How to handle layoffs

Posted on 12/5/2022, 3:24:37 PM

Thousands of employees are dealing with layoffs right now. Tech companies like Twitter and Stripe are laying off employees en mass. It's a tough time to be a tech employee, but it doesn't have to be. If you keep these eight things in mind, you can easily navigate this challenging time.

Before you get laid off

Please be prepared. Stay on top of your finances, medical needs, and personal belongings. Try to save as much as possible. If you need to see a doctor, now is the time to see one before losing your health benefits. Get up to speed with state employment laws. Be prepared.

Stay connected

Keep your resume and connections up to date. Try to form new relationships that can provide the support you need. Reach out to friends and colleagues who might help if you lose your job. Join job groups on social networks, and connect with people affected by layoffs. 

Network and apply

Reach out to your connections for opportunities in case you need a job. Refrain from making public that you need a job, Start applying for jobs before you're unemployed because it takes a while to find a good job.

You're laid off

Get a lawyer to help you understand the layoff documents. Don't sign anything unless you have a lawyer review it. Ask about health care, severance package, and what information will be communicated to future employers. Some companies offer to counsel or assess staffing agencies. Take advantage of those if you can. The most important thing is to remain calm and level-headed. Don't get upset. Do your job correctly. Finish on a good note. Don't violate any policies that would affect your severance package.

After you are laid off

It will take time to recover. Give yourself a few months to grieve. Eventually, you'll get back on your feet and look for new opportunities. Turn to your support network and keep the same routine. Try to take classes to improve your skills. Don't criticize your employer on social media. 

Tell others that you're looking for a job. Your network is critical here. Use LinkedIn and job boards to get a new job. Keep your employment with your current employer open on your resume, as when you're employed, that holds more power. Ask former colleagues and friends for feedback about your strengths and weaknesses and devise a plan to address them. 

File for employment benefits. Eventually, you'll find a new job, but to find one, you'll have to have an elevator pitch about what you're good at and how you can make an impact. Explain why you left your previous company. Keep everything positive and on a high note. Remember that while job hunting, you will face rejections, and that's normal. Be prepared for that. You might get automated rejections. Don't take that too personally.

Remember that many people are in your shoes. You're not alone in this. Many people are facing the prospect of layoffs. The key is to have the plan to handle it well. Save as much as you can. Keep your network active. Stay calm and level-headed. Don't go negative. Stay positive.

Most importantly, don't give up. Believe in yourself. You can do it. If you need help finding a job, you can book a call with a mentor at mentordial.com. They can help you with interview prep and give you resume advice.