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Company Research During Your Job Search

5/13/2025

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By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Interviewing Goes Both Ways

Whether you are actively searching for a new role, or just have an eye out for a new position, it's important to do your homework. It's important to remember that the company is not just interviewing you for a position. You are also interviewing the company to make sure they meet your requirements for what you want and need in an employer.

When researching, remind yourself of the value of seeking information from multiple viewpoints. You'll gather different, yet often equally valuable, information from the company website, news sources, online review sites, and speaking with individuals who have direct experience working for the organization. 

Let's examine why, when, and how to conduct your vetting process.

What The Company Has To Say

When researching a company, start with the online sites that the company runs. This includes their company website, their LinkedIn company page, and their other social media presences. Your main goals include finding out more about the company and the logistics of working there to help you decide if the company seems like a good fit for you and is aligned with your career goals. 

Here are a few ideas on what to look for: 

  • Is their online presence complete and professional? Is the information current?
  • What details do they have online about their value proposition for employees? Do they mention employee perks, benefits, or their company culture?
  • What industry are they in? How many people work there?
  • ​What are their working arrangements?
  • Have they won any awards?
  • How are they active in the community?
  • On LinkedIn,  are you connected with any of their employees?
  • What is their address? If applicable, do they have office locations near you? For a possible remote position, is anyone else in the state in which you live employed there?​ 
  • Is there recent company report on the website? How have their financials been recently?

The News

Once you have looked at company-run sites, it's helpful to do an online search to see how and when they are showing up in the news. You're looking for good and not-so-good information on the organization, as reported in the news. To do this, you could type in the company's full name and the word news, all in quotes, in your favorite search engine. Alternatively, you could type in the company's name in quotes, then click the news link on your favorite search engine. 

Here are a few ideas on what to look for: 
​
  • Company accomplishments and recent awards.
  • Leadership and key staffing changes.
  • Good works in the community.
  • Activities or events they sponsored.
  • Any legal news or actions.
  • Previous or planned layoffs.
  • Announcements about changes in company structure or ownership.

Online Reviews

After looking at the news, it's helpful to look at online reviews for the company. Remember, often, when people write reviews, they are either ecstatic or disgruntled--sometimes without much in between. For comparison, think about how you would rate a recent employer based on the best day you ever had at work there as compared to your worst day at work--and that both were valid in those moments.

Here are a few places to look that are focused on gathering and sharing opinions about organizations:
​
  • For general impressions of the company, visit The Better Business Bureau.
  • To see history or plans for layoffs, search for WARN notices and your state.
  • To hear what current or past employees have to say, visit Glassdoor.com.
  • To hear what current or past employees have to say, visit Indeed.com.
  • Search for review sites of the company's products and services.

People With Direct Experience

In addition to the news, reports on websites, and anonymous feedback, reaching out to people with experience at a given company for additional insights is also valuable. This is where you can leverage your professional network to connect with people who have firsthand experience. 

Here are a few ideas for how to find out more: 
​
  • On LinkedIn, look at the company's current employees. Search those employees for someone who is one of your current connections. Reach out to that person to ask about their experience working with the company. 
  • On LinkedIn, look at the company's current employees. See if you have a second-degree connection with any of the company's current employees. Reach out to that person to ask if they are willing to introduce you to someone at that organization.
  • Contact key members of professional organizations where you are a member. Ask if anyone there has insight on the company or knows someone who does. As for either an introduction or any insights they have to share. 

What Do You Think? 

What else do you do to research a company? Include your ideas in the comments. 

Learn More

  • The Layoff Lady: Asking for Help Using LinkedIn Messaging
  • The Layoff Lady: Using 1:1 Networking Meetings for Job Searching
  • The Layoff Lady's Ultimate Guide To Answering The Question, "I Just Got Laid Off--Now What Do I Do?"​
  • The Layoff Lady Book: Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide
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Creating Your Career Transition Support Team

5/6/2025

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By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Don't Go It Alone

Life is challenging when nothing in particular is happening. When you're going through a job change (especially one you didn't plan), it's even harder. While I'm a fan of self-reliance, I also know the value of finding people who want to support you and letting them do it. You're not weak for needing people. You are smart for planning ahead for what you will need.

