How To Navigate Getting Laid Off

Losing your job can be a traumatic experience, especially if you were not expecting it. The sudden change in your circumstances can leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed, and uncertain about your future. However, with the right mindset and approach, you can navigate this difficult period and come out stronger on the other side. In this article, we will discuss some strategies for coping with being laid off and finding a new job.

First and foremost, it is important to remember that losing your job is not a reflection of your worth as a person. It is simply a result of economic factors that are beyond your control. You are not alone in this experience, as many people are facing similar challenges.

Try not to take it personally and avoid blaming yourself.

One of the most important things you can do after being laid off is to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. Exercise can be a great way to release stress and boost your mood. It's also important to stay connected with friends and family, as they can provide support and encouragement during this difficult time.

Next, you should start thinking about your next steps. This might include updating your resume and online profiles, networking with people in your industry, and researching job opportunities. It's also a good idea to reach out to your professional contacts and let them know you are looking for a new opportunity. This can help increase your visibility and open up new doors for you.

When it comes to interviewing for a new job, (this may seem obvious) it's important to be honest about your experience, skills, and qualifications.

However, you should also focus on the positive aspects of your experience, such as what you have learned, how you have grown, and what you can bring to a new role.

Also, don't be afraid to ask questions during the interview process, as it shows that you are engaged and interested in the opportunity.

Another important aspect of finding a new job is being open to different types of opportunities. This might include looking for a job in a different industry, taking a temporary or contract role, or starting your own business. Being open-minded can increase your chances of finding a job that is a good fit for you.

Finally, it's important to remember that finding a new job is a process, and it may take some time. Be patient and don't get discouraged if it takes longer than you expected. Keep in mind that the right job is out there for you, and you will find it when the time is right.

In conclusion, losing your job can be a difficult and stressful experience, but it is not the end of the world. With the right mindset, approach, and strategies, you can navigate this period and find a new job that is a good fit for you. Remember to take care of yourself, stay connected with others, and remain open-minded about new opportunities.

Prior to the layoff

Press and rumor handling

At big tech companies, you may hear rumors about layoffs long before the layoff itself—especially if you are hearing rumors about reducing your workforce internally or externally. The news may report headlines and social media speculation days (or even months) before anything is officially announced—a cycle that can be both frustrating and exhausting, as it further exacerbates the feelings of uncertainty that already surround getting laid off.

When the press contacts you (whether locally or through emails or outreach on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok), you decide whether or not to reply. We will not make a recommendation one way or another as it is your choice; however, if you decline an interview or respond, “No comment” and reports keep pestering you, it's also acceptable to ignore the reporter's request and/or block their number.

During this period, your family and friends may also ask you questions about your work, especially if they haven't heard of your company or what you do. It may be necessary to set some boundaries with loved ones or to be selective about whom you share your feelings with, even though the outpouring of support is likely to come from a good place.

The stress, anxiety, and heightened emotions that accompany layoffs are just as important to take care of before, during, and after a layoff. (More on that below.)

Worrying about the company leaving a stain on your reputation

When a company goes through layoffs, it can be a worrying time for employees, especially if they fear that their reputation may be tarnished as a result. However, it is important to remember that the cause of the layoffs and the decisions made at the executive level are not the responsibility of individual employees.

For example, if someone has "WeWork" on their resume, a future employer would not assume that the individual's actions as a product manager or community director had any impact on the company's struggles. Instead, having experience at WeWork shows that the individual is capable of delivering high-quality results under pressure, working cross-functionally, and having experience with the agility required at a hyper-growth startup, all of which are positive attributes.

If you have a sense that you may be impacted by upcoming layoffs, it can be helpful to focus on the things that you can control. This may include bringing up employment agreements and contracts, collecting personal files and documents, and taking note of any financial or health-related accounts that were connected to your job. It is also important to prepare for the possibility of your email and Slack being deactivated, by downloading any important metrics, examples for your portfolio, and contact information for clients and colleagues whom you want to keep in touch with.

