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6 Steps to Get Hired After a Layoff

Feb 28, 2023Job Search Resources

By Rob Leckey, VP

Before we get to the guide, it is important for someone that has been impacted by a job layoff to understand that stress, anxiety, awkwardness, and uncomfortableness are expected and okay.  Acknowledging this feeling of loss is good.  Now park that feeling for the next 5 minutes. We need you to focus on action and start doing something about it.

Technology has made it very easy to mass apply to lots of positions. The “easy apply” button can feel too good to be true. With a few clicks of a button, your profile is created and uploaded.  Yet, all too often, candidates realize that the easy application is easy, but not necessarily effective.

Getting hired is a contact sport. You must remember that the job world is a people-to-people business.

 

Here are “6 Steps to Get Hired”

1. Create a Networking Plan

Networking is a crucial step in finding a job. Your plan must consider companies, hiring managers, contact information, LinkedIn profile and what you will say. A good start is to identify 20+ companies that you want to work for. There are multiple hiring managers at each company. Contact information can be found in many ways.

It is important to start by improving and revising your LinkedIn profile. Consider your profile from a perspective of what you do for your clients, not what role you have.  For example, Account Executive may have meaning to some, yet it is far too broad and lacks what you do for clients. Get working on your LinkedIn.

Other things in your plan are to reach out to former colleagues, friends, and acquaintances to let them know you’re on the job hunt. Attend networking events and job fairs to connect with people in your industry. Building a network of connections can help you uncover job opportunities you might not have found otherwise.

2. Find a Position

Find job openings on Indeed and LinkedIn. Indeed, is straightforward and you can find roles that match your skills and experience.  Job hack for LinkedIn: go into the search bar and #insertyourposition and then run the search. You can scroll down and see which recruiters are looking for candidates and connect with them.  Additionally, check online job boards, company websites, and social media platforms. You can also use job search engines that allow you to filter by job title, location, and industry. Don’t be afraid to apply for positions that are a bit of a stretch, but make sure you have the necessary qualifications to be considered.

3. Identify a Hiring Manager

Once you find a job that interests you, identify the hiring manager responsible for filling the position. Remember you want to increase your odds, so 20+ companies and a few managers at each one are your goal.

4. Connect with the Hiring Manager

Reach out to the hiring manager via email or LinkedIn to introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. Use hunter.io for email addresses. Connect with the hiring manager with a simple statement – “Firstname” – I’d like to add you to my professional (insert your role) network. You can also ask your network if they know anyone who works at the company and could introduce you to the hiring manager. Do not send long letters; it must be very concise.  You are not desperate; you are just connecting.

5. Share Your Value and Experience

Once you have connected, wait two days before messaging. The key is to take a little bit of time. The manager may review your profile and consider why you want to connect.  After a couple of days, message the manager. In your communication with the hiring manager, highlight your relevant skills and experience that make you a strong fit for the position. Use specific examples to illustrate your capabilities and accomplishments. Show the hiring manager how you can add value to their organization.

6. Create an Action Step

End your communication with an action step. Ask the hiring manager if they would be available for a phone call or in-person meeting to discuss your qualifications further. It is very important to ask them to connect you to an Internal Recruiter or a recruiting partner for the position.  This is a people-to-people effort to network. Recruiters get paid to fill roles; they are motivated to share the right resources to the hiring managers. Give the recruiter a reason to share your profile. Be business professional and concise.
In summary, finding a job requires a combination of networking, research, and communication. Follow these six steps to increase your chances of getting hired. Remember to be patient and persistent; the job search process can take time.

 

Robert Leckey, VP
Connect with me on LinkedIn

With over 15 years of experience, Rob Leckey specializes in improving business outcomes by understanding clients’ challenges and constraints. Empowering a portfolio of 50+ personal clients, Rob’s expertise includes leveraging expert resources with proven technology to deliver results.  He currently leads Mitchell Martin’s SAP/Workday/Oracle practice.

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