Beyond the Resume: Uncovering the True Value of Laid-Off Professionals

By Kraig Kleeman

Change is the only constant in the fast-paced world of banking and financial services. Companies pivot, technologies advance, and sometimes, good people find themselves on the other side of a layoff. But here’s the silver lining: those same folks looking for their next opportunity could be the missing piece your team needs.

I chatted with Bernice Prescillas, a seasoned HR recruiter with a knack for matching talent to opportunity, especially in these tricky situations. Together, we dove into bringing laid-off workers into the fold, not just as new hires but as valuable assets ready to hit the ground running.

A Fresh Perspective on Layoffs

First, Bernice reminded me that being laid off isn’t about personal failure. “It’s often just bad luck—a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” she said. And she’s right. The folks coming from these situations? They’re often top-tier talents, sidelined by circumstances beyond their control, brimming with the kind of experience and drive that can’t be taught.

The Human Touch in Hiring

So, how do you tap into this well of potential? It all starts with the hiring process. Bernice shared some golden nuggets on how to do just that:

Look Beyond the Layoff
“Dig into their story. What did they achieve before the layoff? What challenges did they overcome? That’s where you’ll find the real value they can bring to your team,” Bernice advised. It’s about understanding the whole picture, not just a moment.

Welcome Them with Open Arms
“Remember, they’re likely feeling a bit bruised from the experience. A warm welcome, a comprehensive onboarding process, and a buddy system can make all the difference,” she added. It’s about making them feel at home from day one, showing them they’re a valued part of the future, not just a stopgap.

Leverage Their Fresh Eyes
One of Bernice’s favourite strategies? Encouraging new hires to share their insights and ideas from day one. “They’ve seen what works elsewhere and what doesn’t. That’s gold for fostering innovation and shaking things up in a good way,” she noted.

The Elephant in the Room
Don’t skirt around their layoff. Talk about it. “It’s like removing a Band-Aid. Address it directly, and then move on. Focus on what’s ahead,” Bernice suggested. It clears the air and builds trust.

Focus on the Horizon
“Show them how they fit into the big picture. It’s not just about filling a gap but building a future together,” she concluded. It’s about setting the stage for mutual growth and success.

Wrapping It Up with a Personal Touch

Bernice’s insights drove home the point that hiring laid-off workers isn’t just a good deed; it’s innovative business. These individuals bring skills, experience, resilience, and a fresh perspective that can invigorate your team and push your projects to new heights.

I couldn’t help but think back to when I was in their shoes—eager to prove myself again, full of ideas, and just looking for a chance to shine. That empathy is what guides my approach to hiring now. It’s about seeing beyond the resume and recognizing the human story behind each application.

Ultimately, it’s simple: embracing laid-off workers is about more than filling vacancies. It’s about enriching your team with experienced professionals ready to turn their setbacks into a comeback, benefiting your organization. And who knows? You might find your next star player in the mix, ready to help write the next chapter of your company’s success story.

About Kraig Kleeman

Kraig Kleeman is a highly successful entrepreneur, author, and showrunner. If his accomplishments and aspirations were to draw inspiration from natural icons, he could be described as a fusion of Elon Musk’s visionary approach to business and Mick Jagger’s electrifying stage presence. He possesses keen business acumen and a flair for captivating performances that awe audiences.

Kraig’s entrepreneurial spirit is boundless, as evidenced by his track record of founding a tech company and taking it from nothing to $30 million in sales, in less than four years. His newest venture, CEO Branding Worldwide, is growing by triple digits, quarter over quarter. While some may liken his abilities to a Midas touch, others prefer to think of it as transforming companies into profitable ventures instead of turning things into gold!