I got laid off from my job as a Conference Manager in September 2023.
No notice. Just a “we’re downsizing and today will be your last day.”
Yes, I was upset, shocked, surprised, and my feelings were super hurt, but at this point, this was my 4th lay off this lifetime, so I knew how to handle it. This time around I felt a little better prepared in my plan of action. I already knew what my ultimate goal in my career was. I just needed to find the right company that would give me the opportunity to do that.
First things first. Immediately I applied for unemployment.
Pending the rules of your state, you can receive unemployment and your severance package simultaneously. You don’t know when you’re going to get hired, so this may be your steady income for a while. Learn about all your options so you can utilize them.
I determined exactly what I was looking for.
I knew my career goals. So I already knew what I wanted in my next position and what I was looking for in my next company. I made a list of everything I wanted so when I was doing my research, I knew what I was looking for.
I told my friends and family about my lay off and what I was looking for.
I was embarrassed because it happened to me yet AGAIN. But hey, how else can my framily refer me to anything if I don’t tell them Im looking for a job? How can they assist if I don’t know what I am looking for?
This was probably the most important part- I ASKED FOR HELP!
I found a great resume writer. I do not have the time nor the energy to figure out the metaphors, riddles, and corporate jargon my resume needs to appeal to the algorithm recruiters use when they are searching for a candidate. I’d rather hire someone to do that for me and get it right the first time. It is worth the investment. My resume writer is with TNMC Group and she was straight FIRE.
She not only wrote my resume, but she created a cover letter for me, updated my Linked In, set up the job search alerts on Linked In for me, and basically coached me through my entire job search process all the way through negotiations of my offer letter. She provided coaching I didn’t even realize I needed to land the job I wanted.
I applied to 363 jobs over the course of 6 months!
In order to keep everything organized, I started a spreadsheet detailing every single job I applied to. I know what you’re thinking. That’s a bit much. I agree. It is. However, these recruiters can take weeks and even months before reaching out to even begin a conversation. What I’m not going to do is go sifting through my trash, spam, or confirmation emails trying to figure out what I applied to and when. I created a spreadsheet with all the information I needed to make sure I could easily locate anything any recruiter inquired about.
My spreadsheet entailed the following:
- Company name
- Title of Position
- Date applied
- Location- is this remote/hybrid/in person only
- Where you applied- the company website, Linked In, Ladders.com etc.
- Response- this one is super important. This is where you list if someone reached out to you via phone or email, were you rejected for this position (the date you were rejected). Will anyone be calling you back to schedule an interview, etc.
- Notes- this is where you list any important notes like the pay range, did you email someone directly, do you need to follow up, etc.
I was diligent, I was consistent, and I treated looking for a job like a job.
I am telling you I was sitting at this computer a least 4-5 hours each day and an additional 3 hours each night applying to jobs and searching! And guess what? I found my job on Linked In! No referral! Just applying, following up, and being diligent! It can totally happen for you too.
Lastly, I prayed like it was the end of days! I prayed for a great new employer, endless opportunities, and to be able to get to the next level in my career!
Let’s keep the good vibes flowing! What is a job search tip that has helped you get the job you wanted?Let’s sprinkle some magic dust on each other’s career paths! Let me know in the comments below.