You Need Help Because This is Hard

I have been through a post-layoff job transition 7 times, and it is difficult each and every time. There is the fear that it will just never end, and you'll be drifting for eternity trying to find paid work where you can pay your bills--much less in a job you want. You worry that you'll have to settle for something that may be even worse than the worst job you've ever had. You also worry that you'll run out of money and not be able to pay your bills and lose everything you own and everyone you've ever loved. While your rational mind knows this is all pretty unlikely, there will be moments when everything seems hopeless. That's where your support network comes in. 

No matter how resilient and downright badass you are, doing this alone makes it way harder. 

People Want to Help You: Make Sure to Let Them

As an extra added bonus, people want to help you! I'm always inspired by all the people who came out of the woodwork to check on me, told me about an open position, thanked me for helping them once upon a time, or offered to refer me for a role. Everyone has struggled with something at one time or another, and someone has helped them. Let other people help you. 

Building Your Team

It also takes a village to get you through a career transition. Relying on one person for everything is all kinds of stressful. Know that people want to help, and it's a matter of figuring out what you need, letting people know, and reaching out to people as needed. Going through a job search is challenging, even in the best of circumstances.

Types of Help You Need

Here's a starter list of the types of help you may need during your job transition. More specifically, here is some of what I needed. Use this as a starting point and add details as it helps you:
​
  • ​Emotional Support: You'll have all the feelings. Figure out who you can talk to about what. Sometimes you'll laugh, sometimes you'll cry, sometimes you'll vent, and on the most trying days, maybe all of the above. 
  • Communication: Just telling people what is up can be draining--because people. Realize, too, that your telling them about your situation may result in them inadvertently trying to allay their fears that the same thing will happen to them. Find a friend who can help you spread whatever news there is to convey. Telephone. Telegraph. Tell a Karla. Find those people who love to connect with others (and even share some of the same social circles) and enlist their help.  
  • Sounding Board: When you're making big decisions--or doing something you don't do very often, having someone to talk things through will is mission critical. Personally, I don't even always need my sounding board people to say much--just to sit there and listen (or at least just not talk over me) as I talk myself into or out of the idea I'm considering. There is so much value to writing or talking through ideas as you choose your next steps.
  • Logistical Support: Sometimes, you'll need a hand figuring things out. Maybe it's having someone to watch your kids for a bit so you can have a phone interview. Perhaps it's help with a ride if you're having car trouble. Whatever it is, it may seem small to them, but it'll solve a problem for you. 
  • Fun: There will be many, many times when you just need a distraction. Watching a movie. Having coffee. Talking about non-job search related things. Having a conversation where you don't have to be "on" and can just chat with someone. It doesn't have to be elaborate. It just has to be a welcome break from all those "shoulds" to be something other than a job-searching human.
  • Cheerleader: You also need someone to give you a pep talk. Whether it's someone who'll send you a quick "You've got this!" text or someone to remind you to take a deep breath and tell them your remarkable story, remember that encouragement is essential. They can also help you celebrate successes and remind you of your innate value when you're struggling.
  • Accountability: You'll also need someone to help you keep on track. It may be as easy as them asking if you applied for that job you talked about. Or asking you if you updated your resume like you said you would do.­­­ Create the positive peer pressure to help you follow through on what you need to do.
  • New Ideas: There is a certain amount of trial and error when looking for a new job. Whether it's optimizing LinkedIn, figuring out how to network with new people, finding the best way to position your work experience, or where to find jobs, there's a lot to learn. Whether you tap into someone who works in that industry, or a hiring manager, or a resume writer, figuring out how to be a more effective job searcher is useful. 
  • Connectors: Each of us has people in our lives who seem to know all the things and/or all the people. Let them help you connect with the right person, opportunity, or idea at the right time.

Who Can Help

When it comes to help, I start with my inner circle--close friends and family. I'm also sure to widen my support team beyond them, too.

I also move beyond that immediate group. I interact with my LinkedIn connections. I tap into online groups including job search groups, The White Box Club, and even LinkedIn groups focusing on networking or a content area (like sales enablement).

I interact with in-person membership groups like ATD or the Omaha OD Network. Or I seek out non-work connections through social Meetup groups or activities. Sometimes, I just spend time in coffee shops to indirectly interact with other people. It's a matter of figuring out what you need and finding a person to help.

Asking for Help

Know, too, that there will be times when you need to straight up reach out to someone because you need help. Each person will have their areas of interest and expertise, so be sure to keep that in mind when asking for help.

