Around 131,000 workers in U.S.-based tech companies (or tech companies with a large U.S. workforce) have been laid off in mass job cuts so far in 2023, according to a Crunchbase News tally.
These stats are extraordinary. And those who are laid off are both unemployed and worrying about the dent in their employment records. While it is a difficult phase, it is possible to get bak to a job given you stay optimistic and work on your gaps.
One of the essential steps in moving forward after being laid off is to update your resume. Here’s how to do it:
Start with a Strong Summary Statement
Your objective statement should be clear and concise, expressing your career goals and what you can bring to the company. Make it specific to the job you are applying for to show that you have a genuine interest in the position.
Google for some examples of strong objective statements for your field of work. Note carefully, how others have used specific words in objective statements to make it sound more relevant and compelling.
Include the Resume Summary
When updating your resume after being laid off, focus on your achievements rather than your responsibilities. Potential employers are interested in what you have accomplished, rather than just the tasks you were responsible for.
When describing your previous roles, use action verbs to describe specific accomplishments and quantify your achievements wherever possible.
For example, rather than simply stating that you managed a team, highlight how you improved team productivity or reduced turnover rates. By focusing on your achievements, you can demonstrate your value as a candidate and stand out from other applicants.
Explain Your Layoff in a Positive Manner
It is important to address the layoff in a positive way when updating your resume. Rather than simply leaving a gap in your employment history, explain the situation in a brief and positive manner. This can help to dispel any potential concerns that a potential employer may have about your employment history.
When describing the layoff, be honest and straightforward. Highlight any positive aspects of the situation, such as the opportunity to explore new career options or gain new skills. You can also emphasize any volunteer work or freelance projects you have undertaken since the layoff, to demonstrate your continued professional development.
Highlight Your Soft Skills
Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are becoming increasingly important in today’s job market. When writing your resume after being laid off, be sure to highlight your soft skills. These skills can be difficult to measure, but they are essential in any workplace.
For example, you could highlight your ability to work collaboratively with others, your strong communication skills, or your ability to adapt to change.
Emphasize Your Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are evergreen. They are in demand despite any changes in the industry or new technologies. They also help you navigate an industry switch.
These are skills and abilities that can be applied to a wide range of job roles and industries, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Highlighting your transferable skills can help demonstrate your value to potential employers and increase your job prospects.
Tailor Your Resume to the Job Posting
Your old resume will not work. It is time for a change. Opt for a customised resume rather than a generic one this time.
This means customizing your resume to match the requirements and qualifications listed in the job description. Analyze the job posting and identify the key skills and experiences that are required for the role. Accordingly, update your resume to highlight how your skills and experience match those requirements.
Consider a Functional Resume
If you have a gap in your employment history, consider using a functional resume format. This type of resume focuses on your skills and experiences rather than your chronological work history.
Get feedback
Have someone you trust to review your resume and provide feedback. The best is honing for resume writing services like that of getsetresume.com. You might not want to take any chances while writing your resume, as every word counts to get you hired. Let professionals handle it for you, if you are facing issues or are doubtful about writing an effective resume after being laid off.
Additional Education or Training
This could include taking courses, getting certifications, or pursuing a degree in your field. Adding this information to your resume can demonstrate your commitment to your career and your willingness to learn and grow.
Conclusion
Being laid off from a job can be a challenging experience, but it doesn’t have to define your career. By updating your resume and highlighting your accomplishments, transferable skills, and positive aspects of your layoff, you can increase your job prospects and move forward with confidence.
Remember to tailor your resume to each job posting, be honest about gaps in employment, and consider investing in additional education or training to improve your skills and knowledge. With these strategies in mind, you can write a strong and effective resume after being laid off.
This post first appeared on the getsetResumes.com Blog
