From Layoff to Fresh Start: How to Get Your Career Back on Track

By Craig Brown from Yourcareerboost.com

Many workers were displaced when COVID-19 erupted in this country, including those who normally worked from their homes. While it might feel like replacing your position in the current climate is impossible, there are plenty of opportunities worth exploring. EmployDiversity Network offers the following resources to walk you through what you need to do to get back on track in your career.

Contemplate How to Find Work in Your Dream Role

Being between jobs is a tough situation, but it’s an ideal time to reevaluate your career path. Think through what skills you have and what your dream job would look like to help identify your direction, then translate those skills for potential employers. This means you should:

Familiarize yourself with industry jargon and language, which shows you can communicate in your desired field.
Illustrate and provide solid examples of your transferable skills.
Be prepared to pad your skill set through volunteering or job shadowing, and look to networking to help you get the full scope of the field you wish to enter.
Craft and format your resume carefully based on typical industry styles.
Start your job search on free platforms like EmployDiversity Network.
If you’ve always wanted to be your own boss, now could be the perfect time to launch a business -- just be sure to follow the steps to comply with California's laws.

Don’t Let Your Leadership Skills Fall By the Wayside

If you’ve come from a leadership position and are seeking a leadership role in your new career path, building on your leadership skills should be top of mind. You can do this through training, online research and even books like these:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done by Laura Vanderkam
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown

Market Yourself to Stand Out Among the Competition

Depending on your direction, you’ll be doing some self-promotion in one form or another. From branding to building an online presence, solutions abound:

Develop a personal brand that conveys your skills and personality.
Build a website and regularly update it with fresh content.
Market yourself positively through social media.

You Need to Be Ready to Get Started Right Away

In order to dive in, you’ll need to have everything at your fingertips for your next job. Thankfully, in our electronic era, appropriate tools and equipment abound.

Invest in new tech like a reliable laptop, fast internet, necessary software and a headset.
Become fully adept with video conferencing and project management apps.
Set up a comfortable and efficient home office space that will enhance productivity.

Losing one’s job is tough enough, but it can feel utterly devastating when the world is in crisis. However, now is the perfect time to regroup and start fresh. Decide on your next direction, put yourself out there and keep learning. Your next job is waiting!