It's helpful to consider who you might contact for different needs. Here are a few cases when I was job searching and I reached out to people to ask for help:
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  • Before a job interview, I would text my daughter to let her know I had an interview. She woudl then text back encouraging words and follow up afterwards to see how it all went. 
  • If I need non-job search social interaction, I'd reach out to my former "lunch ladies" coworkers with a link to my Calendly and ask if they're up for a catch-up conversation (then they would pick a time for us to chat.)
  • If was having a rough day, I'll reach out to my best friend to talk a bit. 
  • If was unsure if my resume was clear, I'll contact a former coworker to give it a look and make suggestions on what I could do better.
  • If I wanted to talk shop but not directly job searching, I'd contact a LinkedIn connection I hadn't chatted with in a while and see if they were up for a virtual coffee meeting. I got to have a fulfilling interaction with another person and glean a few professional insights, too. 

Learn More

  • ​The White Box Club​ on Meetup
  • The Layoff Lady's Ultimate Guide To Answering The Question, "I Just Got Laid Off--Now What Do I Do?"​
  • The Layoff Lady Book: Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide​
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Managing Job Search Rejection

2/18/2025

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By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Rejection and Negative Emotions

Searching for a new role is a rough process riddled with rejection, which is never pleasant.

If you're in a post-layoff career transition, It starts with your former employer kicking you out of the whole company and, in essence, saying, “You are no longer one of us.” At every step of the way, you’ll experience people telling you no in a variety of ways--and it hits hard since you're navigating so much uncertainty and so many life changes. 

Even if you are currently employed, job searching and the associated rejection is still no picnic. You're also dealing with the uncertainty of knowing how long it will take to find something new and the challenge of doing passable work at your current job while not knowing how long you'll be in limbo. 

Here is how that rejection may look.

 Applying for a job and:

  • Hearing the booming emptiness of no reply at all.
  • Receiving a rejection email in what feels like moments after hitting submit. 
  • Seeing that role repeatedly reposted as if to say, “We can’t find anyone—but certainly not you.” 

Having what felt like a great interview for a job and:

  • Hearing a fat lot of nothing back. Ever.
  • Finding out the job is on hold, they made an internal hire, or they went with another candidate.
  • Receiving a canned “thanks, but no thanks” email months after your last conversation.

Receiving a job offer and:

  • Seeing that the pay rate is significantly below the salary range you had discussed.
  • After a long delay, receiving an offer with the demand that you accept immediately and start right away. 
  • Wishing it was from another company for a different role.

Accepting a job offer and:

  • Hearing nothing from your new employer about the details of your first week. 
  • Getting a last-minute call from the recruiter that your start date has been postponed. 
  • Having the offer rescinded due to company changes.

​The Necessity of Experiencing Your Emotions

Because of all of the uncertainty and rejection, this whole process can be a lot to bear. It’s hard to keep going when there are obstacles at every turn. Sometimes, even well-intentioned people who are genuinely trying to be supportive ask just the wrong question and make you feel even worse. 

It is paramount that you experience your emotions, then manage your mindset so you don’t let your feelings make the already complicated process of finding a new job even harder.

Coping Strategies

Here are a few ideas to help you work through the unpleasant emotions that will pop up during your quest for a new role. 

Acknowledge Each Emotion

Befriend your feelings. Don’t pretend that you don’t feel how you do. Name them, acknowledge them, and then move on. Pretending those unpleasant feelings don’t exist will not make them disappear. Instead, it may silence them for a bit, but they will pop up later, usually at the worst possible time. Acknowledging each one will help them run their course–and also help you to increase your ability to manage the ups and downs of this process.

Wallow a Little

It’s impossible to will yourself into feeling better. Sometimes, you need to just sit with an uncomfortable feeling for a while and let it run its course. Cry a little. Rewatch your favorite movie for the bijillionth time. Have a little ice cream. Do a puzzle. Take a walk. Take the afternoon off from your to-do list. Some will run their course more quickly than others. 

Research The Problem 

​If you’re worried about something, researching answers and managing your expectations often helps. How many job applications does it typically take to get an interview? How long does it take most people to find a new role post-layoff? Which companies are hiring? You'll probably feel a little better by researching options, clarifying goals, and taking useful action.

​Even if you don’t find a complete solution, you at least know more. Having added knowledge will help you worry less or at least direct your worry toward taking productive action that will help you solve a problem.

