Bouncing Back From a Layoff

At a recent PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter networking event, one of our members shared that he had been laid off the week before.

The unfortunate victim of a corporate restructuring, he’d done nothing wrong. In fact, his performance reviews had all been stellar. And yet, after an esteemed 30-year career in journalism and public relations, he found himself without a job for the first time.

Soon, stories of shared experience — some fresh, others decades old — began circling the table. Reassurances quickly emerged. It’s not your fault. You’re not alone. I just went through this, too. Let me introduce you to so-and-so. 

As a longtime PR professional turned executive coach, I’ve seen firsthand how layoffs can strip accomplished professionals of their confidence, clarity and sense of purpose. 

The good news? While you can’t control what happened, you can control your response. The following 10 strategies can help you regain your footing and move forward with intention.

1. Feel your feelings.

Losing your job sucks. It’s OK to be shocked, angry, sad and scared. While your former employer may have said it’s not personal, that doesn’t usually ring true for people who have experienced a layoff. Take some time to grieve or feel whatever you feel, and lean on those you trust during the initial transition phase. 

2. Get clear on your severance package.

Typically, you’ll be asked to sign a severance agreement that details any salary or PTO payouts, health coverage options, and a non-disparagement clause within a week or two. 

Depending on the size of your company and the circumstances of your reduction in force, there may be some wiggle room for negotiation. It doesn’t hurt to ask, but be aware that larger corporations and agencies are more likely to be in the “take it or leave it” camp. Consult an employment attorney licensed in your state if you have questions. 

3. Resist the urge to spout off. 

Surely this seems obvious to a bunch of PR pros — after all, most of us have likely dealt with publicly disgruntled employees in our roles — but it’s worth repeating. 

If writing would be cathartic, by all means, journal or make notes. But please don’t post or publish anything negative. It almost always backfires. 

4. Pause and reflect.

Take a beat to consider what you actually want and need in your next role. What circumstances allow you to do your best work? When do you feel most energized? How values-aligned have your past roles been? In what ways are you looking to contribute more, or differently, in your next position? 

Depending on your financial situation, how quickly do you need to find a new job, and what salary range would you be willing to consider for the right one?

5. Engage your network.

As I’ve written in these pages before, PR is a relational industry, so investing in connections when you don’t have an immediate need is a smart and timeless strategy. 

But even if you have some ground to make up, it’s never too late. Four out of five jobs come through personal connections, so your best approach to networking is to prioritize genuine relationship building. (Note: Extroverts often thrive here, while introverts may find it draining. Think of it as strength training for your career — and plan recovery time accordingly.)

6. Post thoughtfully on LinkedIn.

In the absence of the information, people will create their own narratives (or worse, jump to conclusions). 

For communications professionals in particular, your job search demonstrates your judgment, messaging and brand. Posting thoughtfully allows you to frame your situation — not as a failure, but as a transition. It gives people language to advocate for you. And, it signals professionalism and forward momentum. 

I often get questions about the timing of when to post on LinkedIn. When you’re part of a sweeping layoff (think: Amazon, Omnicom, Washington Post, etc.), I generally advise doing this within the first few days, but only if you can handle two things. 

First, there’s the mental health aspect (if you need more time emotionally, take it!). Second, be ready to promptly engage with every supportive comment and graciously accept every helpful invitation. 

7. Apply your experience purposefully.

Volunteering, mentoring and networking aren’t just résumé fillers. They showcase motivation, resilience and humanity — while paying it forward. Similarly, upskilling and reskilling on topics like AI, ethics and leadership show that you are committed to continual personal and professional development. 

8. Invest in a résumé glow-up.

Think of your résumé as a highlight reel, not a laundry list of everything you’ve ever done. In today’s world of automated tracking systems (ATS), you need tailored substance to make it through the AI bots most employers now use to screen candidates.

Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to see your strengths clearly, and a knowledgeable career coach or résumé writer can help you fine-tune your strengths. Highlighting the impact of your work (read: metrics!) and leadership helps you stand out to the right employers.

9. Sharpen your interviewing skills.

Brooke Kruger, CEO of recruiting firm KC Partners, recently wrote that many communications candidates are underperforming in interviews because they fail to go beyond surface-level prep, can’t answer why they are the ideal candidate or demonstrate expertise in strategy and execution. 

Whether it’s a phone screen, one-way video, Zoom panel or on-site meet-and-greet, you need to nail your key points every single time. 

10. Do something you love.

How many times did you work during a vacation? Answer emails on the weekend? Prepare strategy documents at night? While the circumstances aren’t ideal and you wouldn’t have chosen them, a career pause can give you the space to do something creative, try something new, or take care of yourself in ways you’ve been wanting to for a while. 

If you’ve been laid off, please know it’s not the setback itself that defines you, but how you choose to move forward. I sincerely hope you never need these tips. But if you do, may they serve as a steady road map as you navigate the uncertainty of what comes next — and remind you that this chapter is a transition, not a conclusion.