Benefits of Networking After a Layoff

The first time I was fired was in 2013. The next day, I did exactly what I thought I was supposed to do, politely and aggressively started pinging my network, asking people to "keep on eye out for me" for the right job. And, that motion didn't work that well - I mean, I was having some fine conversations but they didn't go anywhere. And, as those conversations led to dead ends, I took it all personally, taking too long to realize I needed to change my thinking and approach. Just laid off? Here are a few things I've learned, the hard way: ⏭️ Your next job is going to come through your network, not cold applying. You should cold apply, you should put yourself out there, but it's only one approach not your entire strategy. So, what's your other strategy? 🛜 LinkedIn and the other socials are gonna be your best resources, but not necessarily your best friends. Aka, only you can prevent doom scrolling. 🖇️ Now's the time to get to know your network. Spend the time just going through friends, connections and followers. Be curious about "where people have been and where they are now". Make a list of who would be interesting to reach out to. 🫢 Only you can tell your career story. I remember working so hard to hide my layoff when calling folks. I mean, I was calling folks to talk about finding a job, but I could not say "I was laid off". And, I've learned that layoffs are powerful conversation starters if used the right way. 🤗 Reach out to people with intention. Be honest on why you're reaching out, your ask and what you have to give. FYI - Everyone has something to give. Example, see someone in your extended network that made a career pivot that's interesting, REACH OUT. Tell them "good job" on the career pivot, that it's something you're pursuing, and you'd love to learn from their journey. Flattery that is based in reality, almost always works. 🎁 If someone offers to help you, take them up on it. They mean it, but it's your job to make sure they can help you. Asking someone to "keep you in mind," is the easiest way to be forgotten. Instead, make an ask for a connection, a referral, a recommendation, or a promise to reconnect in a few weeks/months after you explored their advice. The worst that happens is they say no, they can't help. ☠️ Take the time to mourn your layoff. No one cares you were laid off, they care about how you show up next. I know I jumped into the search too quickly, and that haunted me during some of my interviews and networking, as we gossiped about the past vs. uncovering my future. As my friendship bracelet reads, "keep f*&king going." Reach out if I can help. #layoffs #pivot #pivotpeople #networking #relationshipworking

Networking from a Place of Vulnerability Networking after a layoff isn’t easy—especially when you’re unsure of what to ask or how much to share. Here’s how I tackled it. Job loss brings with it an unexpected new responsibility: networking. Before the layoff, I thought I was pretty good at reaching out to my network, but suddenly, it took on a whole new meaning. This time, I wasn’t just connecting casually—I needed to be intentional, letting people know I was looking for new opportunities. It felt different, almost transactional, and I wasn’t sure how to navigate it. I won’t lie—at first, I felt embarrassed to reach out. I wasn’t sure how vulnerable I should be. Would I have to beg for help? How much should I share about my situation? Would people think less of me for asking? The fear of rejection loomed large. But each small step forward proved that these fears were unfounded. The support I received reminded me why building relationships is so valuable. The first step was reaching out to connections I’d built over the years, but it wasn’t easy. I didn’t even know what to ask. “Hey, do you know anyone who’s hiring?” felt awkward and desperate. But as I took the plunge, I realized that those same people were eager to help because of the relationships we had built before. Surprisingly, posting about my experience on LinkedIn brought even more connections. People reached out to offer advice, referrals, and encouragement. What started as a nerve-wracking task became an opportunity to rediscover the power of genuine human connection. Thanks to the foundation I’d laid before the layoff, my network responded with kindness and generosity. The connections I made exceeded my expectations. I felt seen and supported. Some people passed along my information, others offered career advice, and a few went out of their way to introduce me to new connections. These moments not only opened doors professionally but also reminded me that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Lessons I Learned 🎯 Be Genuine: Clearly explain why you want to connect, and if you’re reaching out on LinkedIn, always add a personal note. 🎯 Be Okay with Rejection: Not everyone will say yes, and that’s okay. Focus on others in the same industry or company who might be open. 🎯 Be Prepared: Research the person’s background and role so you can ask thoughtful, tailored questions. 🎯 Be Curious: Prepare a list of questions and end with one they may not expect, like, “Is there anything I can do to support you?” 🎯 Be Courteous: Respect their time by sticking to 20–30 minutes and thanking them afterward. Networking can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating it during a tough time. How have you approached reconnecting with your network? What tips or strategies have worked for you? Let’s share and learn from one another in the comments.

This one is for the job seekers out there! I've been career coaching for over a decade now and have spoken to hundreds of job seekers over the years. Anecdotally, it's rough! I've had way too many conversations where folks have been filled with frustration because despite their qualifications, the hiring manager goes with someone else "more qualified". People usually come to me to ask if that's bs or if there might be some other unspoken reason they didn't get hired. The current market reminds me of the 100m Men's Final at the 2024 Olympics. Between 1st and last place, there was only a 0.2 second spread, one of the smallest in history. THIS IS THE JOB MARKET. With so many layoffs over the last few years, there is a surplus of really talented people and many folks are getting to the final stages with really qualified competition. But getting a job differs from competing at the Olympics. It is NOT a meritocracy. So, here are a few tips on how to make yourself more dope (pun intended): 1️⃣ NETWORK 2️⃣ NETWORK 3️⃣ NETWORK The only effective way I've seen people differentiate themselves is to have a relationship with people involved in the hiring process. If you've got two people who have almost identical qualifications and potential (hypothetically speaking), the person with the relationship has a 12x higher chance of getting the job (https://lnkd.in/gKhRN_hx). Some people think leveraging a relationship means they aren't standing on their own or aren't playing by the rules. THAT'S JUST NOT TRUE. Building genuine relationships and then leveraging them throughout your life and career is one of the most important keys to success no matter what you do. Every successful person I admire has relationships that go far and wide and they aren't afraid to call a friend, especially when it matters. The job race is tight and depending on meritocracy alone puts you in all the lanes except 7. Networking might just be the edge you are looking for. Please share your thoughts below. 👇🏾