Take a Social Media Break

Social media, specifically LinkedIn, can be a great job search tool. Unfortunately, it can also give you the illusion that everyone else is doing great and you are downright hopeless. Posts like “It only took me a week to find my dream job,” or "I just got an awesome job (aka the one you were interviewing for)," “I’m still employed but I feel SO BAD for my former coworkers who are jobless,” or “Every company ever is doing more layoffs (which means more competition for each job)” will only make you feel worse. Remind yourself that social media isn’t real life and disengage. 

Leverage Basic Self Care

When everything feels hard, taking care of yourself needs to be your top priority. Here are a few quick and easy ideas to make you feel almost instantly better: 
  • Breathe.
  • Drink water. 
  • Eat regularly.
  • Rest.
  • Shower.
  • Take a break.
  • Move your body.
  • Go outside.

Learn More

  • ​Podcast Appearance: Unfiltered Unspoken Connecting Through Life Experiences: Finding Hope After Layoffs, Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady
  • The Layoff Lady's Ultimate Guide To Answering The Question, "I Just Got Laid Off--Now What Do I Do?"​
  • The Layoff Lady Book: Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide​
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Talking To All The People About Your Layoff

11/26/2024

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By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Managing Curious and Well-Intentioned People

​One of the hardest things about being laid off is telling other people about it--specifically fielding their uninvited questions. I'm not talking about work people or your professional network, either. I'm talking about the family friend you run into at the grocery store, that parent you went to a PTA meeting with once, seldom-seen relatives at a holiday gathering, and the neighbor you seldom see. Worse yet, it is interacting with a group of well-intentioned people who express their curiosity, worry, and opinions regarding your wellbeing. 

Here are a few suggested talking points for managing those conversations that pop up at just the wrong time.

Getting Your Patter Down

After you've chatted with your inner circle, it’s time to think about addressing this topic with everyone else. This includes people who make random comments about your situation, those who don't really know how layoffs work, and the ones who genuinely want to help but may not have the best advice. These conversations may be rough, especially if you feel vulnerable. Your goal may be to get through the awkwardness and move on to other topics.  

To prepare, it is helpful to know how to respond. Here are a few suggestions for talking points to get you through. 

Talking About Your Current State and Plans

  • You were not fired, discarded, cut loose, or shitcanned. These words imply that you did something terrible enough to get fired or that you’re mad because something awful was done to you. 
  • You were laid off, your job ended, your position was eliminated, or you were part of a company-wide reduction in force. It is just a thing that happened, and now you don’t work at the place where you worked before.
    ​
  • You are not unemployed, between jobs, an ex-employee of Big Important Tech Company, or a big giant loser.​​
  • You are in transition, in career transition, searching for your next great role, or looking for the job that is the right next step for you.​ 

Talking About The Job You No Longer Have

The question: I heard you’re unemployed. What happened there!
Your core message: My job ended. It is a thing that happened.

  • I was part of a company-wide reduction in force at ABC Lending. My job ended on Tuesday.
  • I was part of a layoff. About 500 of us were part of the reduction in force when the company restructured. That happened earlier this week.
  • I was one of the 1000 people who had their position eliminated at XYZ company. It happened earlier this month.
  • I got laid off. It happened a bit ago.
  • My job ended recently, along with about a hundred others at the company.

Talking About What Is Next For You

The question: What are you going to do now? I would be freaking out! 
Or
​I’d be scared to death if I were you. Are you sure you’ll be okay?
Or 
​A person I sort of know lost their house/was unemployed for years/had to take a pay cut/never worked again.
​
Your core message: I’m going to keep on keeping on and also look for a new job.
​
  • I’m making a plan for what to do next.
  • ​I’ve had some time to think about it, and I know my next steps.
  • I’ve made friends with the change, and I’m working towards my next role.
  • I am worried, but I know I’ll be okay. I have a plan.
  • It can be stressful, but I’m going to do the right things, and it will work out.

Talking About STILL Not Having a Job

The question: So--do you have a job yet? 
Or
Are you STILL unemployed?
Or 
Did that thing you were interviewing for work out?
​
Your core message: I am job searching and something will work out. 

  • I'm talking to a few companies, and I'm sure something will work out soon.
  • No, but I'm hopeful.
  • I’m working on my next steps.
  • Finding a job can take a while. I’m making progress toward something new. 

Acknowledging People's Reassurances

The question/comment: Don’t worry. It’ll be fine. Hang in there! You’re so talented!

​Your response: Thanks. 

