What do you do if you want to stay current in public relations after a layoff?

It is very important to maintain and expand your professional network whether you are still working or after layoff. Connect with peers, former colleagues, industry experts, and potential employers through social media platforms like LinkedIn, as well as industry-specific networking events and organizations.

Stay Busy - Open You Own PR Firm You have all the skills, or almost, needed to help organizations to foster goodwill, so why not open your own firm? Next step is to make contacts within the same vertical from where you were laid-off. Perhaps some of the clients you worked with may miss you and may prefer to work with you! If you represented multiple verticals, so much the better, be confident, you can do it! And at the end of the day, or month, or even years, one of your clients may hire you to be their in-house PR leader (this happens regularly), so you maybe able to leapfrog ahead, salary-wise, from where you might have been in a PR firm that was doing so poorly that they had to lay you off! :)

I try an listen to the next generation of professionals and visit with my mentors on a regular basis. Environmental scanning was such an important tactic I learned during college and it’s so important to look inward as well as outward - because that’s how comms work. Reading white papers and best practices are always handy, but good conversation with dedicated professionals can’t be beat.

After a layoff, staying current in public relations is crucial. Utilize this time to enhance your skills through various avenues. Enroll in online courses, attend webinars, and participate in virtual workshops to expand your knowledge. Network with industry professionals through online platforms and join relevant communities to stay updated on trends and developments. Additionally, consider volunteering for PR projects or freelancing to gain practical experience and keep your skills sharp. Embrace lifelong learning and adaptability to thrive in the ever-evolving field of public relations.

After a layoff, actively network with industry professionals, join PR-related associations, and participate in webinars and workshops. Keep up with the latest trends by following influential PR blogs and publications. Consider freelance opportunities such as blog writing to maintain practical experience and enhance your portfolio.

Its your time and use it properly. Invest time in continuous learning and professional development. Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies by attending webinars, workshops, conferences, and online courses relevant to PR.

Part of the problem is having to start doing something “after” a layoff. You should be doing these things while you are in your job, and not waiting until you are in need of one. Maintaining a personal brand that is not tied solely to your current position is critical. I believe you can support your personal brand and your company in a way that blends beautifully and brings value to both, and that’s what we should all strive for. You don’t have to sacrifice who you are by making everything you post about your employer. Broaden the topics, speak on the industry as a whole and demonstrate your expertise. That is what you will be known for and will be easy to continue if indeed you find yourself laid off.

It's important to stay sharp and take the opportunity to try new platforms. For me, it was exploring the Threads community. You have the gift of time, so don't squander it. If you're a writer, keep writing. A photographer or designer? Why not explore new themes? Above all, practice positivity and keep your head out of the muck.

Having a sense of purpose while looking for work is critical to maintaining a positive outlook. Consider freelance consulting for brands and PR agencies, working on a project basis to stay engaged. Being a 'gun for hire' allows you to build contacts and a diverse portfolio. Leverage your network to secure opportunities and offer your services for activities such as research and content creation (writing blogs, thought leadership articles, pitch decks).

Job searching can be challenging, especially after a layoff, but maintaining a positive attitude and staying persistent in your efforts will increase your chances of success. Keep networking, applying for opportunities, and honing your skills while staying optimistic about the future.

Staying connected. Attend events. Keeping top of mind for freelance gigs or potential full time openings. There are lots of on and offline consolations from your network after a layoff but making sure they think of you when there’s opportunity is crucial.