Last updated on Jul 10, 2024

Here's how you can tap into your network to discover job prospects after a layoff.

Navigating the job market after a layoff can be daunting, but your network is a goldmine of potential opportunities. It's not just about who you know, but how you engage with them. By leveraging your professional and personal connections, you can uncover job prospects that may not be advertised publicly. This strategy requires a proactive approach, but with the right tactics, your network can become your most valuable asset in finding your next role. Here's how you can tap into your network to discover job prospects after a layoff.

1 Assess Reach

Start by evaluating the breadth and depth of your network. This includes former colleagues, industry contacts, friends, and even family members who may have connections to your field. Consider the strength of these relationships and categorize them based on their potential to help in your job search. Strong ties will likely be more willing to advocate on your behalf, while weak ties can offer a broader range of opportunities since they connect you to different social circles.

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Ricardo Chang

Strategic Business Manager│Business Development │Sales & Commercial │ B2B & B2C │ Disruptive Innovator
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Es importante entender la potencia de tu red y su alcance, a fin de poder apalancarte rápidamente en tu recolocación o reajuste de carrera profesional. Recuerda que es más fácil potencial y establecer una red cuando estás empleado que después de un despido. Ponte en contacto con antiguos colegas, amigos y conocidos de tu red profesional. Cuéntales que has sido despedido y que estás buscando nuevas oportunidades. Pídeles consejo y que te mantengan informado sobre posibles vacantes.

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2 Update Profile

Ensure your online presence reflects your current professional goals. Update your LinkedIn profile, or any other professional networking platform you use, to highlight your skills and experience relevant to the positions you're seeking. A polished profile acts as your digital resume and can catch the eye of recruiters or connections who are in a position to recommend you for job openings.

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Ricardo Chang

Strategic Business Manager│Business Development │Sales & Commercial │ B2B & B2C │ Disruptive Innovator
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Mantén tu perfil de LinkedIn y otras redes profesionales actualizado, incluyendo que estás buscando empleo. Tus contactos podrán ver tu situación y compartir contigo oportunidades relevante. Contacta con antiguos jefes, colegas o clientes y pídeles que te recomienden o den referencias positivas. Esto puede ayudarte a destacar ante potenciales empleadores.

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3 Engage Contacts

Reach out to your contacts with personalized messages. Explain your situation without dwelling on the layoff. Focus on what you're looking for and how your skills and experience align with those opportunities. Ask for informational interviews or if they're willing to refer you to others in their network. Remember, networking is a two-way street; express your willingness to assist them in return.

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Ricardo Chang

Strategic Business Manager│Business Development │Sales & Commercial │ B2B & B2C │ Disruptive Innovator
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No esperes a que tus contactos te avisen de oportunidades, sé proactivo y pregúntales si conocen de alguna vacante que se ajuste a tu perfil. Ten en cuenta que, la clave es activar, mantener y fortalecer tu red de contactos profesionales para que puedan apoyarte en tu búsqueda de empleo después de un despido. Una red sólida puede ser clave para encontrar nuevas oportunidades.

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Melissa Ubidia

Gerente de Empleabilidad - Outplacement y Marca Personal | Coaching | Jefe de Selección / Research Associate Senior | Clima y Cultura | 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞
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Obtén aliados estratégicos, siempre con un intercambio de valor agregado, foméntemos relaciones valiosas. Envía mensajes personalizados para contactar, solo así obtendrás la atención de la persona.

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4 Offer Value

Networking isn't just about asking for help; it's about building reciprocal relationships. Offer your expertise and support to your contacts. By providing value, you become a memorable and respected member of your network, which can lead to more people vouching for you and sharing job leads.

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Ricardo Chang

Strategic Business Manager│Business Development │Sales & Commercial │ B2B & B2C │ Disruptive Innovator
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Tener una red de contactos sólida es crucial para el desarrollo profesional, ya que puede proporcionar apoyo emocional, consejos e información valiosos, facilitar el acceso a nuevas oportunidades y ayudarte a avanzar en tu carrera. Construir y mantener relaciones con otros profesionales es una habilidad esencial para el éxito a largo plazo. La naturaleza de todo networking es expandirse. Puede que no conozcamos a la persona exacta que nos puede dar la pieza crucial de información que necesitamos ahora... pero conocemos a alguien que sí conoce a esa persona o al menos podría conocerla.

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Melissa Ubidia

Gerente de Empleabilidad - Outplacement y Marca Personal | Coaching | Jefe de Selección / Research Associate Senior | Clima y Cultura | 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞
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Un ejemplo es el networking, relaciones de cordialidad y valor agregado mutuamente, hacer contactos con personas que puedan aportar valor agregado a tu red!

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5 Follow Up

After initial contact, follow up periodically. This keeps you top of mind and shows genuine interest in maintaining the relationship beyond your immediate job search. Share updates on your progress and continue offering value, which can lead to more engagement and potential job leads.

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6 Expand Network

Lastly, look for opportunities to expand your network. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and participate in online forums related to your field. These activities can introduce you to new contacts who may have access to job prospects that align with your career goals.

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Andreas Klapsis

Business Innovation
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The primary strategy for expanding your network is dedication and consistency. Develop a model to meet ten new people each week who belong to your professional field. Statistically, some of these connections will lead to opportunities for value exchange. The larger your network, the greater your opportunities.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can tap into your network to discover job prospects after a layoff.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Reach

2 Update Profile

3 Engage Contacts

4 Offer Value

5 Follow Up

6 Expand Network

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Strategy

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Here's how you can tap into your network to discover job prospects after a layoff.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Reach

2 Update Profile

3 Engage Contacts

4 Offer Value

5 Follow Up

6 Expand Network

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Strategy

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