Amanda Casas Photography/Amanda Casas Photography
- Ex-recruiter Mike Peditto advises against hopping right back into the job hunt after being laid off.Instead, he said job seekers should reflect, process, and set intentions before finding a new role.Peditto also said posting about the layoff and updating the LinkedIn profile is helpful.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Mike Peditto, a 43-year-old ex-recruiter based in Chicago. It's been edited for length and clarity.
Many people's initial reaction to losing their job is to hop right back into the job hunt. But in stressful situations, your panicked reaction is almost never as good as the decision you make after reflection, processing, and intention-setting.
In my more than 10 years as a recruiter, I've landed on five things laid-off job seekers should do immediately before applying for new roles.
1. Apply for unemployment the moment you're eligible to
Unemployment filing processes, which vary from state to state, have really slowed since the pandemic. I've seen people waiting months to receive payment, so apply as soon as possible
Taking unemployment is unfortunately still stigmatized, and a lot of people feel like they haven't earned it or they'll be judged for it. I make it very clear to people that it's your money and you worked for it. Treat it like a safety net.
2. Take your time updating your résumé to current standards
There's so much advice out there about how exactly to write a résumé, but I tell people one basic piece of advice: It doesn't necessarily matter what sections you put in what order.
How quickly can you get a recruiter to see what they need to see to decide you're a solid applicant? Think of the two or three things a recruiter has to know about you, and make sure those details are impossible to miss. Take a look at your own résumé and see where your eyes go first to assess if you've achieved this.
I also recommend getting rid of "résumé bloat" or empty keywords that feel impersonal, such as "dedicated," "goal-driven," and "team-player."
3. Update your LinkedIn headline and profile
Think of LinkedIn as a search engine for recruiters and managers to find new talent. Put yourself in the mind of the recruiter and think, "if I were searching for myself in a database, what would I want to be found for?" For example, if you're a startup-focused front-end software engineer, use that phrase.
I see a lot of clever one-liners as LinkedIn headlines, and that's great for brand-building, but it doesn't quite accomplish what you need as a job seeker.
4. Post about your layoff
Your LinkedIn post announcing your layoff is going to get more eyes than normal posts, so make it count. The most common mistake I see is people making an incredibly long post describing everything they learned at their previous company and how they're going to miss everyone.
I understand the heartfelt need to write that post, but if I'm a recruiter or connection scrolling past your post, I won't learn anything about you or see what you bring to the table. I'd probably just keep scrolling.
But, if you opened up the post by quickly announcing your layoff and then stating your expertise and field of interest, I might pause or even click on your profile.
5. Take time to pause and reflect
Layoffs can be demoralizing. I advocate for people to take a moment to process their emotions and reflect on their goals. It's not that different than dating. After a breakup from a three-year relationship, you need time to process and evaluate.
Some people take a month off to travel, and that's great, but most people don't have that cushion. Take whatever you can, whether that's a day, an evening, or even just a long walk.
Are you a professional with job search advice to share? Contact this editor, Manseen Logan, at mlogan@businessinsider.com.
