Layoff Lesson Five:Help People Help You

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. ​​

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