Gen Z & Millennial Layoffs: 11 Tips to Find a New Job After Being Fired
It’s no secret that layoffs have been hitting businesses hard recently. And unfortunately, Gen Z and Millennials are feeling the brunt of these layoffs.
If you’re one of the unlucky ones who has lost your job, you’re certainly not alone in the need to find your next job.
The good news is that there are some simple and actionable tips on how to find a new job after a layoff from networking to using social media to your advantage.
11 Tips for Gen Z & Millennials to find jobs after layoffs
- Go easy on yourself after you’ve been laid off
- Be honest after being laid off
- Get clear on the job you want after being laid off
- Explore new industries after a layoff
- Manage your money wisely after being laid off
- Spotlight your wins after being laid off
- Get specific about your skills and experience after being laid off
- Activate your professional network after being laid off
- Ask the right questions in your interviews after a layoff
- Accept the right job after a layoff
- Continue to upskill after being laid off
The best ways for Gen Z and Millennial workers to find jobs after layoffs include everything from networking and social media to exploring new industries and job roles.
1. Go easy on yourself after you’ve been laid off
First and foremost, it’s important to recognize that being laid off is a difficult experience. It can be hard on your mental health, so make sure you take time for self-care and practice healthy habits.
It’s also important to remember that being laid off is not your fault, nor is it a black mark in your employment history that will deter future employers from considering you.
2. Be honest after being laid off
When looking for a job after a layoff, it’s important to be honest about what happened.
It is okay to explain that you were laid off due to restructuring or downsizing within the company.
This will demonstrate your confidence and transparency throughout the hiring process.
3. Get clear on the job you want after being laid off
Once you’ve taken some time to process your layoff, it’s important to get clear on the job you want next.
Ask yourself questions like:
- What kind of industry do I want to work in?
- What type of job title am I looking for?
- What skills and experience do I have that will make me qualified for this role?
Having a clear understanding of the job you want after a layoff will help you to focus your search and make it easier to find the right opportunity.
4. Explore new industries after a layoff
It’s natural to want to stay in the same industry that you were laid off from, but don’t be afraid to explore other industries and job roles, especially if you’re a Gen Zer with a limited employment history.
This is especially true if your industry has been significantly impacted by the pandemic or layoffs.
Take some time to research different industries and jobs that may better fit your skillset. This could lead you to new career opportunities that you may have never considered before.
5. Manage your money wisely after being laid off
If you’ve been laid off, it’s important to manage what money you have left wisely so that you can survive until your next job comes through.
Take inventory of your current financial situation, and be honest with yourself about what you can afford to spend while unemployed.
Create a budget that reflects your current needs and make sure to prioritize bills like rent and groceries first.
6. Spotlight your wins after being laid off
When applying for new jobs after a layoff, it’s important to focus on the wins and accomplishments that you achieved in your previous roles.
Highlighting the successes and skills that you had in a job before being laid off will demonstrate to potential employers that you are an asset, even after being laid off.
7. Get specific about your skills and experience after being laid off
Like any job search process, it’s also important to demonstrate why you are the best fit for a particular role.
Be sure to tailor each application and include specific examples of how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for that job.
Be as detailed as possible, so potential employers can get a clear understanding of your value.
8. Activate your professional network after being laid off
Networking with both your personal and professional contacts becomes that much more important, especially after a layoff.
Reach out to people in your network and let them know that you are looking for a new opportunity.
You never know who might be able to point you in the right direction or offer advice on how to stand out during the hiring process.
9. Ask the right questions in your interviews after a layoff
When you’ve been invited for an interview, it’s important to be prepared with a list of questions so that you can get the most out of the process.
Make sure to ask questions about the role, team dynamics, and company culture in order to gain a better understanding of what working at that organization would be like.
This can also help you get a better understanding of the stability of the company and whether it would be a good fit after your layoff.
10. Accept the right job after a layoff
When it comes time to accept a job offer, be sure that it is the right fit for you, and don’t just take the first job offer that comes your way simply to have a job.
It’s important to trust your gut feeling when deciding whether or not this is the right job for you.
Taking the time to make sure that you are making an informed and confident decision about your next role can help set you up for long-term success after a layoff.
11. Continue to upskill after a layoff
While you search for a new job, it’s important to focus on upskilling and growing your knowledge in order to increase your chances of success.
Consider taking courses or joining industry-related groups and networks to gain the specialized skills that will help you stand out in the job market.
You can also keep track of the latest industry trends and technological advancements in order to stay up-to-date with the changing job market.
By investing in yourself, you can increase your chances of success after a layoff.
Why are big tech companies laying off so many people?
The reasons for large tech companies laying off a significant number of their employees vary, but the common denominator is the need to reduce costs and remain competitive in an ever-changing market.
Companies may also restructure or adjust their operations due to changes in customer demand, technological advances, or economic downturns.
In some cases, due to the pandemic-related economic slowdown, tech companies have had to make drastic cuts in order to remain profitable.
Regardless of the reason, tech companies have to constantly evaluate their operations in order to remain successful, and unfortunately, many Gen Z and Millennial workers end up as collateral damage in the process.
Can you get hired after being laid off?
The short answer is yes – you can get hired after being laid off. It may take some time to find the right job, but with the right attitude and preparation, you will be able to land a new role and start your journey toward long-term success.
Keep looking for opportunities, network effectively, and focus on upskilling, and you will be able to get back on your feet after a layoff.
Gen Z and Millennials affected by mass layoffs
It is important to remember that Gen Z and Millennials have been some of the most heavily affected by mass layoffs.
As a result, it is essential for those who find themselves in this situation to take the necessary steps to manage their money wisely and propel themselves forward during their job search process.
By creating a budget, spotlighting your wins, getting specific about your skills and experience, and more, you can increase your chances of success during your job search.
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Every year, Mondo helps over 2,000 candidates find jobs they love.
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