How to Handle a Professional Termination

Getting laid off shakes more than your income. It hits your identity, your confidence and your sense of momentum. If you’re not careful, you start to question your own value - just because a company made a business decision. Here’s how I coach laid-off professionals to bounce back stronger: 1️⃣ Separate fact from story. Story: “I wasn’t good enough.” Fact: You were laid off. Those are not the same. Most layoffs are structural, not personal. Stop internalizing systems. 2️⃣ Write your rebound resume. Before you job hunt, list every win from the last 12 months. Quantify outcomes. Reflect on growth. You need a record of proof, not just for recruiters, but for you. 3️⃣ Rework your narrative. You didn’t “lose a job.” You closed a chapter. Learn how to talk about your transition with clarity and confidence: → “My team was impacted, but here’s what I’m taking forward.” → “That chapter ended, and I’m excited to apply everything I’ve built to a new challenge.” 4️⃣ Talk to people who get it. Layoffs can feel isolating. Don’t go through it alone. Find others who’ve landed on the other side. Borrow their perspective until you rebuild your own. 5️⃣ Shift from job seeker to value creator. Don’t just apply. Start conversations. Share ideas. Remind yourself that you still have something to contribute right now. Layoffs happen. What matters is what you do next. If you’re rebuilding, make it intentional. And remember, your value didn’t disappear. It just needs a new place to shine.

😔 The moment you hear, “We’re letting you go,” everything shifts. Shock. Like the ground just disappeared. Anger. “I gave them everything—and this is how it ends?” Bargaining. “Maybe if I had just hit that number…” Denial. “This can’t be happening.” And finally, acceptance—because staying stuck in the past won’t build your future. I’ve been there. As a Senior Region Manager in aesthetic sales, I watched half my team get laid off in a single day. Good people. High performers. Completely blindsided. Getting laid off isn’t just losing a job. It’s grief. It’s identity loss. And if no one’s told you this yet—whatever you're feeling is valid. 👉 So where do you go from here? 1️⃣ Process your emotions. Before you update your LinkedIn, take a beat. Name what you're feeling so it doesn't control you. You can’t heal what you won’t admit. 2️⃣ Update your resume. Focus on results, not just responsibilities. Let your wins shine. 3️⃣ Optimize your LinkedIn profile. This is your online storefront—make sure it reflects your story, skills, and value. 4️⃣ Create a job search strategy. Random applying isn’t a strategy. Be intentional. Know your target roles, companies, and decision-makers. 5️⃣ Practice for interviews. Confidence is built through preparation. You're not starting over. You're starting stronger. 👇 If you’ve ever been laid off, what’s one piece of advice you wish someone had told you right away? → If you're navigating a layoff and wondering what’s next, send me a message. I’ve helped professionals in medical sales and leadership land roles they love—roles where they’re valued, respected, and finally excited to go to work again. Let's talk about your next chapter. You don't have to do this alone. #layoffs #careertransition #jobsearchstrategy #linkedinprofile #resumetips #aestheticsales #medicalsales #leadershipcoaching

I had coffee with someone who wondered how I could be so productive and positive after such an exhausting experience. They’ve been out of work two months before me; I understood the weariness in her typically youthful face and the sadness of her voice. I explained this is the second time in 27 years being part of a management misalignment, re-org/layoff. I remember so vividly the shock and paralysis in 2008. No one says it’s normal to feel like you’re in a haze, you’re angry, you’re hurt. It’s grief and that is normal. I gave her 4 steps that I took to recover and these 4 steps became muscle memory everytime I transitioned from one place to another thereafter. The same 4 steps will save you emotional pain when you know your compass, aka your core values, are being tested or misaligned. - first, start with your why. Why do you work? Why did you want to work there? Why this job? Why this career? - second, what. What did you bring to the team? What did they give you/or what did you learn? What would you do again? What would you do without? What are your non-negotiables? - third, assess. Spend one week assessing if you are up to speed with the market, latest trends in industry, familiar with the newest tools. Go toe to toe with the job descriptions and evaluate yourself. Then get acquainted with the stuff that is missing. Webinars, free conferences, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera + certifications. As you are applying + interviewing, keep learning and apply what you are learning to the conversations. Building your own plane and flying it at the same time; businesses do it all the time! - fourth, create your compass. What motivates you to get up and work? And what do you need to see/feel/hear to be excited about aligning your personal brand with theirs? How will you know if what they say rings true for you? What kind of environment do you need to thrive in? Then use these answers to sort through the jobs, use these answers to reframe your resume, use these answers to refine your networking skills and use these answers to interview opportunities for your career prospects. Use these answers to dissuade your negative thoughts and the people around you who might not understand your compass.

