Kathleen Nolan

Let’s be honest: it’s a rare situation when a job rejection includes actionable, helpful feedback. So when that opportunity arises, make the most of it! Although it can be hard not to take constructive criticism personally, do your best to be positive about a chance to improve, and be honest with yourself about the feedback that was given. After you’ve taken some time to reflect, put it in action! Some things (like location, years of experience, levels of expertise, etc.) are not easy to change, but will only improve with time. Some things are more immediate (like interviewing skills, resume flaws, etc.), and you can jump into improving them right away. Regardless, do your best to use feedback as a tool for positive change!

After being laid off, it's really tempting to "network spam". What I mean by that is adding folks on LinkedIn without including a note on why you're reaching out, sending your resume off to folks that can't actually help you, or posting content without taking the time to really put thought behind it. These actions may feel helpful in the short term as you're "doing something", but ultimately, they can be harmful to your long term odds of success. Instead of spamming, take time to create thoughtful connections, content, and only reach out with your resume to folks who are actually hiring for positions that suit your skill set and experience. While you may not make as many connections, quality over quantity is everything here.

Being laid off stinks (to use a polite term), and there's no two ways about it. If you've been laid off, odds are that you're upset. Your pride is wounded, your feelings are hurt, and you're on the defensive- and everyone knows it! There's no need to pour salt your own wound by broadcasting it. While it can be tempting to air your grievances towards your former employer or manager, resist that temptation. Like most unhealthy habits, it's gratifying in the short term, and harmful over time. Conduct yourself with positivity and optimism, and that's what you'll attract. People will see your healthy attitude, and be drawn towards it, which will likely lead to career opportunities down the line.

I don't know about you, but with the important things in my life (my family, my health, my career, etc.), I don't blindly place my trust in others when help is needed. I first do my research on who I'd like to reach out to and engage with, and after that relationship is established, take some time to let trust build up prior to relying on them for anything of true importance. As new team member, your situation is no different. It will take time to build up some credibility and trust with your team (although you should always be treated with respect, from the start!). You can help accelerate this process by being reliable, timely, and treating your word as bond. Do what you say you're going to, and do it with a positive attitude.

Having a champion within a company is a truly powerful thing. When someone takes the time to notice you and help you build connections with others in the organization that they think you should know, it’s an amazing feeling. If you are in a position to be someone’s champion, don’t hesitate to jump in! Not only will you be helping a colleague, but it’s a great opportunity to connect (or reconnect) with others on your team who may not be in your department, and continue your own relationship building. In addition to that, the person you champion will always remember you positively, and it’s a small world out there- you never know when they may be in a position to return the favor!

Whether it’s a job, relationship, or pair of shoes, sometimes things aren’t going to be the right fit- and that’s okay! Not everything is built to last, and that applies to our careers as well. If you sense that someone you referred into your company truly isn’t the right fit, or is struggling past the “normal” point of onboarding and ramping up, have a gentle conversation with them. Make it a point to have this heart to heart away from the office, over coffee or lunch, and tell them honestly what you’ve noticed. Odds are, they’ll be relieved to talk it out and get it in the open. If you truly believe they’d be better off elsewhere, gently suggest that- but don’t push it. Ultimately, this is their decision, so let them make it.