By Pat Brown, MBA
Being laid off can be an overwhelming experience, but updating your resume is one of the most important steps in moving forward. Your resume should highlight your skills, achievements, and value in a way that positions you for your next opportunity.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to updating your resume after a layoff.
1. Addressing the Layoff (or Not)
You don’t need to mention the layoff on your resume. Simply list your most recent role as usual, including your title, company, and employment dates. If asked in an interview, be honest but keep it professional and focus on the future.
If you had a gap between jobs, you can list:
- Consulting or Freelance Work
- Volunteer Experience
- Professional Development (courses, certifications, or networking events)
Example:
Senior Marketing Manager | ABC Company | 2018 – 2023
- Led a team of 10 marketers, increasing digital engagement by 40%.
- Managed a $2M marketing budget and exceeded ROI goals by 25%.
- Developed a social media strategy that boosted brand awareness by 60%.
2. Update Your Summary Section
Your resume should start with a strong professional summary—a short paragraph (3–5 sentences) that highlights your key skills, experience, and what makes you a valuable candidate.
Example Summary:
Results-driven marketing leader with 10+ years of experience in digital strategy, brand management, and customer engagement. Proven ability to drive revenue growth, optimize marketing campaigns, and lead high-performing teams. Seeking to leverage expertise in content marketing and analytics to contribute to a dynamic organization.
3. Showcase Your Achievements (Not Just Job Duties)
Many resumes simply list job responsibilities, but hiring managers want to see impact and results. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your contributions.
✅ Use numbers and data whenever possible.
✅ Showcase problem-solving skills and results.
✅ Use strong action verbs like “led,” “increased,” “implemented,” and “optimized.”
Example Before:
- Managed company social media accounts.
Example After:
- Increased social media engagement by 50% by launching a new content strategy.
Example Before:
- Responsible for sales team performance.
Example After:
- Led a team of 12 sales professionals, increasing revenue by 30% in one year.
4. Add New Skills & Certifications
If you’ve taken any courses, certifications, or attended industry events during your transition, be sure to include them. This shows you’ve been proactive and are continuously improving your skillset.
✅ Examples of Online Learning Platforms:
- LinkedIn Learning
- Coursera
- Udemy
- Google Certifications
Example:
Certifications:
- Google Analytics Certified (2024)
- Project Management Professional (PMP) (2023)
5. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
A one-size-fits-all resume won’t get you noticed. Customize your resume to match each job description by:
✔ Using keywords from the job posting.
✔ Highlighting relevant experience that aligns with the role.
✔ Rearranging sections so the most relevant information appears first.
Example: If applying for a digital marketing role, emphasize online campaigns and analytics. If applying for a management position, highlight leadership and strategic planning experience.
6. Keep the Format Clean & Professional
Your resume should be:
✅ One page (for less than 10 years of experience) or two pages for senior roles.
✅ Easy to scan—use bullet points and clear headings.
✅ Saved as a PDF to maintain formatting.
Best Resume Format:
- Header (Name, Contact Info, LinkedIn URL)
- Professional Summary
- Skills & Certifications
- Work Experience (Achievements & Impact)
- Education
7. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Many recruiters look at LinkedIn before even reading your resume. Make sure:
✅ Your headline reflects your expertise (e.g., “Experienced Financial Analyst | Budgeting & Forecasting | Data-Driven Decision-Maker”).
✅ Your summary aligns with your resume.
✅ Your experience is up to date.
✅ You engage with industry content to stay visible.
Final Thoughts
A layoff is a challenge, but updating your resume strategically can help you land your next opportunity faster. Focus on achievements, skills, and what you bring to the table. By tailoring your resume and keeping it professional, you’ll stand out and position yourself for success.
Pat Brown, MBA, is a financial expert and career strategist focused on helping professionals navigate job transitions and financial planning. His mission is to empower individuals with the tools they need to succeed.
