New jobs were seen primarily in leisure and hospitality (128,000 jobs), but professional and business services (82,000), government (74,000) and healthcare (58,000) industries also saw large gains.

1. Take some time to recenter before jumping quickly into the job search after being laid off

Everyone’s situation and needs during unemployment are going to be different. But if you have the ability to take some time to yourself after being laid off, career coach Jamie Birt at Indeed, highly recommends it.“If you hit the job search aggressively right after being laid off, you risk burnout,” said Birt. “By rushing into things, you also miss the opportunity to decompress after a stressful life event, which could lead you to accept a job that doesn’t align with your goals or values and might not be the best fit for you in the long run.”Travel and visit with friends or family. Spend time on a favorite hobby. Go out into nature. Being laid off is jarring, so focus the first few weeks on whatever brings you joy. You want to make sure that when you come across an opening you’re passionate about, you have gas left in the tank and are able to put your best foot forward during the interview process. 

2. Set small, achievable goals for yourself

Once you’re ready to start the job hunt, begin each week by setting smaller goals in order to prevent long-term burnout—and make sure you’re including goals that aren’t job-related on your list. Birt suggests setting these daily or weekly goals to help you feel like you’re building momentum. This might look like making it a point to apply to 10 jobs by the end of the week, or send five people a request to set up an informational interview by the end of the day.The important thing is that the goals shouldn’t be too dependent on others—which means, “secure two interviews this week” wouldn’t make the list.However, after you hit your daily or weekly professional goals, Birt emphasizes that you should dedicate time to what makes you happy. And make it part of your regular routine.“Don’t feel guilty for enjoying some me time during this period,” said Birt. “Go to an afternoon movie, take a morning workout class, etc. It’s rare to have time off from work, so do things you can’t normally do when you have a job.”

3. Network, network, network!

While looking for a new job, don’t underestimate the power of networking—or who you’re connecting with.According to a 2016 study, networking with your close friends (or strong ties) on social media may not be the best source for someone trying to find a new job. The study instead found that your acquaintances, or weak connections, are more beneficial in job hunting as they offer bridges to social circles and job opportunities outside of your usual network’s reach.“Reach out to your friends and those working in jobs or companies you’re interested in,” Birt advised. “Use social networking sites to connect and set up coffee chats with people working in your industry. Learning more about the companies and jobs you’re going for will help you make better decisions in your job search.”

4. Stay active in your industry

When you’re unemployed, it often feels like your career is moving backward, so it’s important to find things that help feel like you’re still taking positive steps forward. Making a concentrated effort to continue learning during your downtime will help you feel productive both personally and professionally.“Consider taking an online course, doing personal projects, or reading books/articles related to your industry,” Birt suggested. “Showing how you’ve remained active in your industry while between jobs can also help set you apart once you land an interview.”Beyond online courses, you can also look into volunteer work or freelancing to supplement your income while you’re unemployed.

5. For those considering a career pivot, focus on a professional rebrand

With certain industries experiencing more layoffs than others right now—particularly those that overhired in the earlier years of the pandemic— some job seekers may wish to transition to a new field or industry that offers more stability. If you’re looking to make a Birt offers some guidance:First, reflect on your skills, core values and interests, and determine if the new field/industry you’re exploring aligns with your priorities. Utilize resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to discover the fastest-growing job fields if you’re not sure where to start.Next, reach out to individuals in the industries you’re considering and set up informational interviews. Social networks allow you to send a short message along with your new connection request. Use this real estate to briefly explain that you’d like to connect in order to potentially learn more about XYZ industry as you’re looking to change career paths. Ask as many questions as you can. Once you’ve landed on the new field/industry you’re transitioning into, it’s important to rebrand yourself. Your resume, cover letter and social networking profiles should tailor to this industry. Highlight your transferable skills. Gather references.And if while rebranding you notice you have skill or knowledge gaps, consider taking some online courses or secure volunteer opportunities within the industry to gain experience.“Transitioning may seem overwhelming, but people successfully change careers all the time,” Birt explained.  

[Read More…]