While layoffs can be a difficult and unsettling experience, it is important to remember that they are not a reflection of your professional performance and that you have the ability to control certain aspects of the situation. By being proactive and preparing for the possibility of a layoff, you can feel more in control and confident about what comes next. Additionally, it is important to remember not to take any proprietary information that belongs to the company.

If you have a sense you might be impacted by upcoming layoffs

With so many of us dedicating a huge portion of our lives to work, a pending layoff may feel like a huge shock to the system, like your world is being destabilized. Suddenly, your job goes from your “certainty” bucket to your “uncertainty” bucket—and that can feel daunting and lower your confidence, to say the least.

Often times it helps to turn your attention inward, to the things you?can?control. If you have a strong sense that you might be laid off, here are some steps you can take to prepare and feel more in control of an otherwise uncontrolled situation:

1. Do?bring up employment agreements, contracts, or any other documentation you may want to have handy.
2. Do?ask yourself if you were to get walked out tomorrow and your email and Slack were deactivated on the spot, what would you need? Metrics about past projects you’ve worked on? Examples for your portfolio? Contact information for clients you worked with or colleagues you want to keep in touch with?? Try to retain this information but make sure you do it on your own time. Make sure you don't retain anything protected by your NDA or any proprietary, sensitive information.
3. Do?collect any personal files, photos, or documents from your company-issued laptop and make sure they’re backed up in a way you can access them on a non-work computer. (You should be doing this on a regular basis anyway, so it’s a good habit to form.)
4. Do?take note of any financial or health-related accounts you had through your company (e.g., 401(K), HSA, FSA, etc.,) and make sure you have access to login information for those various sites (usernames, passwords, account numbers, etc.).
5. Don’t?take any proprietary information that belongs to the company.

Recommended Reading:

• What to Do If You’re Worried About a Layoff ?(Alison Doyle, The Balance Careers)
• What to Do If You're Worried About Getting Laid Off ?(Dayana Yochim, MSNBC)
• When You Know Layoffs Are Coming ?(Aliya Hamid Rao, Harvard Business Review)
• Career Experts Offer Advice for People Who Are Worried About Layoffs ?(Jack Kelly, Forbes)
• The Hard Conversation You Need to Prep for if Your Job's On the Line ?(Lea McLeod, The Muse)
• Leaving Your Job: What You Can and Can’t Take With You ?(Sharon Florentine,?CIO.com )

Getting that calendar invite. You know the one.

Did you get the calendar invite for a group meeting or Zoom call, or maybe a 1:1 with your manager? Layoffs may look and feel entirely different these days depending on whether or not you’re working remotely. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

1. The anticipation and anxiety surrounding the layoffs is half the battle. (Well, maybe not half—but there can sometimes be a sense of relief in finally having a concrete answer after so much uncertainty.) If it helps you to feel more in control and prepared to head into the meeting, bring a paper and pen to take some notes; you can refer back to them later as needed.
2. Whether you’re in person or remote, chances are you’ll be thanked for your service at the company, and notified that effective immediately, there will be some structural or staffing changes and today will be your last day with the organization.
3. Many times, email, Slack, and other internal company accounts will be deactivated immediately and you’ll be asked to return (or mail back) your company-issued laptop or other electronic equipment, as well as your work ID.
4. They should provide information in that meeting about next steps, such as signing of separation agreements, severance packages if offered, necessary paperwork, and so forth.

For reference,?here’s an example of communications that were sent to Carta employees ?around a 2020 Covid-related layoff.

During the Layoff

A note about the following information: I'm not a legal professional, and as such, the following does not constitute legal advice. We suggest consulting with a lawyer or legal professional for further information.

Separation or severance agreements

Generally, in the US, an organization will want its employees to sign a separation agreement upon termination of employment. Though the document isn’t required by law, companies often utilize these agreements as a way to protect themselves from possible legal trouble down the line or to keep company information confidential. When signed by both parties, the agreement ensures that the terminated employee won’t take further legal action against the organization.

