Q: I was laid off after 26 years with the same company. I thought I’d retire there. I don’t know how to look for a job, and it’s one of the worst job markets in history. Will I even get a job? — Christine
A: Christine, I understand how overwhelming it must feel to face a layoff after such a long career with one company. The idea of job searching in a competitive market can seem daunting, especially if it’s not something you’ve done in decades. But it’s entirely possible not only to find a new job but to make this a transformative moment in your career.
Jeanine “J.T.” O’Donnell
The shock of sudden change. Imagine this: You’ve devoted 30 years to a company, climbing the ladder, building relationships, and planning to retire there. Then, out of the blue, you’re laid off at 56 years old. This is what happened to one of my clients.
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Her first question? “What now?” It’s a question I’ve heard from many professionals, especially those who have been with one employer for so long. The fear of starting over in what feels like one of the toughest job markets adds to the anxiety. But here’s the truth: While the job market may be challenging, there are still opportunities for people who are willing to shift their mindset and take the right steps.
Embrace a new perspective. Don’t let this setback define you. While it’s tempting to think of this layoff as a failure or a sign of the job market being impossible, it’s important to instead see it as a chance for growth and reinvention.
Discovering your unique value. One of the first things we worked on was identifying her Unique Value Add (UVA) — the special combination of skills, experience and strengths that made her stand out from other candidates.
Create a dream job bucket list. Next, we moved on to creating a Dream Job Bucket List. Instead of rushing into applying for any available job, we focused on identifying companies where she could envision herself thriving — places that aligned with her values, goals and desired work environment.
Craft your personal brand. We moved on to personal branding — revamping her résumé, LinkedIn profile and cover letter. We made sure her LinkedIn profile highlighted her experience, leadership skills and the value she could bring to her next employer. We also crafted a professional story that was compelling, confident and forward-looking.
Leverage technology for a competitive edge. We introduced her to McCoy, an iPhone app that allowed her to create personalized video introductions for hiring managers. This innovative approach set her apart from other candidates. She wasn’t just another résumé in a pile. Using tools like video introductions, networking platforms, and LinkedIn can give you an edge in today’s competitive market.
The results: Beyond expectations. My client reached out to her top two choices — direct competitors in her industry. Both companies were so impressed with her video introduction that they scheduled interviews right away. One company even reached out before the interview to say, “The published salary for this position is too low for someone of your caliber. We’re prepared to offer more.” After interviewing with both companies, she received two job offers and accepted her top choice. Not only did she land a new job, but she also secured a $10,000 salary increase from her previous role, along with a generous bonus program.
J.T. O’Donnell is the founder and CEO of the job search career coaching platform Work It Daily. She is on a mission to help workers of all ages find career success and satisfaction. Visit workitdaily.com to submit your questions.
