Layoff Lessons Learned: Insights from Layoff #4

By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

A Note About The Numbers

Learning from experience can be one of the best ways to make needed changes. Learning from stories is another great way to glean valuable information. I invite you to review my lived experiences and see what insights resonate with you. 

As a bona fide Excel nerd, and meticulous planner, I kept detailed records on my job search journey from layoff #4 through finding a new role. Here are a few statistical highlights of what on earth I did with myself in the months between when my previous role ended and starting a new job. 

I’m including several numbers in this article. Keep in mind that while I pride myself in my ability to count and do basic math, I’m dealing with a very small sample size. This article can only barely be called “research” and is more appropriately described as me sharing my personal experience. With that disclaimer, on to the numbers!

How Long Will This Take: Job Search Length

• ​Total days in job search: 140
• Working days in job search (removing Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays): 93

Please Look At My Resume: Applications Submitted

• Total number of applications submitted: 49
• Number of applications where I had a professional connection within the company: 24 
• Number of applications where I knew someone who knew someone within the company: 6
• Number of applications prompted by a recruiter contacting me: 4
• Number of applications where I had no professional connection within the company: 15
• Hall of Fame: Most Life Affirming Message After Applying for a Job:
  ​
  Hi Brenda,
  
  Thank you so much for your interest in [Super Cool Company] and for taking the time to apply for the Product Training Manager position. We just wanted to let you know that we received your application, and that we're looking forward to reviewing it.
  
  Have a great day!

Now We're Talking: Interviews

• Total number of interviews (phone, webinar and in-person): 45
• Total number of companies who interviewed me: 20
• Number of companies who interviewed me only once: 10
• Number of companies who interviewed me multiple times: 10
• Hall of Shame: Most Interviews for One Job Without Getting an Offer: 10

I Know People: Referrals and Getting an Interview

• Likelihood of getting one interview if I had a professional connection at the company: 54%
• Likelihood of having multiple interviews if I had a professional connection at the company: 33% 
• Likelihood of getting one interview if I knew someone who knew someone at the company: 16%
• Likelihood of getting one interview if I had no professional connection at the company: 13% 

I Will Never Work Again: Job Search Low Points

• Number of automated job applications with no response at all: 14
• Number of rejection emails received without any personal contact: 13
• Positions filled with an internal candidate after I had interviewed: 3
• Positions put on hold indefinitely after I was selected to interview: 3
• Jobs where I withdrew (aka “The non-negotiable salary is half of your target salary.”): 1
• Hall of Shame: Least Encouraging Automated Response After Applying for a Job
  
  We have received your application. The processing time for applications may in some instances be up to 4 weeks from the application deadline. We hope that you’ll be patient with us in the meantime.
  
  If you don't hear from us in 4 weeks, you will likely not be part of the selection process. When a position has been filled, all applicants will be notified.
  
  Kind regards
  ​
  The Recruiting Team
  
  (Please Note: This message was automatically generated. Please do not respond.)

Everything Works Out: Lessons Learned 

• Remember, you only need one job. It helped me to keep this in mind. 
• Use LinkedIn to find out who you know who works for a given company. 
• If you have a professional connection at a company, ask for their help.  I had more success in getting interviews where I had a professional connection who could refer me in or vouch for me. 
• Even if you don’t have a connection at a company, apply anyway.  Applying gives you a shot at getting the job, while not applying at all ensures that you won’t get the job.
• Keep doing the right things. Sometimes, it feels like you network, and apply, and interview and still don't have success. Verify that you are for sure doing the right things, then keep doing them. Eventually something will pop.
• Remember, you only need one job.

What Do You Think? 

What lessons have you learned from previous job searches? Share your best practices in the comments. 

Learn More 

• 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