The bigger the company is, the more important it is to them that they have employees sign a separation agreement—and frankly, can be a liability for them not to offer one.

That said, you don’t technically?have?to accept the separation agreement provided. And although a uniform separation or severance agreement may be offered to all employees impacted by a layoff, there’s nothing that says you can’t attempt to negotiate certain parts of the agreement if you don’t like the terms being offered and want to try to negotiate for better terms.

If you don’t fully understand what you’re being asked to sign, we strongly suggest speaking to a lawyer or advisor before signing.

Recommended Reading:

• Employment Separation Agreements: Everything You Need to Know ?(Matthew Zane, Zippia)
• What Is Employment Separation? (Definition and Types) ?(Indeed)
• Your Rights on the Job: FAQ ?(WomenEmployed.org )

After getting laid off, make sense of severance and know how to negotiate

When an employee is laid off, they may be offered severance pay, which is compensation for their termination of employment. This pay is typically calculated based on the length of time the employee was with the organization and can be provided as a lump sum or over a longer period of time. It is important to note that while the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that the company pay the employee's usual wages through their last day of employment, there is usually no legal obligation for the employer to offer severance pay.

If a severance package is offered, it is recommended to review the agreement with a lawyer before agreeing to the terms. Although negotiating severance pay can be difficult, especially during mass layoffs, it can be worth it to ask for a review of the package. Even if the company cannot negotiate the severance pay itself, it may be able to negotiate other benefits such as paying out unused PTO or continuing contributions to the employee's health insurance premiums.

It is important to identify each component of the severance package to determine if anything is missing, as the benefits of negotiating for a better overall package can outweigh the risks. It is important to consider all options and make the most of the severance package offered.

The following are common elements of a severance package:

• Severance pay
• Paid time off
• Benefits
• Stock options
• Transition and outplacement services
• Liability release
• Nondisclosure agreement
• References

If you do decide to negotiate your severance, make sure you're prepared. Determine what you want to ask for and why. If others in the organization were laid off, learn about their package to determine if your offer is fair. Consider what leverage you have in the negotiation to use to your advantage. The more prepared you are, the better the negotiation will go.

Again, we’re not employment lawyers, so we’d advise you to speak with a professional before taking action. Below are some excellent supplemental resources for navigating severance, along with a checklist of things you can look out for (or perhaps ask for) in a severance package.

Recommended Reading & Resources:

What to Expect in a Severance Package ?(Alison Doyle, The Balance Careers)

How to Negotiate a Severance Package if You Are Laid Off ?(Deborah Acosta, The Wall Street Journal)

How is Severance Pay Calculated and When Is It Due? ?(U.S. Department of Labor)

How To Negotiate a Severance Package to Get the Best Benefits ?(Indeed)

Half of employers are planning layoffs - here's how to negotiate your exit if it happens to you ?(Jennifer Liu, CNBC)

The following things MIGHT be part of a severance package, and are good to be aware of when reviewing your offer:

• Severance pay (cash)
• Health insurance (continuation of the organization contributing to your premium or covering it entirely)
• Garden or gardening leave ?(where you technically stay on as an employee and continue to receive all normal salary and benefits, but you’re not actively working)
• Keeping your company-issued computer so you can job search
• Non-compete agreement
• Outplacement services , which is a benefit some employers offer to exiting employees as part of a severance package to help laid-off employees transition into new roles and find work elsewhere.

After the Layoff: The First 24 Hours

In those first 24 hours if you got laid off:

• Don’t pressure yourself to be productive just yet.
• Hydrate.
• Reach out to a loved one to talk if you need support.
• Try to get some sleep.

After the Layoff: The First 7(ish) Days

Step 1: Process the logistics

Separating from a company can be a difficult and emotional experience, and it is important to take the time to process what has happened and to grieve as needed. Before jumping back into the job search, it is recommended to take at least 24 hours to process the situation. If possible, it is suggested to give yourself until the following Monday to start your search, to give yourself structured time to reflect and process, and a tangible "start date" for when you'll take action.

