I just got laid off.

5 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 22,2024 at 11:57PM UTC

   I've been in this situation so I created a generic job title as a catch all and list All my accomplishments and responsibilities. In my cover letter I related my experience directly with the job description. This approach was successful.

2. AnonymousJanuary 23,2024 at 1:35PM UTC

   Put your job title on the resume and describe the accomplishments in the bullet points.
   Make sure that you quantify what you did, and if it was outside the typical duties of the job title, note that as "additional duties." It is essential to make sure that the title is the same because if they do a job verification, they will ask your employer if your job title was "xxx" (yes/no answer) or "What was the title?" You don't want them to say "no" or give a title significantly different from your resume. If they include skills outside the typical job description, ensure that skill is also in your resume's "Skills" section. Update your LinkedIn profile with those skills as well.

3. AnonymousJanuary 23,2024 at 5:57PM UTC

   Thank you!

4. AnonymousJanuary 23,2024 at 5:29PM UTC

   I'm sorry to hear. I understand. I'm a generalist and have had many careers. You will inevitably be asked about 'focus areas' so work on your answer to that.

   If you're feeling like you need assistance with next steps:

   -There are some great articles on LinkedIn, etc.

   -There are some great books and online sources to help provide a roadmap of key questions to direct you on your search. I'm reading 'Designing Your Life,' while many concepts are not new to me, it was a good refresher for me to make sure I stay on the track that speaks to me.

   -Will your job offer you outplacement services (that usually includes resume/cover letter updates and a couple coaching calls). That would be great to leverage.

   If not, there are templates and services to update your documents to be current. Some templates allow a top section (summary or just header ) where you state your top 3 skills. That may help show your diverse experience .

   If you need help and have some money, a career coach service (up to $2k) could be worthwhile. You may just want to start by having some reflective conversations with those you trust (friends, family, colleagues) to ask what they think your best skills/ best job fit would be...and see how that matches with what you want.

   Good luck.

5. AnonymousJanuary 23,2024 at 5:53PM UTC

   Great advice, thank you!