How to Change Careers After a Layoff

Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been hit by a layoff and you’re thinking about switching careers. I get it—layoffs are tough. They shake your confidence and make you question everything. But here’s the good news: a layoff can be the push you need to finally change careers and build a future you’re excited about.

I’m a career coach who’s helped thousands pivot after layoffs. At A Life After Layoff, I’ve seen firsthand how a strategic approach can turn a setback into a comeback. Changing careers isn’t about winging it—it’s about having a plan, building the right skills, and putting yourself out there.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to change careers after a layoff with five actionable steps. Let’s get started!

Why Change Careers After a Layoff?

Let’s face it: the job market in 2025 is rough. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports unemployment at 4.3% as of early 2025, with layoffs projected to hit 1.7–2.2 million by April 2026, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas Bureau of Labor Statistics Challenger, Gray & Christmas. If your industry is shrinking—like retail or traditional media—a career change might be your best bet for stability.

But it’s not just about survival. A layoff can be a chance to finally chase a career you love. Maybe you’ve always wanted to break into tech, healthcare, or renewable energy. Now’s the time to make that leap. Here’s how to change careers the smart way.

Step 1: Build a Long-Term Career Strategy

You can’t hope to be successful by winging it. A career change needs a plan—a long-term strategy that keeps you focused and moving forward. Without one, you’re just throwing darts in the dark.

Here’s how to build your strategy:

• Pick Your Target Career: Research growing industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights roles like software developers (26% growth through 2032) and registered nurses (6% growth) as solid options. Choose a career that matches your interests. Just be sure to choose a specialty that will be in demand in the future (for example, AI or Machine Learning).
• Set Clear Goals: Where do you want to be in 5 years? Break that down into yearly and monthly milestones. For example, if you’re aiming for a tech role, your first year might focus on learning to code and building a portfolio.
• Know Your Why: A career change is hard work. Remind yourself why you’re doing this. Is it better pay? More fulfillment? Flexibility? Your “why” will keep you motivated when things get tough.

A strategy gives you direction. It’s your roadmap to success, ensuring every step you take gets you closer to your dream career.

Step 2: Reskill for Today’s Job Market

Changing careers often means learning new skills. The job market in 2025 is all about adaptability, and reskilling is your ticket to standing out. In my recent article, Reskilling as a Job Seeker in Today’s Market, I dive deep into how emerging tools can help you pivot fast Reskilling as a Job Seeker in Today’s Market.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Learn In-Demand Skills: Tech skills like AI, data analysis, and cloud computing are hot right now. For example, learning Python can open doors to data analyst roles, which have a median salary of $74,240 BLS Data Analysts.
• Use Emerging Tools: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer affordable courses on AI tools, such as ChatGPT for productivity or Tableau for data visualization. These tools are game-changers in today’s market.
• Get Certified: A certification can make your resume pop. Think Google Data Analytics (for tech) or PMP (for project management). They show you’re serious about your new career.

Reskilling isn’t optional—it’s essential. The right skills make you a strong candidate, even if you’re coming from a different field.

Step 3: Network Like a Pro (Online and In-Person)

Networking is your secret weapon when changing careers. It’s not just about who you know—it’s about who knows you. The good news? You can network both online and in person to build connections that open doors.

Here’s how to do it:

• Leverage LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a goldmine for career changers. Optimize your profile with your new career goals—update your headline to something like “Aspiring Data Analyst | Learning Python & Tableau.” Then, start connecting. Reach out to people in your target industry with personalized messages. I teach a proven method to network naturally on LinkedIn in my course, Unlocking LinkedIn Unlocking LinkedIn.
• Don’t Skip In-Person Networking: Online is great, but nothing beats face-to-face connections. Attend industry events, job fairs, or local meetups in your area. For example, if you’re in Atlanta (one of the job’s locations), check out tech meetups on Meetup.com. Bring business cards, ask questions, and follow up with a LinkedIn connection request.
• Be Genuine: Networking isn’t about asking for a job outright. It’s about building relationships. Ask for advice, share your story, and offer help where you can. People remember those who show real interest.