As an executive recruiter, I've witnessed countless professionals transform unexpected layoffs into powerful career pivots. Here's your comprehensive guide for turning this challenge into an opportunity 📈 Immediate Actions (First 48 Hours): • Document everything from your termination meeting • Review severance package details thoroughly • Address healthcare coverage gaps • File for unemployment benefits • Archive important work samples and documentation • Connect with colleagues before losing access Next Steps: • Give yourself permission to process the change • Update your LinkedIn profile strategically • Review your financial position and timeline • Reflect on your career direction • Start networking with purpose Remember that a layoff is often more about company circumstances than individual performance. I've placed numerous executives who used their layoff as a catalyst for significant career advancement. This is your opportunity to: • Reassess your career trajectory • Target organizations aligned with your values • Build a more intentional professional network • Position yourself for roles that truly excite you The key is maintaining momentum while being strategic about your next move. Don't rush into the first opportunity - use this time to ensure your next role is a genuine step forward. Check out my newsletter for more insights here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju #executiverecruiter #eliterecruiter #jobmarket2025 #profoliosai #resume #jobstrategy #careerresilience

Today, there will be another round of mass layoffs in the federal government - people who have dedicated their lives to public service who will suddenly have the rug pulled out from under them. So here are a few tips for folks impacted by these layoffs, or any others. 1. Take time to breathe/grieve That can of course be hard to do when you're stressed or anxious about what's next but giving yourself even a few days to process will probably pay off in the long-run. It's hard to put your best foot forward when you're still spiraling and processing your experience. I also wanted to note that studies show that a layoff or termination can be as traumatic as a divorce for many people - it's very normal for this experience to feel jarring, and you're not alone or weird. It's not "just a job" when your livelihood is attached to it. 2. Tap into your networks There's more help out there then you realize. Check out where your former colleagues are working - those can be good employers for your profile, and they can help with referrals. Your community groups and personal networks can be helpful - share your search in your local FB groups for example. People who know you are more likely to help then random strangers. 3. Use LinkedIn strategically - make sure your profile is up-to-date and engage with other people's posts/make your own posts occasionally which helps keep you visible. - your headline should make it very clear what you do (industry, job titles, etc.) - make a strong "open to work" post and turn on the banner - this will drive more traffic (and support!) to your post. Be prepared for a LOT of messages from resume writers/coaches/fake recruiters, but if you can cut through that noise, you'll likely get some helpful support as well. - consider how you post and engage - adding value and showing off your skills will probably do more to support your search then venting and negativity. 4. Educate yourself on the job market and best practices - government-style resumes don't work in the private sector - you can find templates and leverage an AI assistant or resume tool to help with converting to a more corporate style (2 pages, outcome-focused, etc) - get familiar market - it's tough right now! 94% of jobs added in June were in healthcare and local/state government so these may be areas to focus for example. - brush up on interview skills by familiarizing yourself with the STAR method and preparing some stories that show your impact - AI assistants can be helpful here. 5. Be prepared for a longer search Searches are often taking 6+ months. I suggest sticking to what you've done vs trying to pivot into something new, and focusing on on-site over remote to speed things up. If you can cut costs (cancel subscriptions, check with loan providers on forbearance options, etc.) or start a side hustle, that can help with navigating this period. P.S. Tons of relevant resources (mostly free!) at the top job search link if you go to "website" :)