Addressing Well Intentioned and/or Awful Advice

The comments:
  • You should just get a job as a bus driver/multi-level marketing scheme salesperson/sign spinner!
  • You should hold out for a better job than you’ve ever had where you get all the vacation/all the money/are the ruler of the free world!
  • You should go back to school/start your own consulting company/have a baby/adopt many cats/quit working altogether.
  • You should downsize your house/sell your car/auction your jewelry/maybe get a yurt/live in a box outside your mom’s house.
Your core message: I appreciate you. I will make the right decision for me.
  • Thank you for your suggestions. I’m figuring out what is right for me.
  • I definitely have options. I'm figuring out my next steps.
  • Thank you for your insights. I have a plan for what to do.

Learn More

  • ​Podcast Appearance: Unfiltered Unspoken Connecting Through Life Experiences: Finding Hope After Layoffs, Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady
  • The Layoff Lady's Ultimate Guide To Answering The Question, "I Just Got Laid Off--Now What Do I Do?"​
  • The Layoff Lady Book: Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide​​
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Layoff Lesson Five:Help People Help You

2/27/2024

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By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

About The Seven Layoff Lessons

Through my seven layoffs and many conversations with others in post-layoff career transition, I have learned seven core lessons:​​
  • Lesson One: Experience your emotions and manage your mindset. 
  • Lesson Two: Keep your mind on your money (and your money on your mind).
  • Lesson Three: Ask yourself, “What do I want to be next?”
  • Lesson Four: Shape and share your story.
  • Lesson Five: Help people help you.
  • Lesson Six: Examine your energy to take control of your time. 
  • Lesson Seven: Assess, adapt, and rise above.

About Layoff Lesson Five: Help People Help You

Life is challenging when nothing out-of-the-ordinary is happening. It's even harder when you're going through an unexpected job change. While I'm a fan of self-reliance, I also know how important it is to find your people and support one another as you go through challenges. You're not weak for needing people. You are strong because you know the value of building and leveraging relationships to help get you through trying times. 

I have found that people genuinely want to help. In many cases, though, they might not know what you need. Not only is it vital that you seek out help when you need it, but you need to figure out what type of help you need. 

One Career Transition Revelation

Here's something that might surprise you. When you tell people that you're looking for a new job, this is when you will discover that many people don’t know exactly what it is you do for a living. Instead of being taken aback that they don’t know,  use this as an opportunity to learn how to tell them what you want and need during your career transition--and it's much more than just a new paying job. 

Figure Out What Life Help You Need

First off, you need to figure the types of life help you might need:​
  • ​Emotional support: You'll have all the feelings. Figure out who you can talk to about what. 
  • Communication: The simple act of telling people the news about your situation can be draining. Find friends who can help you spread the word.
  • Sounding board: When considering a big decision, running it past someone helps. Find your trusted advisors to talk through what you're thinking.
  • Logistical support: Sometimes, you'll need a hand figuring out how to make something work. Let people help you solve a tactical problem.
  • Fun: There will be many times when you just need a distraction. Find someone who can help you remember to find joy.
  • Cheerleader: Sometimes, you’ll just need a pep talk. Find that person who is willing to text you random words of encouragement when you need it.​ ​

Figure Out What Job Search Help You Need

In addition,  you need to figure the types of job search help you might need:​
  • Accountability: You may need someone to help you follow through on tasks. Having a person ask you if you followed through will help you progress.
  • Professional feedback: Tap into those people who can give you feedback on your resume, job searching approach, and interview questions can help.
  • Connectors: Knowing someone who seems to know everyone has many advantages. Being able to tap into people's expertise is invaluable.

It Takes a Village

Once you have a better idea of what you need, make sure you don't expect one person to fill all of these roles. Think about who could help you in each area and reach out to them. 

Leveraging Your Professional Network

LinkedIn is my goto tool for building and managing my professional network.  It's importan to make sure your LinkedIn profile represents you well, and that you showcase your experience and the value you bring to others, and to a new role. There is also an art (and a process) to asking people in your professional network in a way that is mutually beneficial. 

For The Whole Story

For all the information on each of the seven lessons pick up a copy of my book  Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide. ​​
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Learn More

  • The Layoff Lady: About My Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs
  • ​The Layoff Lady's Ultimate Guide To Answering The Question, "I Just Got Laid Off--Now What Do I Do?"​
  • The Layoff Lady Book: Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide
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    7-time layoff survivor Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady, waxes poetic on layoffs, job transitions, & career resilience.

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    Were you recently laid off? Need a roadmap for what's next? Or planning just in case? Check out my book, Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide!​

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