Networking gets your foot in the door. It’s how you find hidden opportunities and get referrals that make hiring managers take notice.

Step 4: Gain Experience Creatively

You’re changing careers, so you might not have direct experience in your new field. That’s okay! You can get creative to build the experience you need—without starting from scratch.

Try these ideas:

• Use Your Current Job: Look for opportunities to gain relevant skills at your current role. If you’re aiming for a marketing career, volunteer to help with your company’s social media. If you’re in tech, see if you can shadow the IT team.
• Try an Informal Internship: Local small businesses often need help and can’t afford full-time staff. Offer to work part-time or on weekends. For example, if you’re in Redmond, WA (another job location), a small retail shop might need help with digital marketing. It’s a win-win—you get experience, they get support.
• Work with Nonprofits: Nonprofits are always looking for volunteers. If you’re switching to project management, offer to organize a fundraiser. It’s real-world experience you can put on your resume.
• Take on a Personal Project: Show off your skills with a project. Want to be a data analyst? Build a dashboard in Tableau using public data (like COVID stats) and share it on LinkedIn. It proves you can do the work.

Experience matters. Even small projects can show hiring managers you’re serious about your career change.

Step 5: Write a Targeted Resume (and Network After Applying)

Your resume is your ticket to getting noticed. A generic resume won’t cut it when you’re changing careers—you need one that screams, “I’m a perfect fit!” I teach a proven method for crafting resumes that get results in my course, Resume Rocketfuel.

Here’s how to make your resume stand out:

• Tailor It to the Job: Read the job description and mirror its language. If it calls for “data visualization skills,” highlight your Tableau project. If it mentions “team collaboration,” include examples of teamwork.
• Focus on Transferable Skills: You might not have direct experience, but you have skills that apply. Managed budgets in retail? That’s project management experience. Solved customer issues? That’s problem-solving for any role.
• Add a Career Summary: At the top, include a short summary of your career change. Example: “Transitioning retail manager with 5 years of experience, now pursuing a career in data analysis. Skilled in Python, Tableau, and problem-solving.”
• Highlight New Skills: Put your reskilling efforts front and center. List certifications, projects, or courses under a “Skills” or “Professional Development” section.

Once your resume is ready, don’t just hit “apply” and wait. Use opportunistic networking to boost your chances. After applying, find the hiring manager or a team member on LinkedIn. Send a polite message like, “Hi [Name], I just applied for the Data Analyst role at [Company]. I’m really excited about this opportunity—any advice for the process?” It shows initiative and gets you on their radar.

A targeted resume opens doors. Networking after applying pushes them wide open.

Bonus Tip: Stay Resilient and Keep Learning

Changing careers after a layoff isn’t a straight path. You might face rejections or feel overwhelmed. That’s normal. The key is to stay resilient and keep learning.

• Track Your Progress: Celebrate small wins, like finishing a course or getting a LinkedIn connection. It keeps you motivated.
• Learn from Setbacks: Didn’t get the interview? Ask for feedback. Use it to improve your resume or skills.
• Stay Curious: The job market changes fast. Keep up with trends in your new industry through blogs, podcasts, or newsletters like Harvard Business Review HBR.

Resilience turns obstacles into stepping stones. You’ve got this!

The Bottom Line

A layoff doesn’t have to be the end—it can be the start of something better. Changing careers takes work, but with the right approach, you can make it happen. Build a long-term strategy to stay focused. Reskill to meet today’s demands. Network online and in-person to open doors. Gain experience creatively to prove your skills. And write a targeted resume to get your foot in the door—then network to push it open.

Ready to take the next step? Check out my Career Change Toolkit for more strategies to pivot with confidence Career Change Toolkit. Got questions about how to change careers? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help!