Five things to do after you get laid off

Refresh your resume 

Although you might not want to get started on editing your resume right away, adding your recent work and projects before being logged out of your company’s databases is crucial to ensuring that you have access to the work you created. If this has already happened, don’t worry! You should still add your most recent job and write out a list of all responsibilities, projects, and work you completed in that role. Get all of the details out on paper while they’re fresh in your mind and once you’ve decided what you want to do next, you can go back in and edit it down. If you're ready to to refresh your resume entirely, you can read our top tips & tricks for 2024 here. 

Add that you’re open to work on your LinkedIn 

Adding the open to work sticker on your profile photo in LinkedIn is an easy way to let recruiters and friends know that you are looking for a new job without having to apply just yet! A LinkedIn revamp is always a good idea when you’re job searching, and adding #Opentowork is a great place to start. When you’re ready for more, read our ultimate LinkedIn checklist here. 

Set up two coffee meetings to network 

Getting out of the house even just a couple days of the week can do wonders for your mental health after being laid off! Try to set up at least two networking coffee dates to chat with someone in the industry and hopefully learn more about potential opportunities. Most jobs are found through networking, so connecting with others is a good place to focus your energy after a layoff. 

Register for unemployment

Being financially hit by a layoff can add undue stress to your already heavy workload. Although you don’t have to register for unemployment as soon as getting laid off, adding it to your schedule within the first month of being laid off will allow you to focus on what’s next without worrying about money.

Take this as a reset opportunity, don’t just find another job

Lastly, after something as traumatic as a layoff, don’t just jump into another job. It is tempting to hit the ground running and find a new job as fast as possible, but think of this as a reset opportunity. Take time to consider what you want to be doing, where you want to be, and what kinds of opportunities will help you reach those goals. Don’t just accept the first job that comes around for the sake of having a job.