I was embarrassed that I lost my job. I was angry. I was ashamed. While other colleagues got to stay, I had to leave. Why? And for awhile, I didn’t want to tell anyone I had been let go. My pride got in the way. I didn’t want people knowing. I waited too long to ask for help. If I could go back in time, here’s what my post layoff action plan would look like: 1️⃣ Accept the layoff news Stop wondering why you and what you could have done differently. Why did others get to stay? Accept the decision to start moving forward and begin the grieving process. 2️⃣ Create a new routine You entire day won’t be filled looking for a job. Take breaks. Make sure to eat and hydrate. Exercise. Read a book. Go for walks. Sit in the stillness and clear your mind. 3️⃣ Start updating your resume Focus on including metrics and key accomplishments. Cost savings, time saved, targets exceeded. Go through old performance reviews if you can. Ask a friend to review it and be open to the feedback. 4️⃣ Ask for help Tell your family, friends, neighbors, alumni network, parents of your kids’ friends- tell everyone you are looking. Cast a wide net. Let them know the types of roles you are looking for so they can recommend you and set you up for networking meetings 5️⃣ Use tools Use tools like Massive which helps you auto-apply for roles. It’s your own personal AI recruiter (Check out Massive in comments) to help you kick start the job search process. The job search is hard enough in this market. Create a support system and structure - ask for help. What advice would you add? #leadership #culture #MitaMallick #MassivePartner

A layoff is not the same as a medical emergency. But too many people panic like it is. Over the last few years, I've supported many people in navigating a layoff. Here's what I'd do if I faced a layoff: 1️⃣ Pause and get clear ↳ Reflect on recent accomplishments and write down specific wins with measurable outcomes. This becomes the foundation of your story. ↳ Identify what drained you in your last role, whether it was tasks, communication styles, or team dynamics. These patterns matter more than job titles. ↳ List 2–3 non-negotiables for your next role. These will become your filter moving forward. 2️⃣ Update my positioning ↳ Rework your LinkedIn headline and resume to match the roles you actually want, using keywords from the job descriptions you're excited about. ↳ Update your “About” section to reflect who you help, how you help them, and what kind of challenges you solve. ↳ Make sure your target job titles show up on your resume, LinkedIn, and “Open to Work” settings so you show up in the right searches. 3️⃣ Start real conversations ↳ Make a list of 10 people in your network who are close to the function or industry you're targeting. Reach out with the goal of learning, not pitching. ↳ Ask thoughtful questions about their path, what they’ve noticed in the market, and what they’ve seen work. ↳ These conversations won’t just open doors, they’ll give you language, clarity, and momentum. When everything feels uncertain, clarity is your power. Use it to rebuild on your terms.

I've been there before and have some advice. I'm followed by a lot of folks from international organizations, many of which are experiencing job loss and uncertainty at the moment, particularly due to a cut in U.S. funding. It's a tough moment and I completely understand that uncertainty and pain as I've been there a few times. Here are a few things I did to get through: > Set up several job search alerts on LinkedIn in your field, adjacent fields and even other regions you might be willing to move to in a pinch > Reach out to the closest people in your network first. These are the people who believe in you and who will fight for you. > Start to reach out to more distant networks carefully and subtly. Maybe that's an in-person coffee or a chat over text. Don't start on the needing a job thing straight off the bat. > Go even more distant but get an intro first. My personal preference is not to cold call contacts with vague asks. You want this outreach to be targeted to places you want to work or to jobs you find. Maintaining a sense of pride and credibility is a careful art. > Get out into the world. Bars, cafes, talks, fora, lectures. Your next job will likely happen by chance. > Assemble a kitchen cabinet of trusted confidantes who are willing to be brutally honest about you, your presence, your prospects and what they think you're good and bad at. Take the advice and start improving and growing. > Take a moment to enjoy your free time - it won't last long. I read a bunch of books I wasn't able to get to, lingered in cafes, watched movies and spent time with family. Yes it's a stressful time but it's also a liberating moment that likely won't last.

