What to do in the first week after a layoff

The first week after a layoff sets up the whole search. A few unglamorous tasks done now save weeks later, and they give you something concrete to do while the news settles.

Day 1–2: paperwork and money

• Read the separation agreement carefully; note deadlines for signing and any non-compete or non-solicitation clauses.
• Confirm the last pay date, unused holiday payout and how long benefits continue.
• Register for any unemployment support you are entitled to; waiting periods often start from the application date.
• Write down a monthly budget and how many months of runway you have. That number decides how selective you can be.

Day 2–3: capture what you did

Before access is cut off and memory fades, write down every project, metric and outcome from the last role. Numbers especially: revenue, savings, users, speed, team size. This document is the raw material for every resume bullet and interview story you will need.

Day 3–4: update the documents

Rebuild your resume from the notes above, targeting the roles you want next rather than the one you just left. Update LinkedIn with the same headline and a short 'open to work' note. Prepare a two-sentence explanation of the layoff you can say without emotion: 'The company reduced the team by 30% in March; my role was part of that. I am looking for X.'

Day 5–7: tell people

Message former managers and colleagues, not to ask for a job, but to tell them what you are looking for and ask if they know anyone hiring. Most roles are still filled through referrals, and people cannot refer you if they do not know you are looking. Aim for twenty messages in the first week.

Set a routine

Treat the search as a part-time job with fixed hours: applications and outreach in the morning, learning or rest in the afternoon. Automate the repetitive parts so the hours go into conversations. Then take the weekends off; a search run at full intensity for months burns people out before it succeeds.