The jobs that will be available tomorrow are shifting in demographics and steering toward the service industry and moving away from manufacturing jobs. These new job sectors will be expanding to meet demands for service jobs and the jobs we’ve seen for decades or longer could easily be phased out. When this happens the feared and dreaded term “layoff” often becomes inevitable. 

With the declining state of the economy, the threat of a layoff is very real and it resonates fear in many communities that have been devastated by past lay offs. There seems to be a belief among those laid off that a satisfying or “perfect” job will never be theirs, This doesn’t have to be true at all, your layoff could be the best thing that every happens to you. Once you’ve been laid off, besides the need to immediately apply for unemployment, there are many proactive steps you can take to use the layoff to your advantage. 

The important thing to remember if this happens to you is that you have great transferable skills – skills that can be utilized in your future career. What are transferable skills? They are the gems that will sell your resume, they will be highly important factors discussed during your interviews and if utilized correctly will lead you to a successful new career. What they really are, are skills you possess that you can take with you and use in other positions, fields, industries and careers.   

Transferable skills groups can include; communication skills, leadership skills, technical skills, mechanical and electrical skills, computer knowledge, office operations skills, or management skills. Countless positions need these skills with some including management, purchasing, administration, HR, accounting safety positions, training, technical and IT position, engineers sales and more. To gather your list of transferable skills start with a list of each job you’ve had, college/technical degree earned, certifications or workshops you’ve attended, and volunteer work or hobbies you have. Determine the skills acquired from each factor and write them down.  Nothing is too small – write them all out. You can sort through them later.  Additional skills you might overlook include your mentoring, negotiating, motivating, problem identification and control, process improvement or organizing; all impressive transferable skills you possess that can be transferred to other positions or used in major career changes and will be an asset. 

Start today – whether you are unemployed or still working; make your list and get started. Realize your potential so employers can too! You are the only person that will determine what your career is going to look like. It is hard work and takes effort to stay focused and push forward but the reward will be an even better job and one that you will truly enjoy. Gather the materials needed to develop a powerful resume. Use your past resumes to help with the process and your new list of transferable skills. If it seems like you don’t know which way to turn, a certified resume writer may be of value to you. If you are truly unsure of how to proceed with your future and career determination, a career coach could be what you need to invest in. Coaches can help with behavioral assessments and other tools that allow you to see your strengths and understand what you like and don’t like in a career. Once you are focused and have updated your career documents, develop a detailed plan to search for and locate the perfect job for you. 

Research other industries and fields and discover what jobs are available as potential new careers. Read about different positions online, what you would qualify for and what it would take for you to qualify for desired positions? Compare your new list of transferable skills with jobs posted on Indeed, Monster, SimplyHired or other job boards and see where you fit. Find out what you will need to qualify for the career you desire. If you need additional schooling, training or certifications - start now. Determine what you are willing to accept when you make your career change, additional education, relocation, or possibly starting back at entry level. These are big decisions but the hardest part is making the decision, once you’ve decided to commit to actualizing your career dreams, your motivation and determination can make it happen!  

Network with everyone you know; past employers, coworkers, vendors, clients, and any other person that will listen. Get the help from your personal life as well; talk with friends, relatives, neighbors, church members, and any groups you belong to. Who you know is critical to getting your foot in the door of the company you feel would be a good fit and networking is the fastest way. I have heard many success stories of layoffs that have changed lives and have been the best thing that ever happened to the employee. A layoff often forces you to evaluate your dreams and career goals. It also gives you freedom to make changes you may have thought about for years. Take the opportunity and make it work for you. 

The most important thing to remember during your entire process is that you do have skills to offer, experience, knowledge, and probably more than a little wisdom to potential employers. You are a valuable employee and can successfully start a new career or find a new job even if you’ve been working in one place, one job for years. Your positive attitude, preparation and determination will get you where you deserve to be. 

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