How to bounce back after a layoff. 🔟 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗷𝗼𝗯: [𝘖𝘯 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬. 𝘈𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱.] 1️⃣ 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 Process the emotional impact. Reflect on your career goals and what you want in your next role. 2️⃣ 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 Highlight your recent skills and accomplishments. Focus on the skills relevant to the jobs you want. 3️⃣ 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 Reach out to former colleagues. Attend industry events and connect with professionals at companies of interest. Referrals can boost your chances. 4️⃣ 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Share content related to your career on LinkedIn. Build your personal brand and attract potential employers. 5️⃣ 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 Practice answering common questions. Craft a compelling narrative that highlights your experience and its relevance to the position. 6️⃣ 𝗕𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗮𝗽 Be honest about your layoff. Focus on how you used the time productively, like learning new skills or taking on freelance projects. 7️⃣ 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 This provides financial support while you search for your next position. It allows you to focus on finding the right opportunity. 8️⃣ 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 Take online courses or certifications. Address any skill gaps you've identified in job descriptions for roles you're targeting. 9️⃣ 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗳𝗳 Prepare a concise, professional explanation of your job loss. Focus on the circumstances rather than personal feelings. 🔟 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 This can help bridge employment gaps, provide income, and potentially lead to full-time opportunities. Remember, being laid off is often due to factors beyond your control. Approach your job search with confidence in your skills and experience. I know this isn't easy for those who have experienced a layoff but use this as an opportunity to find a role that aligns with your career goals. __________ P.S. Follow me (Dr. Chris Mullen) for daily posts on personal growth, leadership & the world of work. 𝗣.𝗣.𝗦. 🔁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝗯.

In my upcoming book about my career transition program, Career Velocity, I highlight the journey of a former client, a VP who was laid off after 25+ years with the same company, and the job landing delays due to missteps made with the advice from the outplacement services he was provided. While writing about job search strategies reminded me of Rich Lehmann's courage and persistence. Twice laid off during economic downturns, Rich had 99 in-person conversations before landing a role at his dream company, Nike, where he spent nearly a decade. Today, he volunteers his job search expertise to others facing similar challenges with Lake Grove Job Seekers. Layoffs are our current reality, even at companies like Nike and Intel Corporation, sometimes softened by severance packages that include generic outplacement services. But these packages alone don't prepare you for the strategic networking needed to secure your next role. Consider my anonymous client, a VP in his mid-50s who was laid off after a long tenure with the same company. He received a polished resume and vague advice to "start networking" from his outplacement service. But without a clear unique value proposition (UVP), he struggled, confusing his network with unfocused conversations. When he was referred to me, his job search had been delayed over six months. To say he was frustrated would be an understatement. His polished resume, with a “Swiss Army knife” full of tools, failed to communicate his unique value. He had exhausted his limited network, and his earlier lack of focus had made him hesitant to reach out again. We worked on clarifying his narrative, defining his target roles, and crafting success stories that showcased his strategic value. The result? A focused approach that resonated with his network, leading to meaningful connections and opportunities. ➡ Remember, your resume supports your brand—it isn't your brand. Relying solely on it is not enough. ➡ Shore up your UVP *first* -- before you network! Success in today's job market requires focused networking, relationship building, and clear communication of your strategic value. I welcome you to read Lehmann’s eight steps to effective networking. If you know someone who has been laid off, please feel free to share his inspiring story with others. 💡 Let's reimagine outplacement services by starting with a clear UVP and equipping job seekers with a comprehensive toolkit they can use to achieve success. What say you Jennifer, Lyndsay, Anna, Dan, ✒️Claire, and the rest of the Intry team? #jobs #careers #management 6453 ALUMNI Intel Alumni Network