Latest / The Career Mentor Podcast with Fexingo: Finding Mentors, Sponsors, and Career Advisors / How to Find a Mentor After a Layoff
Transcript
- Lucas: So Luna, we've covered a lot of ground on finding mentors in different situations, but there's one scenario we haven't tackled head-on, and it's one that's probably on a lot of people's minds right now. Luna: You mean getting laid off? Because that's the elephant in the room for so many professionals. Lucas: Exactly. Layoffs have been a recurring theme in the job market, and as of August 2026, we're seeing a lot of folks navigating that transition. The question is, how do you find a mentor when you've just lost your job? Luna: It feels like a contradiction, right? You're at your most vulnerable, and you're supposed to go out and build relationships. Lucas: It does, but actually, a layoff can be a catalyst for some of the most authentic mentorship connections you'll ever make. The key is approaching it with the right mindset and strategy. Luna: Let's start with the mindset. What's the first thing someone should do after the initial shock wears off? Lucas: The first thing is to resist the urge to isolate. A lot of people feel shame or embarrassment after a layoff, even when it's completely out of their control. But that's the time to lean into your network, not retreat from it. Luna: But how do you approach someone for mentorship when you're not in a position of strength? Lucas: That's the thing — you're not asking for a job. You're asking for guidance. And people are surprisingly willing to help if you're specific about what you need. Instead of saying, 'I got laid off, can you help me?' you might say, 'I'm exploring opportunities in fintech, and I'd love your perspective on how to position my experience.' Luna: So it's more about the ask than the situation. That makes sense. Lucas: Yeah, and it's also about who you ask. Your alumni network is a goldmine that people often overlook. I've seen so many people find mentors through their university's alumni directory or LinkedIn groups. There's an instant common ground — you both went to the same school, so the cold outreach feels warmer. Luna: That's a great point. I have a friend who got laid off from a tech startup last year, and she reconnected with a former classmate who now works in HR at a bigger company. That conversation turned into a mentorship that helped her pivot into a new role. Lucas: That's a perfect example. And it's not just about the school — former colleagues are another underused resource. People you've worked with before know your work ethic and your strengths. They're often more than happy to act as a mentor or introduce you to someone who can. Luna: But what if you've been at a company for a long time and your network is mostly people from that one place? It can feel like you're starting from scratch. Lucas: That's a real challenge, but the good news is you don't have to be limited to your direct industry. A layoff is a chance to think broader. If you're in marketing, maybe a mentor in product management or operations could give you a fresh perspective on your next move. Luna: So you're saying the mentor doesn't have to be in the same field? That's interesting. Lucas: Right. Sometimes the best advice comes from someone who sees your situation from a different angle. They might ask questions that people in your own field wouldn't think to ask. Plus, they can introduce you to a whole new network. Luna: That's a good point. But let's talk about the emotional side. It's hard to be vulnerable with a stranger when you're feeling raw. Lucas: It is, and you don't have to hide it. You can acknowledge the layoff without dwelling on it. Something like, 'I was recently affected by the restructuring at my company, and I'm using this time to think about what's next.' That's honest, and it doesn't make you sound desperate. Luna: So you're saying it's okay to admit the layoff happened, but you don't have to make it the whole story. Lucas: Exactly. You want to frame it as a deliberate moment of reflection, not a tragedy. And when you approach a potential mentor, make sure you've done your homework. You should know something about their career path, their company, or their recent projects. That shows you're serious. Luna: Speaking of homework, what's the best way to ask for a meeting? Email, LinkedIn, or something else? Lucas: LinkedIn is the standard for professional outreach these days. But the key is personalization. Don't send a generic connection request. Mention something specific about their background that caught your eye. Maybe they wrote a great article, or they moved from a similar role to one you're considering. Luna: And then once you're in the meeting, what's the etiquette? Is it just a one-time conversation, or do you follow up? Lucas: You absolutely follow up. A mentor relationship isn't built in one meeting. Send a thank-you note, and then a few weeks later, share a quick update on how you've applied their advice. That keeps the door open and shows you value their input. Luna: That's a good habit for any networking, but especially after a layoff. You want to stay on their radar. Lucas: Right. And one more thing — don't be afraid to ask for help with specific things like resume review or mock interviews. Those are tangible tasks that a mentor can help with, and it's easier for them to say yes to a concrete request than a vague 'be my mentor'. Luna: So let's say you've found someone and you're in that first conversation. What's a good outcome? What should you be hoping for? Lucas: A good first conversation should give you at least one actionable insight — maybe a new way to think about your career pivot, or a specific person to reach out to. If you walk away with one new idea, that's a win. And it's the foundation for a longer-term relationship. Luna: I like that. It's not about getting a job offer, it's about getting clarity and direction. Lucas: Exactly. And that's something we've been talking about with a lot of our listeners. If you've found these episodes helpful in thinking through a career move, that's the whole point. And if you want to keep them coming, supporting the show is easy — buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. A couple of dollars a month genuinely keeps these going. Luna: Yeah, it really does. We're a small team, and that support makes a real difference. Lucas: So, back to the layoff. Another thing to remember is that timing matters. Don't wait too long to reach out. The longer you're out of work, the harder it can feel to make that first call. Strike while the iron is hot, even if you're not sure what you want to do next. Luna: That's a good nudge. It's so easy to say 'I'll wait until I have my resume ready' or 'I'll wait until I know what I want.' Lucas: Right. And a mentor can actually help you figure that out. So don't let the perfect resume get in the way of a good conversation. Luna: One last question — what if you reach out and get no response? How do you handle the silence? Lucas: Don't take it personally. People are busy, and sometimes they miss messages. Give it a couple of weeks and send a gentle follow-up. If you still don't hear back, that's okay. There are plenty of other people out there who would be happy to help. Luna: So the key is to keep moving, not to get discouraged. Lucas: Exactly. A layoff is a chapter, not the whole story. And the mentor relationships you build during this time can be some of the most meaningful of your career. So take a deep breath, think about who you admire, and make that first ask. Luna: And if you're not sure where to start, maybe go back to your college alumni page or LinkedIn and just look around. Sometimes the right person is right there. Lucas: Absolutely. This week, take one small step — whether it's sending a LinkedIn message or requesting a coffee chat. It's the start of something big.