While the outlook for learning and development (L&D) job roles is promising, layoffs are inevitable in any industry including corporate training. If you find yourself “open to work,” you’re not alone. The job search journey can feel isolating, but there are practical steps you can take to navigate it confidently and successfully. This guide is designed to help you get your foot in the door, prepare for interviews, stay motivated and ultimately land your next role.

Overcoming Common Challenges

One of the biggest hurdles you may encounter in your job search is getting past applicant tracking systems (ATS). To improve your odds, tailor your resume and cover letter for each specific role. Highlight keywords from the job posting, and don’t hesitate to use generative AI tools to help refine your materials. While this might feel like a numbers game, quality matters just as much as quantity.

Networking is another key strategy. Reach out to your connections to learn about opportunities that might not be publicly listed or to try to get an introduction to someone in the company – ideally the hiring manager. A recommendation can help you bypass the ATS and get noticed by decision-makers. Lastly, remember that rejection is part of the process. Making it to the final round and not landing the role is tough, but it doesn’t define your worth or your capabilities.

Preparing for Interviews

When it comes to interviews, practice is crucial. Nerves can get the best of anyone, so rehearse your responses with a coach, colleague or friend. Practicing helps build confidence and allows you to refine your delivery.

Equally important is your L&D career story. Be ready to articulate who you are, what you’ve accomplished and what you bring to the table in a clear, concise way. Think of this as your professional elevator pitch — a soundbite that captures your value as an L&D professional. Make sure you have a handful of short anecdotes that illustrate your strengths, skill set and accomplishments that you can use to answer the dreaded behavioral interview questions (e.g., “Describe a time when you [insert contrived situation here]”).

What Employers Want

While you’re preparing for interviews, remember to think about the perspective of what the hiring manager may be looking for. While technical skills like familiarity with specific tools (e.g., learning management systems or content development software) are important, employers often prioritize your ability to connect L&D efforts to business objectives. Your biggest asset is demonstrating how you diagnose business needs and align learning strategies to address them. Tools can be learned, but strategic alignment is what sets top candidates apart.

Staying Motivated and Productive

The job search can be discouraging, especially when it takes longer than expected. To stay motivated, channel your energy into activities that enhance your professional profile:

• Volunteer: Offer your expertise to nonprofits or community organizations.
• Engage in thought leadership: Share your insights on platforms like LinkedIn and L&D outlets.
• Consider temporary work: Explore staffing companies specializing in L&D roles.
• Explore adjacencies: If you’ve worked in a centralized L&D function, consider roles in departments you’ve partnered with, such as operations or human resources (HR), or explore closely related fields like organizational development or employee engagement.
• Take a course: Upskilling not only keeps your skills sharp but also re-energizes you. Take it a further step by pursuing a certification which can validate your skill set and expose you to a network of peers.

Remember: You’re not alone. Many professionals are navigating the same challenges. Most importantly, your value as a person isn’t tied to your job. You are so much more than your occupation.

Closing Thoughts

In my role as director of training and development at Training Industry, I have the honor of engaging with amazing L&D regularly. Inevitably, this means that at any given time, I know a handful of L&D superstars who find themselves “open to work.” My main takeaway from working with these professionals is that layoffs and job transitions can happen to anyone and it’s not in any way a reflection of your value or skill set.

Finding your next role takes time, but with persistence, strategy and the right mindset, you’ll get there. Stick to a schedule to maintain consistency, stay open to opportunities that aren’t a perfect match, and don’t forget to take breaks when needed. The journey may not always be easy, but you’re building resilience and honing skills that will serve you in your next role.

You have what it takes to succeed, and your next opportunity is out there waiting for you.

This article was originally published on LinkedIn. Read the LinkedIn article here. 

View the results of Training Industry’s L&D Career and Salary Survey through the infographic below!