Ruth Rama-Witt, a career coach, suggests taking at least a week to step back, take care of yourself, and breathe. It is important to do something you enjoy and to take the time to do things that you never had the time to do before. It is also recommended not to do any work or start your job search yet. This recommendation is more of an art than science, so it is important to go at your own pace.

It is important to remember that the job search process can be a long and difficult one, and it is important to take the time to process what has happened and to take care of yourself. It is essential to give yourself structured time to reflect and process and to have a tangible start date for when you'll take action. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this process, and there are resources available to help you navigate through this difficult time.

Compute your runway

Use a free budget calculator tool ?to determine when you?have?to have your next job by. Keep this target date in mind and write it down so it’s front and center.

If you need immediate financial assistance and aren’t in a place to take time off between roles—perhaps the company that just went through layoffs didn’t provide severance or your financial situation requires a more immediate solution—here are places to search for gig or freelance work straight away:

• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Dribbble ?(graphic design)
• MarketerHire ?(marketing)
• Working Not Working ?(creative talent)
• Round-up of 82 best freelance websites in 2022 to help you get remote freelance work fast ?(via Ryan Robinson)
• 22 best freelance websites to find work in 2022 ?(Jeff Cardello, Webflow)

Set up health insurance

• Depending on your severance package, you may have health insurance for a period of time; other times, if you were on your company’s health insurance plan, you may be eligible for continuation of health coverage through?COBRA, which gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue to participate in that insurance plan for a limited period of time. Note: you’ll be expected to pay the full premium. This gets PRICEY.
• We think it's important to check the Health Insurance Marketplace. It's not half as bad as you might expect. Click here to access the?Health Insurance Marketplace .

If you need help understanding your options and the nuances of each, click here to get a complimentary consultation with a financial planner who'll guide you on which health insurance makes the most sense.

File for?unemployment benefits

• In the U.S.,?every state sets its own procedure?around filing for unemployment, so be sure to check your state’s labor or employment department website or call for the most up-to-date information. If you Google search, “File for unemployment” + “[your state’s name,]”, you should find the right website—but here’s a?round-up of state unemployment agencies . To learn how to qualify and apply for unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, welfare or temporary assistance, and/or other programs and services that can help you if you lose your job, visit?USA.gov/unemployment . If you live in one state and work in another, you’ll typically?file for the state in which you worked, not the state in which you live .
• The Balance Careers has a great?guide to collecting unemployment benefits , from filing claims to understanding state unemployment benefits that may be available.
• More on the how and where of filing for unemployment ?(Barbara Kate Repa,?Nolo.com ).
• A note about your?unemployment job search and work search requirements : In order to qualify for and claim unemployment benefits, you must be actively seeking work—but the rules around how (and how to prove that) vary by state. Some states, like Colorado, require you to keep a?running log of your applications and report back periodically?to prove that you’re actively applying for jobs. In other states, like Texas,?preparation like working on your resume or meeting with a career coach ?may count toward that requirement. If you need to submit a list of roles you’re actively applying to,?you can export the jobs from your Indeed Job Tracker?into the format that most states accept.

Rollover or transfer your 401(k)

The question of what to do with your retirement account when you leave your company can be stressful. Look into your options, consult a fiduciary financial planner like Progress Wealth Management, and evaluate what the right decision is for you. We offer this service at no cost at all.

Generally speaking, if you have more than $5,000 invested in your 401(k), most plans allow you to leave it where it is after you separate from your employer. If you want to roll it over but don’t yet have a new employer (which, assuming you were laid off, you likely don’t), you can roll over your 401(k) into an individual retirement account (IRA). We’re not financial advisors, so would recommend speaking with a professional before taking action. The below resources can help you navigate next steps.

