore alternative paths. Self-Belief (S): Trust in your abilities. Believe that you can overcome adversity.

Being persistent and positive entails maintaining a proactive mindset and resilient attitude throughout your job search journey. Despite facing setbacks or rejections, stay motivated and continue to pursue opportunities with determination. Set achievable goals, develop a structured job search plan, and dedicate time each day to networking, applying for jobs, and enhancing your skills. Maintain a positive attitude during networking events, interviews, and interactions with potential employers, showcasing your enthusiasm and confidence. Additionally, seek support from mentors, friends, or support groups to stay encouraged and focused on your career goals.

Being laid off is hard. It’s painful and makes you doubt yourself. Take the time to reset. Consider asking trusted family and friends to assist you. Watch, read, and listen to content that helps you reset and reminds you that the sun will shine again. Remember you can start again. Your attitude is a key factor in networking. When you have taken the time to accept where you are in your journey and set the intention to try again, the quality of your engagement will attract people you need for your new journey. With resetting you are clearer on next steps. Lean into curiosity and courage as you ask for help, start again, and remain open to opportunities that might be new and need you to learn new skills. You can do hard things, keep going.

I was out of job in 2018. I started volunteering as a story teller for children on lifeskills. School where I used to tell stories hired me for story telling for 1 year and paid me in 6 figures. Keep serving. Volunteering is always rewarding in many ways.

As a transition coach, I have heard more than my share of how impacted professionals hesitate to "ask for help" least they seem "needy" and turned down. It's a genuine worry. As a psychologist I can assure you, we humans love to be liked and when someone asks us for help, we feel liked and needed. So ask away, for support, information, referrals. Our network is a big strength in opening doors where there are none. Moreover, corporates prefer referrals while hiring. Think of it like this ... If we don't ask, the answer is a "no". However if we ask there is 50% chance of a "yes".

Your network is the most important professional asset you must build. In three instances, I was able to get a new opportunity with just one phone call. And one must constantly add value to your network. I see so many people connecting and forgetting about it. We must nurture our network at the individual level.

Being laid off is not the same as being fired. The former is the fault of the employer, the latter is the fault of the employee. Being laid off is nothing of which to be ashamed and there is no need to be defensive during job interviews.