Losing your job can be tough, but taking the right steps immediately can make a big difference. Here’s what you should do:
- Secure Your Finances:
- Review your severance package carefully. Consult a lawyer if needed.
- Apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible.
- Create a new budget to manage expenses and cut unnecessary costs.
- Update Your Job Search Tools:
- Use AI tools to polish your resume and make it ATS-friendly.
- Automate job applications with platforms like LiftmyCV.
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile and turn on “Open to Work.”
- Upskill and Network:
- Take online courses on platforms like Udacity or LinkedIn Learning to learn new skills.
- Use AI tools to connect with professionals and join LinkedIn Groups for networking.
- Prepare for Interviews:
- Practice with AI-powered interview tools like Interview Warmup or Huru.
- Send personalized follow-up emails after interviews to increase hiring chances.
- Stay Organized:
- Track your applications and progress using tools like Job Application Tracker by LiftmyCV.
- Maintain a positive mindset and take care of your mental health.
Pro Tip: Leveraging AI tools can speed up your job search – 18% of job seekers using them land interviews faster. Focus on the basics first (finances, resume, and applications), then work on upskilling and networking to stand out.
5 Things to Do Right After a Layoff
Review Your Severance Package
Take a close look at your severance package before signing anything. You usually have a few weeks to review it and some time to change your mind after signing (Source: Investopedia). Check the details: pay amounts, payment schedule, health insurance options like COBRA, payouts for unused leave, terms for returning company property, and any restrictive clauses. If the agreement seems complicated or you feel there’s been unfair treatment, consult an employment law attorney. They can help you spot areas for negotiation and ensure your rights are protected (Source: Investopedia).
Once you understand the financial terms, focus on securing income support as soon as possible.
Apply for Unemployment Benefits
Apply for unemployment benefits right away in the state where you worked, even if you’re living somewhere else now (Source: USAGov). Before applying, gather the following:
| Required Document | Details to Include |
|---|---|
| Personal ID | Social Security number or Alien Number with expiration date |
| Employment History | W-2s or pay stubs from the past 2 years |
| Bank Information | Account and routing numbers for direct deposit |
Most states let you apply online, which speeds up the process (Source: Des). Check your state’s unemployment website or use the USAGov map to find your local unemployment office (Source: USAGov).
Once your benefits are in motion, it’s time to rethink your financial plan.
Make a New Budget Plan
Adjust your budget immediately to manage your expenses. Start by listing all debts and payments. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions, negotiate lower rates with service providers, switch to cheaper plans, and save on groceries by planning meals (Source: Huntington).
Budgeting apps can help you track spending and find more ways to save. Many banks and credit unions also offer free budgeting tools to their customers.
Laid Off: What To Do Next | Next Steps After a Layoff
Using AI to Find Jobs Faster
If you’re looking to jumpstart your career, AI tools can help you search for jobs more effectively and efficiently.
Create an ATS-Ready Resume
Did you know that 75% of resumes never even make it to a human recruiter? AI tools like LiftmyCV can help you tailor your resume to get past applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Here are some tips to make your resume ATS-friendly:
| Resume Element | ATS-Friendly Format |
|---|---|
| File Type | Save as .docx or .pdf |
| Format Style | Chronological or Hybrid |
| Keywords | Use both full terms and acronyms |
| Headers | Stick to standard section names |
| Font | Choose simple fonts like Arial or Calibri |
“Using AI resumes will help you land more interviews quickly”. Research also shows that 82% of recruiters prefer resumes personalized for each job application.
Once your resume is optimized, you can move on to tools that align your skills with the right opportunities.
Try AI Job Matching Tools
AI-powered platforms can take the guesswork out of job hunting by automatically finding roles that match your skills and experience. For instance, LiftmyCV connects with major job boards like LinkedIn Jobs, Monster, Workable, and +5 more to identify suitable openings.
The platform’s AI scoring system evaluates your profile against job requirements, highlighting roles where you’re most competitive. To make the most of these tools, ensure your profile includes detailed work experience, skills, education, and preferences.
After identifying potential matches, you can speed things up by automating your applications.
Speed Up Job Applications
On average, job seekers submit 50–100 applications for every interview they land. Save time and effort by automating this process.
