4 years ago
April 7, 2020

Laid Off Because of COVID-19? 8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time Off

One of the many unfortunate results of the COVID-19 outbreak is layoffs. Companies across many industries have been forced to lay off some or all of their employees. This includes…

Rhys Metler

One of the many unfortunate results of the COVID-19 outbreak is layoffs. Companies across many industries have been forced to lay off some or all of their employees. This includes the sales industry. With people social distancing and in self-isolation, priorities have temporarily changed.

Have you been laid off because of COVID-19? Think of it as an opportunity. With your new-found free time, it’s an excellent opportunity to assess your sales career and plan for the future.

Here, Toronto sales recruiters lay out 8 ways you can make the most of your time off:

1. Reflect

Any change in job status is the perfect time for some reflection. Give yourself some time (how much will depend on you) to reflect on your career and personal situation. Are you happy with your career up to this point? Are you where you want to be in your career at this point in your life? What are your top priorities? What barriers exist that are preventing you from achieving your career objectives?

Seldom do we have the time to stop and reflect on these types of questions. Now is the perfect time to do so. The extra time away from work and being forced to self-isolate has given you the ideal conditions to sit down and reflect.

2. Consider a career change

Sometimes getting laid off is a blessing in disguise. Have you become complacent in your sales career? Have you felt like you are stuck in a dead-end job? Not sure what you want to do next with your career? Take this time to consider a career change.

What do you want to do with your career? Are you on that path? What steps do you need to take to make a change? Do you want to do something else in sales? What are you interested in right now? Compare your options.

3. Take some time for yourself

If I ever get some free time, I’m going to…” Many of us have uttered these words. But how often do we actually get the time to do it? Now is a great time to take some time to yourself and do those things you always wanted to do but never got around to. It can be something as simple as catching up on your favorite show, reading a book or two, exploring a personal interest or anything else. Sometimes you just need to take a little time for yourself to recharge and get refocused before you get back on the hunt for your next sales job.

4. Plan

So, what is your plan? This is not an easy question to answer. There are some important things you should quickly get out of the way now before you start looking forward.

  • Tie off all loose ends with your previous employer
  • Get your record of employment, references
  • Complete all paperwork
  • Apply for employment benefits (EI)

Toronto sales headhunters advise people who are laid off to make a career plan

Another important question to consider is if you are willing to go back to your employer after COVID-19. Would you go back? If so, under the same conditions? What needs to change?

If not, start planning your next career move.

5. Update your resume

We all know we need to do this after we get laid off. It’s a good idea to update your resume with your most recent job as soon as possible – while the job, duties, and other information is fresh in your mind. Don’t forget to include any new skills you added to your toolkit. Focus on the results you achieved and how you helped your company rather than simply listing tasks and duties.

6. Update your LinkedIn profile

Once you’ve updated your resume, put some work into your LinkedIn profile. Make sure it’s up to date. Also, make it clear that you are now open to new opportunities. Look for ways to improve your profile and make it attractive to recruiters and employers. Make sure your profile reflects your career goals, objectives, and the types of roles you are interested in pursuing.

7. Connect with your network

Start spreading the word that you are on the hunt for a new job. Reach out to people in your network within the sales industry. Inquire about potential opportunities. Start looking for jobs online. Reach out to anyone you think could provide some assistance with your job search.

Also, consider connecting with a sales recruiter. They can help connect you with sales companies that are looking for talent with your skills and abilities.

8. Add new skills

Being laid off is a great opportunity to make yourself a better sales professional. Use this time to add a new skill or qualification. Look into online courses and resources that can help you take another step in your career. Sometimes all it takes is adding a few skills to your toolbox to help you qualify for the next level up in your sales career. Use this time for personal and professional development.

Read More From Our Toronto Sales Recruiters

Are You a Bad Sales Job Candidate? 6 Bad Habits to Avoid

4 Creative Ways to Impress a Recruiter Before They Meet You

Which Type of Sales Should I Get Into? 6 Key Considerations to Choose the Right Sales Role for You

When Is THE WORST Time to Search for a Sales Job? A Sales Recruiter’s POV

4 Resume Optimization Tips to Get Noticed by Sales Headhunters

 


SalesForce Search is a sales recruiting company which specializes in the recruitment and placement of sales professionals. We recruit salespeople in every sector of the economy including, software, manufacturing, financial services and medical devices. Find the right salesperson for your organization, start your search here.

Rhys Metler

Rhys is a tenacious, top performing Senior Sales Recruiter with 15+ years of focused experience in the Digital Media, Mobile, Software, Technology and B2B verticals. He has a successful track record of headhunting top performing sales candidates for some of the most exciting brands in North America. He is a Certified Recruitment Specialist (CRS) and has expert experience in prospecting new business, client retention/renewals and managing top performing sales and recruitment teams. Rhys enjoys spending quality time with his wife, son, and daughters, BBQing on a hot summer day and tropical vacations.

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