By now, we've all heard the news about WeWork. The impending layoffs represent more bad news for the ambitious real estate company, ever since they cut their valuation and ousted Adam Neumann as CEO. So, what should you do if you could be one of the employees laid off from WeWork?
The good news is, there is a way to be prepared for a layoff at work, no matter what industry you're in or company you work for. Work It Daily has helped anxious employees everywhere find their footing once again after they've been laid off or are uncertain if they will be spared from massive corporate layoffs at their place of employment.
Here are three tips for those affected by the WeWork layoffs, because we know how hard it can be to figure out your next steps.
1.Update Your Resume And LinkedIn Profile
The first thing you should do after being laid off is update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Being laid off is a hard thing to go through, and you may just want to lay low for a while and process this negative event that's just occurred in your life. But it's better if you don't wallow around. Updating your resume and LinkedIn profile can actually be a good thing to do right after being laid off because it's empowering.
By going through all your accomplishments, you'll be reminded of how talented you truly are. Why let something you can't control impact how you see yourself professionally? It's not your fault you got laid off. Layoffs happen all the time. You're still a valuable player in the workforce, and have the potential to do great things.
In order to stand out to potential employers, make sure you quantify your accomplishments on your resume and include keywords that'll help you get past the ATS (Applicant Tracking System).
An updated LinkedIn profile allows prospective employers to see that all the information on your resume matches up and is up-to-date and consistent. You may also be tempted to update your headline with "actively seeking opportunities" to let companies know you're looking for a job—but this is a terribleidea.
Never put "actively seeking opportunities" in your LinkedIn headline. This hurts your keyword optimization, and it makes you look desperate. Instead, focus on keywords that display your hard skills and expertise. These will always catch the eye of recruiters.
For every WeWork employee who's worried about being laid off, updating your resume and LinkedIn profile are the first steps to ensuring you're ready no matter what happens in your career.
2.Get Clear On Your Value & Goal
At the end of the day, you're a business-of-one. You have to know the value you bring, and be very clear on what your career goals are. After getting laid off, you need to go out and sell your services to a new employer. You accomplish this during a job interview by articulating the return on investment the potential employer will get if they invest in (hire) you.
Employers want to know how you deliver value. How will you save or make the company money? How will you justify the cost of hiring you as a new employee?
Whatever you do, don't brand yourself as a Jack or Jill of all trades in your job search. Make sure you're clear on what you want to do next in your career. If you can talk about your career goals, employers will take notice.
If you don't know how to articulate your value as an employee, take our FREE career decoder quizto learn your workplace persona, and our FREE communication style quizto learn how you prefer to communicate at work.
Remember: The first step to being a better job candidate is knowing exactly how you deliver value.
3.Get Some Help & Find Some Tools
A lot has changed in the workforce within the last 20 years. In order to have a successful job search after being laid off, you need to get some tools and resources to help you understand the 10 new rules of career success.
Even just within the last few years, there have been new technologies that have transformed the hiring process. Hiring managers and recruiters now have new expectations for employees and job candidates, like you.
The problem is, nobody teaches you how to find professional success in this ever-changing workforce. That's where Work It Daily can help.
Want to learn exactly how to find a job after getting laid off? This FREE tutorial is for you!
Also, by joining our career growth club, you'll get access to our new platform, which includes a private online community, quick video courses, 1-on-1 chats with career growth coaches, and networking opportunities with like-minded professionals, to help you stay motivated and accountable.
If you just want free career tips delivered right into your inbox, you can also subscribe to our newsletter, The Daily Dose!
The above three steps are just some of the techniques that have helped thousands of Work It Daily members in their job search after being laid off or fired.
We know being laid off is tough. With Work It Daily, you won't be alone.
