How To Handle Layoffs – Actionable Tips

1. I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t lose hope. You managed to get a job and had a good career so far, you can do it again! Take time to process what happened and then start preparing for  the job search. There are still quite a few openings!
2. Depending on your constraints, define a timeline. Set milestones. If your visa restrictions need you to find a new job in 60 days, then give yourself a buffer of 5-10 days, and work backwards from that timeline. Understand and take advantage of the benefits the company offered you as a severance package. Sometimes it goes beyond money. E.g. Google’s package included 6 months of healthcare, job placement service and immigration support.
3. Manage your time meticulously and don’t try to take on too many new priorities. Prioritize and dedicate time to only those tasks with max Return On Investment at the moment – like searching for your next job (assuming that is your priority). This may not be the best time to start learning something completely new, like a new programming language because not only will that take away time from your job search, it will also divert your time from sharpening existing skills that you need to demonstrate to ace those interviews.
4. Don’t hesitate to reach out asking for help. This is one of the times you built your network for.
5. If you don’t have visa constraints, be open to contract positions. Update your LinkedIn profile to indicate you are open to work and are available for contract jobs. I have heard that Dice.com is good for contract jobs. Even if you don’t want to stay a contractor for ever, it builds experience and brings in that paycheck while you look for a full time position.
6. Be deliberate about the job you apply for. There are probably more job openings than you can handle. Don’t be over selective, but also don’t apply to every single one. Read the job description carefully. Apply to those where you won’t mind working if you get the job. Also if the job lists specific skills and you have them, highlight them in your resume for that particular application. It is ok to have different versions of your resume for different companies.
7. Don’t rule out small companies / start ups. They are sometimes fantastic places to gain wide ranging experience and they are looking for people who can translate the experience from established companies to grow theirs. 
8. Stay organized! Apply to 5-10 companies every day. Keep track of where you applied, when you applied, when should you follow up etc. Use this background information when following-up with the recruiter; it makes you stand out as a candidate.
9. Sometimes, the LinkedIn job posting has the name of the person posting the job. You cannot send a message to them unless you have Linked In Premium. There is a loophole though. If you and the poster are in the same LinkedIn groups, you can send a message to them thru the group WITHOUT LinkedIn Premium. Check out my post on how to do this.
10. Give practice interviews. Get feedback on your delivery as well, not just content. Far too often people know the answers, but they are unable to articulate or get too nervous during the real interview. Mock interviews help you prepare for that. If you are getting a lot of interview calls, go for the companies you are less interested in, first. This will also give you some interview practice.

Tips for those who want to prepare for a possible scenario

1. Keep your resume, LinkedIn profile and skills updated. This way you won’t need to cram for interview preparation in case you get laid off.  If you are better prepared, you will be in a better position to handle whatever comes your way.
2. Reach out to your network. It is always a good idea to stay in touch with them before you actually need their help. You can also get a pulse of who is still hiring.
3. Think about taking an interview preparation class. These classes are usually more helpful if you have not looked for a new job in a while and are feeling a little rusty. Employer expectations have changed over the past couple years and these could help you hit the ground running. They usually cost quite a bit, so it’s better to do it while you are still earning. 
4. At work, focus on your expertise and be deliberate about where you spend your time. This may not be a time to explore the unknown, take on risky bets or spread yourself too thin. Try to work on “mission critical” projects for your company, which have lower chance of shutting down. All people won’t get to work on such projects, so this is where your past performance and network within your company can help.
5. Offer help to people in your network affected by layoffs. Not only does this show that you are supportive but they will remember that you showed up. Life does come full circle sometimes and you never know when you might be in their position and need their help. Be genuine but don’t make commitments you can’t keep.