Recommended Reading:

• What to Do with Your 401(k) When You Leave a Job ?(Melissa Phipps, The Balance Careers)
• What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Leave a Job? ?(Claire Boyte-White, Investopedia)
• What to Do With Your 401(k) if You Get Laid Off ?(Rachel Hartman, US News)

Understand what happens with your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)

• FSA:?Money left unused in your FSA typically goes to your employer after you lose your job, unless you’re eligible for and elect COBRA continuation coverage of your FSA. Typically, if you’ve been laid off and have expenses or outstanding claims that were incurred prior to the layoff, those claims are still eligible for reimbursement if a) they’re deemed to be eligible expenses, and b) the claims are submitted prior to the end of the plan’s run-out period.
• HSA:?Unlike an FSA, money contributed to an HSA belongs to you and is yours to keep if you’re let go or laid off.

Determine what to do with your equity

If you had stock in your company, it’s important to understand what kind of equity you have (e.g., restricted stock units (RSUs), stock options like ISOs, and NSOs), the time frame they have to exercise, the process to exercise, and the tax implications. The standard time frame for employees to exercise their options post-termination is 90 days, but companies may have shorter or longer windows, so it’s important to know the timeframe in which you’ll need to act.

We think that for many, equity is too complicated to DIY on your own. Contact Progress Wealth Management for free help analyzing the tax implications and the equity compensation you have.

Assess your life insurance policy

Typically when you’re laid off, you’re no longer part of that group (i.e., company) life insurance policy. Generally speaking, whether or not you need life insurance depends on your individual financial goals; it’s most important if your death would place a financial burden on others.

Ensure the company has your most up-to-date mailing address

This is so they can send your final paycheck and any outstanding balances that are due to you. This may include but is not limited to:

• Severance pay
• Accrued but unused benefits like bonuses, commission, PTO, vacation, and/or personal days.
• Reimbursement for any outstanding expenses like business travel, tuition reimbursement, and healthcare and life insurance premium payments

Request a letter of unemployment from HR

If they can’t print a letter on letterhead, an email from the head of HR (with full name and title on the message) should suffice. You may need this?letter to claim unemployment?benefits.

Take a moment for yourself each day

Step 2: Process your feelings

It is important to prioritize self-care and mental well-being when dealing with the stress and uncertainty of job loss. Losing a job is considered one of life's most stressful events and it is important to give yourself time to process the change and to let things sink in. It is not necessary to wallow in the feeling forever, but it is important to acknowledge and validate your emotions before moving forward with the job search process.

To aid in the process of self-care and mental well-being, it is suggested to utilize the following tools and resources:

• Reach out to a therapist or counselor. They can provide a safe and confidential space to process your emotions and to help you develop coping mechanisms.
• Talk to a friend or family member. Being able to share your feelings with someone you trust can provide a sense of support and comfort.
• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These techniques can help to reduce stress and anxiety and promote overall well-being.
• Make time for self-care activities such as reading, exercising, or pursuing a hobby. These activities can help to distract from negative thoughts and to promote a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
• Seek out support groups or online forums. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can provide a sense of camaraderie and understanding.
• Utilize resources provided by your former employer such as outplacement services or career counseling. These resources can help to provide guidance and support during the job search process.

It is important to remember that job loss can be a difficult and stressful experience and that it is important to prioritize self-care and mental well-being. The above tools and resources can help to provide support and guidance during this time and it is important to take advantage of any resources provided by your former employer. Remember to be kind to yourself, and know that it is normal to feel a range of emotions during this time.

Mental Health & Meditation Resources:

• Advekit
• Alma
• Calm
• Coa
• Headspace
• Headway

Step 3: Do some soul-searching

When evaluating your career path, it is essential to consider what you want in your next role. Are you looking to stay in the same field but in a different company, or are you considering a complete career pivot? Having a clear understanding of what you want will make the job search process more efficient and effective.

It is important to remember that in a job search, you are your own worst enemy. If you are uncertain or complacent about what you want, the process can become cumbersome. However, having clarity can greatly accelerate the process. To aid in this process, there are free workbooks and resources available on the Progress Wealth Management website to help you gain clarity and navigate the job search process.

