In the first 30 days after a layoff, handle the time-sensitive items first, then steady your money and routine, then start a focused search. Get your separation terms and deadlines in writing, apply for unemployment benefits with your state promptly, and take questions about severance, benefits or your rights to HR, your state unemployment office or an employment attorney.
Days 1 to 3: get the facts in writing
You may get a lot of information in one short meeting. Ask for everything in writing so you can review it calmly.
- Your last day, final paycheck date and how unused vacation is handled.
- Any severance offer, what you would be agreeing to and the deadline to respond.
- When your health coverage ends and what options exist to continue it.
- What happens to retirement accounts, stock or other benefits.
- How to return equipment and whether you can keep contacts or personal files.
- Whether the company will confirm your dates, title or provide a reference.
Do not feel pressured to sign anything on the spot. It is reasonable to ask for time to review. For questions about what a severance agreement means or whether to sign it, an employment attorney is the right person. HR can answer most questions about benefits. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Week 1: file and take a money snapshot
- Apply for unemployment benefits through your state unemployment office. Rules and timing vary by state, so check its website or call directly.
- List what is in your accounts, what you expect to receive and when.
- List fixed bills and due dates. Pause or cut subscriptions you will not miss.
- Contact lenders early if you expect trouble making a payment and ask what options they offer.
- Build a bare-bones monthly budget. Our guide to budgeting has a simple method.
Week 1: tell people, and take a breath
Layoffs are common and rarely a judgment on you. Telling people early gets your network working for you.
- Sample wording: “My role was eliminated in a company layoff last week. I am looking for my next role in [field], and I would appreciate any introductions.”
- Update your professional profile once you are ready, and say you are open to work if you want.
- Reach out to former managers and colleagues who could serve as references.
- Take a few days to rest. A short pause usually makes the search that follows sharper.
Week 2: decide what you are looking for
A layoff is a chance to ask whether you want the same job somewhere else. Write short answers to these questions:
- What did I like and dislike most about the last role?
- What kind of work do I want more of, and what do I want less of?
- What skills do I have that transfer to other fields?
- Do I need to learn anything to be competitive? Our guide to AI skills for your career is a good starting point.
- Am I open to contract or temporary work while I search?
If you are thinking about something different, read how to change careers.
Weeks 2 to 4: set a weekly search routine
Searching all day, every day, burns people out. A structured week works better.
- Keep a regular wake-up time and treat the search like a part-time job with set hours.
- Set weekly targets: a number of tailored applications and a number of conversations.
- Spend at least as much time talking to people as applying online. See informational interviews and networking for introverts.
- Track every application and follow-up in a simple spreadsheet.
- Protect time for exercise, friends and something that is not job hunting.
Our guide to building a daily routine helps when the days lose their shape. When you land the next role, see your first 90 days in a new job.
Where a mentor helps
The weeks after a layoff are when structure matters most and is hardest to keep. A mentor helps you sort priorities, build a weekly search plan, prepare for conversations and interviews, and keeps you moving between sessions by text or phone. Mentors are not attorneys, financial advisors or recruiters; they help you run a steady, focused search. Learn more about mentoring for professionals, career and education mentoring and accountability coaching.
Related
- How to change careers
- How to do informational interviews
- Budgeting for young adults
- Your first 90 days in a new job
Common questions
What should I do first after being laid off?
Get your separation terms, deadlines and benefit end dates in writing, then apply for unemployment benefits with your state. Ask for time to review any agreement before signing.
Should I sign a severance agreement right away?
It is reasonable to ask for time to review it. An employment attorney can explain what you would be agreeing to; HR can answer benefit questions.
How do I explain a layoff in an interview?
Keep it short and factual: your role was eliminated as part of a layoff. Then move to what you accomplished and what you are looking for next.
How long should I take off after a layoff?
A few days of rest helps most people. After that, a steady weekly routine of applications and conversations keeps momentum without burning you out.
Get started
Want a steady partner for your next 30 days? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.