How to write a CV after being Laid-Off
As of 2023, approximately 131,000 employees at US tech companies (or tech companies with a large US workforce) have been laid off in mass layoffs, according to Crunchbase News. These statistics are extraordinary. Those laid off were unemployed and worried about deteriorating employment records. Although this is a difficult stage, it is possible to stay on the job if you stay positive and overcome your shortcomings. An important step in getting ahead after a layoff is updating your resume.
Here’s how to do it:
Start with a strong objective statement:
Your resume objective statement should be clear and concise, expressing your career goals and what you can offer the company. Be specific about the job you’re applying for to show your genuine interest in it. Search Google for some examples of solid and objective data specific to your industry. Pay close attention to how others use specific words in objective statements to make them more relevant and persuasive.
Include a resume summary:
When updating your resume after you’ve been laid off, focus on your accomplishments rather than your responsibilities. Potential employers care about what you achieve, not what tasks you are responsible for. When describing your previous roles, use verbs to describe specific accomplishments and define your accomplishments whenever possible. For example, instead of saying you lead a team, emphasize how you increased team productivity or reduced employee turnover. By focusing on your accomplishments, you can demonstrate your worth as a candidate and set yourself apart from other candidates.
Explain positively why you were laid off:
When updating your resume, it’s important to handle layoffs positively. Instead of just leaving a gap in your career, explain the situation briefly and positively. This can help eliminate any potential concerns a potential employer may have about your work experience. When describing termination, be honest and direct. Highlight any positive aspects of the situation, such as the opportunity to explore new career opportunities or learn new skills. You can also highlight any volunteer work or independent projects you’ve undertaken since your layoff to demonstrate your continued professional development.
Focus on your soft skills:
Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are increasingly important in today’s job market. When writing your resume after being fired, be sure to highlight your interpersonal skills. These skills can be difficult to measure, but they are essential in any workplace. For example, you might emphasize your ability to work with others, your strong communication skills, or your ability to adapt to change.
Highlight your transferable skills:
Transferable skills are still relevant today. They remain popular despite changes in the industry or the emergence of new technologies. They can also help you navigate industry changes. These skills and competencies can be applied to a wide range of roles and industries, including communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Highlighting your transferable skills can help demonstrate your value to potential employers and boost your job prospects.
Tailor your Resume to Job Opportunities:
Your old resume doesn’t work. It’s time to make a change. This time, choose a personalized resume instead of a generic resume. This means you can tailor your resume to match the requirements and qualifications listed in the job description. Analyse the job posting and determine the key skills and experience required for the position. So update your resume to highlight how your skills and experience match these requirements.
Consider a functional resume:
If you have gaps in your work experience, consider using a functional resume format. This type of resume focuses on your skills and experience rather than your work experience.
Obtain feedback:
Ask someone you trust to review your resume and send you feedback. It is best to check out resume-writing services like www.brilliantresumes.net. You probably don’t want to take any chances when writing your resume, because every word counts when it comes to getting hired. If you’re stuck after being fired or don’t know how to write an effective resume, let a professional handle it.
Pursue Training or Continuing Education
This may include attending training courses, obtaining certifications, or furthering your education in your field. Adding this information to your resume demonstrates your commitment to your career and your desire to learn and grow.
In conclusion:
Quitting a job can be a difficult experience, but it doesn’t have to define your career. By updating your CV and highlighting your achievements, transferable skills, and positives for repeatability, you can improve your job prospects and move forward with confidence. Ensure to tailor your resume to each job offer, be honest about job gaps, and consider investing in training or continuing education to improve your skills and knowledge. With these strategies in mind, you can write a robust and results-driven resume following your lay-off.
