Have you recently been laid off, or do you feel that such a moment might be coming? This kind of situation often brings anxiety, frustration, and fear. All these emotions are natural. The good news, however, is that your career doesn’t end here. On the contrary, it can mark the beginning of a new chapter. One of the key steps in repositioning yourself on the job market is rewriting your CV.
It might seem like a minor detail, but your CV is far more than a formality. It’s your business card — the document that shows employers who you are, what you can do, and, most importantly, the impact you can bring. A well-written CV doesn’t just open doors to interviews — it can completely change how you’re perceived. Here’s how to do it right:
Rediscover Your Value Before Writing a Single Line
After being laid off, you might ask yourself, “What do I still have to offer?” The answer is simple: a lot. A restructuring or financial decision made by your company doesn’t erase your experience, achievements, or the skills you’ve gained.
Before you even open the document, take some time to write down your main accomplishments. Maybe you managed a complex project, increased sales, generated significant savings, or implemented a procedure that streamlined operations. These things don’t disappear when the job does — they remain valuable assets worth showcasing.
What a Compelling CV Looks Like
A strong CV isn’t just a chronological list of jobs. It’s a document that highlights your achievements and tells your professional story clearly. Both the structure and the message matter.
Recommended structure:
Contact Information – name, phone, email, city (mention if you’re open to hybrid or remote work).
Professional Profile – a short 4–5 line paragraph summarizing your experience, skills that set you apart, and career objectives.
Key Skills – a concise list of relevant hard and soft skills.
Work Experience – the last 10–15 years of professional history, focused on measurable results, not just responsibilities.
Education and Certifications – degrees, courses, and training programs.
Projects or Volunteering – especially if they show initiative, adaptability, or community involvement.
Additional Sections – awards, publications, competitions (if relevant).
❌ Don’t include irrelevant details such as marital status, age, or a generic list of hobbies.
Results, Not Responsibilities, Make the Difference
Employers stopped looking long ago for people who just “do their job.” They’re looking for professionals who add value. So, when describing your experience, think in terms of measurable outcomes — percentages, figures, savings, growth. If you reduced departmental costs by 15% or helped launch a product that generated significant revenue, write that down. Those results carry far more weight than a simple list of duties.
How to Pass Automated Filters
An often-overlooked detail is that your CV must be compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — software that automatically scans resumes for keywords. To make it through, read the job description carefully and include the specific skills and terms used there — but only if you can genuinely back them up.
Choosing the Right Format
If you’ve had a stable, consistent career path, a classic chronological CV works best. However, if you’ve had career gaps or are considering a shift, a functional or, better yet, a hybrid (combination) format — highlighting both your key skills and relevant experience — can help you downplay gaps and emphasize what truly matters.
Personalization Matters More Than Volume
It may be tempting to send the same CV to 20 companies, but in reality, a customized CV tailored to each job posting can double your chances of getting an interview. Adjust your professional summary, emphasize the most relevant skills, and reorganize your achievements to match the specific requirements of each role.
How to Address Gaps in Your CV
If you’ve had a longer break between jobs, don’t be afraid to mention it. The best approach is to show how you used that time productively — through online courses, certifications, freelancing, consulting, or volunteering. These demonstrate that you’ve stayed active and invested in your growth.
What truly matters is how you position yourself:
Be honest with yourself: What do you want to do next? What kind of job motivates you?
Ask yourself: “What does my ideal job look like right now?” — and tailor your CV toward that goal.
Stay flexible and open to learning — the job market is changing fast.
Don’t Underestimate the Visual Aspect
Choose a clear font and readable size; save your CV as a PDF.
Avoid spelling or grammar mistakes — they create an impression of carelessness.
Keep it concise: ideally no more than two pages; if you don’t have much recent experience, one page is perfectly fine.
Don’t Stop at the CV – Update Your LinkedIn Too
Recruiters often check LinkedIn before even opening a CV. Make sure your profile is complete, features a professional photo, and reflects the same achievements as your resume. You can also turn on the “Open to Work” feature and even post a short, genuine message announcing that you’re available for new opportunities.
A Layoff Can Be a New Beginning
Even if it feels like a setback right now, being laid off can actually become a launchpad. It’s a chance to reassess your direction — to decide whether you want to stay in the same field or explore a new one — and to craft a CV that reflects this fresh start. Ask yourself where you want to be in two years and write your CV to show that you’re already on your way there.
How Smartemp helps job seekers
We have solid experience in recruitment and HR consulting, working with empathy and tailoring every program to your career goals. In times when economic changes demand quick adaptation, investing in career counseling is one of the safest ways to turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Our support goes far beyond simply rewriting your CV. We work closely with you to understand what you truly want, identify hidden opportunities in the market, and prepare you to succeed.
One-to-one sessions analyzing your career path and aspirations.
A strong CV and LinkedIn profile that capture attention.
Access to unlisted job opportunities matched to your profile.
Networking strategies and interview preparation.
Support with onboarding into your new role to ensure a smooth transition.
📩 Write to us at office@smartemp.ro and start your journey of professional (re)discovery today.
A CV written after a layoff is not just a list of dates — it’s a declaration of confidence: “I have experience, I have results, and I still have a lot to offer.” If you craft it carefully, focusing on what you can bring to a company, it won’t be just another document — it will be a real step forward in relaunching your career.
Sources:
Forbes – How To Write A Resume After A Layoff (2023)
Harvard Business Review – How to Bounce Back After Losing Your Job
The Muse – Resume Tips That Will Help You Get Hired
Indeed Career Guide – Resume Writing Do’s and Don’ts
Read also:
What Are Your Rights If You’re Laid Off? Learn What the Labor Code Says and How to Navigate Your Next Career Step
How to Prepare for Finding a Temporary Job This Fall – and What Options You Have Right Now