Let’s be real for a second — layoffs suck. They mess with your confidence, your finances, and sometimes your sense of direction. But let me tell you something straight up: a layoff does NOT define you.
What defines you now is how you bounce back — and that starts with your resume.
You’re not just “looking for a job” anymore. You’re repositioning yourself in the job market. Your resume has one job: to get you in the door. But if it still looks like the same old bland document you used five years ago, or if it’s a copy-paste from some generic online template, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
Here’s how you write a resume that actually gets you hired, even after a layoff.
1️⃣ Stop Apologizing — Start Owning Your Story
First, let’s clear something up: you don’t owe anyone an apology for being laid off.
Layoffs happen because of budgets, restructures, and business decisions — NOT because you’re a bad employee. So, stop trying to “hide” your layoff on your resume. You own your career journey by focusing on your accomplishments, your skills, and how you add value.
Instead of stressing over gaps or short stints, highlight the wins you achieved while you were in that role. What problems did you solve? What money did you save the company? What processes did you improve?
2️⃣ Tailor, Tailor, Tailor
A resume that lands interviews isn’t a one-size-fits-all document — it’s tailored for each job you apply to.
That means:
✔ Reading the job description carefully
✔ Matching the language and keywords they use
✔ Highlighting the most relevant achievements from your past
If you’re applying for a project manager role, don’t waste space talking about your old customer service tasks. Focus on the leadership, deadlines, and deliverables that matter for the next role you want.
3️⃣ Focus on Results, Not Just Responsibilities
Please, I’m begging you — don’t just list your duties.
Hiring managers want to know what you accomplished. Did you increase sales by 20%? Did you cut costs by $10,000? Did you manage a team that launched a product two months ahead of schedule?
Numbers, percentages, and specific results make your resume stand out from the crowd. You’re not just telling them what you did — you’re showing them the impact you made.
4️⃣ Keep It Clean and Easy to Read
Nobody’s got time to read through clutter. Your resume should be:
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One or two pages (unless you’re in academia or research)
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Clear, consistent formatting (headings, bullet points, no tiny fonts)
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Easy to scan — hiring managers spend about 6–10 seconds on the first glance
Skip the fancy graphics and stick to what works: clear sections, strong headings, and sharp bullet points.
5️⃣ Get a Second Set of Expert Eyes
Listen, I know it’s tough to write about yourself — especially after a layoff when your confidence might be a little shaky. That’s where I come in.
At MentorShelly Consulting, I offer personalized Resume & Cover Letter Consultations to help you:
✅ Craft a resume that showcases your true value
✅ Build a cover letter that tells your story with confidence
✅ Position yourself for the next phase of your career — not just the last one
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s work together to create a career portfolio that actually gets you hired.
👉 Book your Resume & Cover Letter Consultation now — because your next big opportunity is waiting, and I want to help you grab it.
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