Losing a job can feel like a failure, particularly when it is unexpected. But even strong executives can be laid off during their careers; it doesn’t automatically define their capability. According to Jeff Harris, CEO of Jeff Harris & Associates, a layoff can actually be an opportunity to reassess your career, something people rarely have time to do while working full-time.
“Most people are running so fast every day just to get their jobs done and to keep up and keep their head above water that they don’t really have time to gain clarity about where they’re going in the big picture,” he says. “And oftentimes a layoff is a great opportunity for that.”
Of course, a layoff comes with emotional baggage, fear, embarrassment and uncertainty. But being laid off isn’t necessarily an indication that you’re bad at your job. If you frame it as an opportunity to reassess where you want to go next, it can be a useful reset. Here are some tips to make the most of it.
Leave well and stay on the right foot.
Don’t burn bridges, even if you feel angry or slighted, says Harris. Try to leave with relationships intact and identify people who can provide strong references. “You don’t want to burn the house down on the way out just because you feel slighted because you were let go,” he says. Those relationships can become important connections as you move into your next role.
Get your story straight.
Be prepared to explain why you left your last role, and make sure your explanation aligns with what your former employer and references will say. If you were dismissed for performance or another issue, don’t invent a more convenient story. “If there were negatives, it’s better to meet them head-on and be prepared to talk about them,” says Harris. The goal isn’t to pretend the experience was perfect, but to demonstrate self-awareness and show what you’ve learned.
Don’t rush straight into the next role.
Being unemployed, even temporarily, is uncomfortable. But if finances allow, a few days to recalibrate can be valuable. “You’ve been on one fast-moving train, and now you’re racing to get on another fast-moving train,” he says. “Sometimes you need to take a pause.” That doesn’t mean putting off the job search indefinitely, says Harris. It means taking time to reset and think about what you actually want before starting to look for the next role.
Work out what the last role taught you.
Sometimes being let go exposes a mismatch that wasn’t obvious while you were in the role. It could be a problem with the culture, your skills, your manager, your work-life balance or simply the stage of life you’re in. Ask yourself what you enjoyed about previous jobs, where you felt you were strongest and which activities came naturally to you. The answers can help you find a role that better aligns with your strengths, priorities and circumstances.
Get your practical resources ready.
If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, you may need time to prepare before applying. Make sure your resume is up to date, get references lined up and prepare to talk about your achievements clearly. Harris recommends quantifying your accomplishments rather than relying on vague statements. For instance, don’t just say you “improved occupancy”; explain that you “improved occupancy from 86% to 98% within 12 months.” Being specific about the starting point, timeframe and outcome gives a much clearer picture of what you achieved.
Activate your network early.
Don’t wait until you’ve been looking for months to reach out. Let trusted former colleagues, peers, executives and recruiters know you’re available. “It’s time to let your network know that you’re on the market,” says Harris. “And you want to do that earlier rather than later.” If you’re working with recruiters, give them useful information about what you’re looking for, including your resume, quantified achievements, target organizations and preferred roles. The more they understand about your skills and priorities, the better positioned they are to help find the right opportunity.
Reframe the story.
Finally, be conscious of the story you’re telling yourself about what happened. “Most people tend to tell themselves a story that centers around dejection, failure and fear,” says Harris. “That’s not a particularly helpful story.” Disappointment is natural, but don’t let a layoff become your identity. Instead, use the experience to understand what you want, where you work best and what you want your next chapter to look like. The goal isn’t simply to replace the job you’ve lost; it’s to find a role that’s a better fit.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Contact JHA today.