Some of our recommendations include:

• Clearly defining your skills and strengths
• Identifying your values and what is important to you in a job
• Researching different industries and roles that align with your goals
• Networking and reaching out to professionals in fields you are interested in
• Creating a personalized job search plan.

It is important to remember that you are not alone in this process, and there are resources available to help you gain clarity and navigate the job search process. By taking the time to reflect on what you want and by utilizing these resources, you can increase the chances of finding a role that aligns with your goals and values.

Step 4. Get your network working for you

When it comes to looking for a new job opportunity, it is important to ensure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date and represents the best possible version of yourself. While you may not need to worry about your resume just yet, having an updated LinkedIn profile can be beneficial when posting publicly about your job search. This is because when you post, it is likely that your profile will receive a lot of attention, and people will be looking at your profile for the first time.

To ensure that your LinkedIn profile is in the best possible shape, it is recommended to use a LinkedIn Expert or find someone else who's in your industry that has a lot of clout and copy the way they structure their LinkedIn profile.

In summary, it is important to ensure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date and represents the best possible version of yourself when looking for a new job opportunity.

Though it can be difficult, emotional, and often vulnerable to post about the layoffs, we live in a time where there’s no longer the same stigma there once was about being “open to work.” Layoffs were rampant in 2020, and with that, a normalizing of announcing that you were looking for new opportunities.

We suggest that you do so sooner rather than later so that a) you and fellow company alumni can support one another at the same time—there’s power in solidarity, and b) so there are more people looking out for you sooner. It may feel tough to ask for help, but keep in mind that people generally?want?to be of assistance with your search. There’s also something really special about the way the LinkedIn community can come together to rally and help one another.

If you don’t want to craft a LinkedIn post from scratch, here’s some template language you can copy, paste, and tweak as needed (just be sure to customize it before posting). A few tips to keep in mind:

1. Tempting as it may be to bash your former employer publicly, it will pay dividends in the long run to stay as professional as possible.
2. Layoffs are difficult no matter what—but the ability to show resilience and optimism in your post shows that you’re handling the situation with maturity and grace, and is attractive to future employers.
3. It’s ok to be human. You don’t have to pretend that it’s all roses and sunshine—there’s a way to express your newfound “open to work” status in a way that’s both authentic and professional.
4. Tell people what you’re looking for. Help people help you. Saying something vague like “I’m open to any opportunities in any industry” is harder for others to act on than saying, “I’m looking for a B2B sales role at a mid- to large-size company, ideally with a hybrid set-up in NYC or with the option to work 100% remotely.”

How to Turn on the “Open to Work” Banner:

There’s been some controversy lately on whether or not job seekers should turn on the green “Open to Work” profile banner. Some people claim that it looks desperate—but we’d argue the opposite.

Here are three reasons we recommend turning on your #OpenToWork banner.

1. Job searching is hard enough without the stigma attached to it. Why wouldn’t you use every tool at your disposal to make it slightly?less?hard? There’s no shame in showing that you’re actively looking.
2. Recruiters want to hire the best possible candidates for a role, and it can be helpful for them to source candidates who’ll be able to start immediately.
3. In a crowded news feed full of noise, the #OpenToWork banner can help connect you to a community of fellow job seekers or folks who are willing to help with your search. LinkedIn was built to be a professional networking community—so why not network as broadly as possible?

Of course, if your profile’s optimized with keywords, accomplishments, and metrics, you’ll still pop up in recruiters’ search results—even if your #OpenToWork banner isn’t on. But it can’t hurt to test it out and see what happens. (A 2020 study from LinkedIn found that turning on “Open to Work” increased your likelihood of getting a recruiter message by 2x.)

Add Yourself to a Layoff List:

To go beyond traditional networking, self-submit to a list of folks impacted by layoffs to help get more eyes on your LinkedIn profile and qualifications. Sometimes affected employees will self-organize, and other times there are industry-specific lists compiled by folks who are trying to help others land jobs. A few of our go-to's:?

