HOW TO FIND A JOB, WHY YOU ARE THE ONE BEING LAID OFF, AND HOW TO AVOID LAYOFFS
Advice from HR professionals Anna Pisareva and Zarina Abdushkurova
In recent months, news about layoffs has become increasingly common — and not only in private companies. The wave of large-scale workforce reductions has also reached government institutions, traditionally considered a “safe haven.” For many residents of Ottawa and Gatineau, this is an alarming signal: layoffs may affect them as well.
What should you do if restructuring is approaching? How can you keep your job — or quickly find a new one if you are laid off?
We discussed these questions with two experienced HR experts, Anna Pisareva and Zarina Abdushkurova, who together have more than thirty years of experience helping people build careers, navigate job loss, and return to professional success.
“DON’T WAIT UNTIL THUNDER STRIKES”: THE FIRST WARNING SIGNS
Layoffs rarely happen completely without warning. There are usually signs.
“If you are no longer invited to meetings, have been removed from work chats, or are asked to ‘temporarily’ hand over your responsibilities to a colleague, that is already a reason to pay attention,” Anna says.
Such warning signs often appear before an official restructuring announcement. That is why experts recommend preparing in advance:
• organize your workspace and personal files on your computer;
• update your résumé and LinkedIn profile;
• reconnect with former colleagues and managers — they may become valuable references in the future.
THE DAY YOU ARE LAID OFF: HOW TO HANDLE IT PROFESSIONALLY
In Canada, dismissal can often feel abrupt and formal: you may be called into an office, handed documents, and escorted out of the workplace.
“This is not a personal insult or punishment. It is a standard procedure designed to protect both the employee and the company from prolonged stress,” Anna explains.
The first rule: do not sign any documents immediately. Take the package home, read it carefully, and, if possible, consult an employment lawyer.
You are often given about a week to return the signed documents.
The package may include three key components:
- Pay in lieu of notice — compensation for the notice period if your employment is terminated without advance notice.
- Severance payment — additional compensation that may apply depending on your length of service and the applicable legal requirements.
- Ex gratia payment — an additional discretionary payment offered by the employer.
Also, make sure to ask about your Record of Employment (ROE) — the official document submitted to Service Canada and required when applying for Employment Insurance (EI).
AFTER A LAYOFF: DON’T RUSH, BUT DON’T WAIT TOO LONG
“Give yourself some time to recover. Taking a break after losing a job is not a sign of weakness — it is part of the recovery process,” Zarina says.
It may be helpful to spend a couple of weeks resting, walking, seeing friends, and mentally resetting. But experts advise against extending the break too long, as a prolonged pause can reduce confidence and motivation.
Then move on to reviewing your professional experience.
“I call it a career audit,” Zarina explains. “Think about your achievements, strengths, and skills. Ask yourself honestly: do I want to remain in this field? Perhaps this is the right time to retrain or move in a new direction.”
HOW TO SEARCH FOR A JOB EFFECTIVELY
Many candidates make the same mistake: they send the same résumé to dozens or even hundreds of employers.
“That does not work. Every résumé should be adapted to the specific position,” Zarina emphasizes.
The experts recommend:
• Adjust your wording to match the requirements of the job posting without misrepresenting your experience.
• Avoid exaggeration — HR professionals can usually tell when a résumé has been embellished.
• Keep your résumé concise: one to two pages, with a clear structure and minimal unnecessary design.
• Use LinkedIn actively: update your profile, indicate that you are “Open to Work,” and engage your professional network.
Do not automatically believe the myth of the “ATS black hole” — the idea that applicant tracking systems cause most résumés to disappear without being seen.
“In practice, many résumés are still reviewed by real people. The important thing is to use relevant keywords and maintain a logical, easy-to-read structure,” Zarina says.
Interview preparation is equally important. Research the company, review the requirements of the position, and prepare examples from your professional experience.
In Canada, interviews are often structured around the STAR method — Situation, Task, Action, Result. Describe specific situations, explain what you had to accomplish, what actions you took, and what results you achieved.
“And never speak badly about former employers. For HR, that is a red flag,” Anna warns.
THE JOB OFFER: NEGOTIATION IS NORMAL
If you receive a job offer, celebrate — but do not rush to sign it.
Read everything carefully and compare the compensation with market rates.
“It is perfectly reasonable to ask for 10–15% more if you have strong experience,” Anna says. “The key is to support your request with arguments rather than simply saying, ‘I want more.’”
Pay special attention to benefits. Many employees do not even realize that their plans may cover dental care, massage therapy, psychological services, and other expenses.
“That is part of your total compensation. Find out exactly what you are entitled to,” Anna advises.
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF BEING LAID OFF
During periods of economic uncertainty, it is important not only to work well, but also to make your contribution visible.
“When a manager is deciding whom to retain, they may compare employees who have several useful skills with those who are narrowly specialized. The more versatile employee may have an advantage,” Anna explains.
EXPERT RECOMMENDATIONS
• Develop complementary skills — for example, analytics, communication, and data-related skills.
• Participate in internal projects and propose ideas.
• Improve your digital literacy — especially in government organizations, where automation is rapidly expanding.
• Invest in education — courses, seminars, professional training, and certifications.
Most importantly, take responsibility for managing your own career.
“Don’t wait for someone else to decide your future. Be the CEO of your own career,” Zarina concludes.
A layoff is not the end. It can become a turning point — an opportunity to reconsider your priorities and move toward a better job.
Many people who have gone through a dismissal later say: “It was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
The most important thing is not to fear change and to remember that even a closed door can mark the beginning of a new road.
Video recording of the interview and contact information for Anna and Zarina: nashaottawa.ca/hr
Zarina Abdushkurova, CPCC, MA, MSc, Coach for Professionals
Anna Pisareva, HR Business Partner