By CMG Coaching Staff
You’ve been laid off. Now you’re wondering, “How do I handle this on my resume?”
Before you get layoff anxiety, jump into surivival mode, or experience career darkness, realize that you will be okay! In fact, losing a job is not uncommon. Almost 40 percent of Americans have stood in your shoes at one point.
Let’s also squash the myth that all decision-makers and recruiters are bias against those who aren’t working. We live in a world of mergers, acquisitions, economic crashes, and a pandemic. When it comes to human-centric recruiters, they know that unemployed doesn’t mean unqualified.
It is important to understand that a resume’s purpose is to provide an overview of a person’s qualifications. It shouldn’t be a comprehensive history of your life. Resumes never tell the full story, and that’s why a 1:1 conversation between you and the potential employer needs to take place.
Here are 10 resume writing strategies to help you open new doors following a layoff:
1. Minimize or avoid details. In general, layoffs, demotions, and terminations should never be referenced on a resume and only explained during a personal conversation. However, with COVID-19, it is acceptable to very briefly state you were “laid off due to COVID-19.”
2. Address it in the cover letter. The cover letter is valuable real estate that most people fail to use! Very briefly address the reason in the cover letter. For example, “Since my division was impacted by widespread layoffs due to COVID-19, I am now excited at the possibility of making numerous positive contributions as your next sales manager.”
3. Remove “to present.” Don’t list your job date range as “to present” unless you’ve made an agreement with the employer. Dishonesty always comes to the forefront, and it will hurt you in the long run.
4. Remove months from dates of employment. Candidates don’t see what recruiters see. Most applicant tracking systems and LinkedIn automatically show the cumulative dates of employment. To avoid any potential recruiter bias, make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile reflect years only.
5. Be consistent. If you update your resume, then make sure you update your LinkedIn profile!
6. Showcase your accomplishments. Don’t forget the reasons you landed those previous jobs in the first place. Highlight your achievements, and if possible, quantify them. Think of the times that you went above and beyond your counterparts. What was the result?
7. Start filling the gap. Whether you were laid off last week or three months ago, you should always have something “present” to demonstrate that you aren’t taking this lying down. Use your talents to freelance, volunteer, pick up a side hustle, or go back to school. It doesn’t have to be paid!
8. Choose your words wisely. Every CV/resume contains a vibe, and you attract what you put out. Select the right format, be clear about your target role, and proudly convey your knowledge, skills, and experience.
9. Be proactive. A great resume is meaningless without a targeted search strategy. Stop playing “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” Identify your goals, research companies that match your values, find their pain point, and network! Did you know that 70 percent of jobs are found through networking? LinkedIn is invaluable when it comes to networking, learning, and expanding your sphere of influence.
10. Remain positive. Nobody wants to hire a negative Nelly. Be careful that your mind is clear because your demeanor and energy field will reflect how you truly feel. Always redirect the conversation to the company’s needs, your matching talents and solutions, and a bright future!
Regardless of the situation, it is now the past, and you cannot change it. Do not fall into the trap of worrying about judgment from others. That only leads to making poor decisions based on FEAR (False Ego Appearing Real). There is a bigger picture that has yet to be realized.
A new door is being presented. It needs you (as a person), your skills, and passion. Open it.