• Reno Perry, the founder &?CEO?of Wiseful, has?aggregated and compiled all of those layoff lists into one place . If you were impacted by a layoff,?add your information here .
• Layoff-sucks ?has a list that aggregates public layoff lists where people voluntarily signed up, plus people who sign up through them. You can?add yourself here .
• Marketing leader Matt Kerbel has compiled a list of?open marketing roles and candidates here . (Marketers can submit themselves on the second tab.)

After the Layoff: Beyond the First Week

Step 5: Research & Prepare for Your Job Search

One of the most challenging aspects of being laid off is the sudden change in structure and routine in your life. Going from a consistent daily schedule to having the rug pulled out from under you can be unsettling and leave you feeling rudderless. The loss of structure and routine can make it difficult to know where to begin and can make it challenging to take charge of your time and career.

To help provide structure during this time, it is suggested to schedule daily tasks in your calendar. This can help to keep yourself accountable and stay on track. Take a few minutes to schedule blocks of time to make sure you can complete all the tasks within your own calendar.

It is important to remember that the job search process can be a long and difficult one, and it is important to take the time to process what has happened and to take care of yourself. It is essential to give yourself structured time to reflect and process and to have a tangible start date for when you'll take action. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this process, and there are resources available to help you navigate through this difficult time.

It may be tempting to start by refreshing your resume, but before doing so, it is recommended to take time to do some prep work. This can include researching different industries and roles that align with your goals, networking and reaching out to professionals in fields you are interested in, and creating a personalized job search plan. This prep work can help to provide a clear direction for your job search and increase your chances of finding a role that aligns with your goals and values.

In summary, the loss of structure and routine can be one of the most challenging aspects of being laid off. To help provide structure during this time, it is suggested to schedule daily tasks in your calendar. It is important to remember that the job search process can be a long and difficult one, and it is important to take the time to process what has happened and to take care of yourself. Instead of jumping straight into refreshing your resume, it is recommended to take time to do some prep work, which can help to provide a clear direction for your job search.

Step 6: Begin Your Job Search

There is no ideal time to begin your job search, and eventually, you will have to take the plunge and start the process. However, if you are seeking structure and routine to give your search a foundation, signing up for a free 10-day job search plan can be helpful. This plan provides daily action items to your inbox, and the workbook breaks down daily tasks and to-dos, giving guidance during a time that can often feel directionless.

Our recommendations for starting your search include:

• Setting clear and attainable job search goals
• Researching different industries and roles that align with your goals
• Networking and reaching out to professionals in fields you are interested in
• Updating your resume and LinkedIn profile
• Creating a personalized job search plan and schedule

It is important to remember that the job search process can be a long and challenging one, but by taking the time to set clear goals and create a personalized plan, you can increase your chances of finding a role that aligns with your goals and values. Signing up for a free 10-day job search plan can provide structure and routine to give your search a framework, and our recommended action items can guide you through the process.

Network, network, network

1. Reach out to people for informational interviews.
2. As you connect with people on LinkedIn (or in person), add them to a google sheet so you can keep track of the people you've contacted.
3. Jonathan Lee ?started a movement on LinkedIn called #SocialSaturday , where he aims to connect job seekers and help them expand their networks. He regularly rounds up job openings and posts lists of open roles with recruiters listed.

Search for (and save) job opportunities

1. Check out our?the 50 best job sites, here.
2. Looking for open roles LinkedIn is great—but that’s not the only place you should be looking for jobs. LinkedIn can be expensive for companies to list open positions, and many post roles on other sites instead (or in addition). Here, we’ve built an?Airtable database of more than 100 job boards , many of which are specific to a certain niche.
3. Actively add jobs you’re interested to your Job Tracker. Think of it like online shopping—you don’t have to commit just by expressing interest, but this way you can start to get a sense of what roles appeal to you and see if there are any notable patterns.
4. Looking for remote work or freelance/part-time opportunities? Senior Technical Recruiter Nikita Gupta?rounded up a few incredible resources in this LinkedIn post.

Tailor your resume

When you find a job you’re ready to apply for, make sure to tailor your resume before applying. You may benefit from hiring an expert to do it for you (which only typically costs $200-$300).

