A career transition affects the job seeker and those close to them, including the colleague who sat in the next cubicle.
Whether someone leaves because they choose to or is part of a workforce restructuring, the overriding element is change, and that can be unsettling.
Chances are you know someone who has lost their job.What can you say that would be helpful?
Here are some things you can do to help someone who has experienced a job loss:
- Help them keep the job loss in perspective. This is a transition, and recovery will take place.
- Avoid judgment or blame when listening to their situation.
- Offer to help. You may be able to invite them to professional meetings, provide job leads and write reference letters.
- Avoid asking questions that start with “why.” These tend to make people defensive.
- Remind them they are talented and have skills even without the identity and status their job provided.
- Convey a sense of caring. Emails or phone calls can let them know you are thinking of them.
- Invite them to join you for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- Don’t offer advice, unless you’re asked.
- Celebrate their successes with them.