Review the job description, identify the keywords that are used most frequently, and incorporate those words into the resume you’re customizing for that role.

Addressing a Layoff on Your Resume

Keeping your resume up to date is important, but should you include that you were laid off? You never want to lie, but you may be able to exclude a few minor details when updating your work experience. You do not need to provide an explanation for why your time in your previous role ended, and your resume should reflect your most relevant and impactful work compared to the job description.

Consider how you list dates on your resume. Avoid listing the months, as this might show more of a gap in employment, and instead only include the years you worked there. If your most recent job was the one you were laid off from, make sure to include the year you stopped working there, rather than writing "present". If you want to explain why you are not currently employed, you can note "mass corporate layoff" or something along those lines.

Addressing a layoff is never fun, so just make sure your resume is honest and a true reflection of your skills and achievements.

Get help with your applications

• For more on how to ask for referrals, do cold outreach, and best manage your online job applications, check out of free, on-demand?class on Applying for Jobs .
• If you want or need support throughout your job search process, connect with us on social media (TikTok ,?Instagram ,?Twitter ,?LinkedIn ,?YouTube ), where we’ll regularly share content related to the job search.
• You can access additional free resources on our?website .

Creating a toolkit to help your peers if you were impacted by mass layoffs

If you were part of a mass layoff, you are not alone, and one of the best things to do is to band together to help one another through the aftermath. You’ve all just gone through something that no one else?truly?understands the nuances of. We can weigh in based on our experience navigating layoffs at other companies—but your company’s particular layoff experience is unique, and being surrounded by others who can relate can be one of the most helpful ways to power through.

What does that look like?

• Join or make a spreadsheet of folks who were impacted by the layoffs and who are open to new opportunities. Ideally this will be a document that you or someone from your team can own and share to gather laid off employees’ information (contact, job search preferences, etc.). When sharing the sheet, make sure expectations are set up front re: privacy and whether email addresses submitted will be shared publicly. Be sure to adjust any privacy settings for the document so that the necessary columns are visible and only those who’ve been laid off from the company are entering their information.
• Layoffs.fyi ?has compiled a list of links to crowdsourced layoff lists created by other people; you can check there before creating a new list of your own, or check first with fellow alumni to make sure you’re not duplicating existing efforts.
• Some examples of tools and platforms you can use to build a list of your own:

1. Google Form for submissions, with data automatically entered into a Google Sheet (example:?Klarna )
2. Coda (examples:?Robinhood ,?Airbnb )
3. Airtable
4. Notion

NOTE: Some companies will also coordinate a database of affected employees to help with outplacement services (example:?Peloton ), so it may be worth checking to see if your company created something similar.

• Form an accountability group to have each other’s back. One of the hardest things about being unemployed is that you have complete and total control of your time. It can be hard to motivate yourself to stay focused and work toward your goals without accountability. You can use Slack or Discord to organize regular digital check-ins or weekly in-person meetups, comfort levels permitting, to ensure you’re making progress week over week.
• Join or create a private alumni community for free on?Slack?or?Discord?to keep in touch with others who were impacted by the layoffs. If you want to start your own community, here are the channels we’d recommend that you set up:

1. Intros (for people to introduce themselves and say what they’re looking for next)
2. Referrals (asking for intros at certain companies or offering to serve as a referral for others)
3. Jobs (open roles)
4. Feedback (a safe space to help each other workshop resumes, provide feedback on job offers and negotiation, etc.)

• Join industry-specific internet communities. We’ll build this list in the coming weeks;?let us know which other resources we should add!?

Other Layoff toolkits & resources we'd recommend

• This?Laid Off Survival Guide ?from the WSJ
• This?guide from Elpha ?on how to bounce back from a layoff in 7 steps
• A?Canva guide ?to mastering your job search if you were laid off
• Parachute ?is helping those recently impacted by downsizing events
• This?guide for Twitter employees ?via the Tech Workers Coalition

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