LiftmyCV has been recognized for its efficiency in job search automation. As many users have shared, its AI-powered agent applies to highly relevant job openings with precision.
LiftmyCV is the most effective job application automation tool I’ve used. It finds and applies to the right opportunities, saving me hours of manual work.
David Carter, Software Engineer
This makes LiftmyCV a game-changer for job seekers looking to streamline their application process and land interviews faster. To get better results, set precise filters:
| Filter Type | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Variations of your target role |
| Location | Preferred country and city |
| Employment type | On-site, Remote, Hybrid |
Platforms like LiftmyCV can handle 500 to 2,000 submissions while maintaining quality control. This approach ensures you’re applying to the right roles and saves you significant time during your job search.
Improve Your Skills and Network
Using online tools to sharpen your skills and expand your network can give your career a boost. While AI can streamline your job search, investing time in learning and building connections is just as important.
Take Online Courses
Learning new skills is a great way to stay competitive. Many platforms provide free or budget-friendly courses to help you grow.
Udacity, for instance, has launched a special program for laid-off U.S. workers, offering free access to its entire course catalog for 30 days in April 2024 (Source: Udacity).
| Platform | Focus Area | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Udacity | Technical Skills | Nanodegree programs with hands-on projects |
| LinkedIn Learning | Business Skills | Syncs directly with your LinkedIn profile |
| Coursera | Academic Content | Includes certifications from top universities |
Adam Wright, a former product manager, shared his experience:
“With the increasingly competitive tech market and recent layoffs, it was critical for me to upskill and learn what I consider to be the most technological advancement of our time: AI. Udacity helped me learn the foundations of AI as a product manager, building confidence to land a great job as well as to help my former colleague launch a portfolio web app that utilizes AI.” (Source: Udacity)
Find Contacts Using AI
AI tools can help you identify professionals who align with your career goals by analyzing large amounts of data. When reaching out, craft a personalized message by focusing on shared interests, mutual contacts, or recent achievements.
Beyond direct outreach, joining professional communities can further strengthen your network.
Join Professional Groups
Becoming part of professional groups is a smart way to connect with others and stay informed about industry trends. LinkedIn Groups, for example, can help you discover job opportunities and stay updated. To get the most out of these groups:
- Select active groups with regular discussions.
- Share your insights to establish credibility.
- Engage with hiring managers and recruiters by contributing to discussions (Source: LinkedIn Pulse).
When reaching out, referencing a relevant article or discussion can make your message stand out.
Manage Applications and Interviews
Once you’ve streamlined your job applications, it’s time to focus on managing interviews and follow-ups. AI tools can help keep your job search organized and improve your chances of success.
Track Your Applications
AI tools like LiftmyCV make it easy to track and submit applications. For example, a plan covering 1,000 applications costs $49.99.
Here are some tips to stay organized:
- Set up email filters to sort responses.
- Monitor status updates and deadlines.
- Follow up promptly on pending applications.
Users report saving an average of 40 hours per month and cutting costs by around $2,500. With your applications in order, you can shift your focus to sharpening your interview skills.
Practice Interviews with AI
By 2025, nearly 70% of employers are expected to use AI in hiring processes (Source: Brian Vander Waal). To prepare, consider these AI-powered interview platforms:
| Platform | Best For | Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interview Warmup | Beginners | Free | Basic practice with instant feedback |
| Huru | All levels | $24.99/month | Claims a 67% higher hiring success rate |
| Interviews by AI | Budget option | $9/month (Pro) | 3 free questions per month |
These tools provide real-time feedback on communication skills and body language (Source: biginterview). Once you feel confident in your interview prep, focus on following up effectively.
Send Follow-up Messages
Following up after an interview can increase your chances of being hired by 30%. A survey by CareerBuilder found that 22% of hiring managers cited a lack of follow-up as a reason for not hiring a candidate.
To craft a strong follow-up message:
- Send it within 24-48 hours.
- Reference specific topics discussed during the interview.
- Show genuine enthusiasm for the role.
- Maintain a professional tone.
AI tools can simplify this process:
- Attention: Creates tailored follow-ups based on your interview.
- Mailbutler: Sets reminders and tracks email engagement.
- Writecream: Generates personalized templates based on your industry and role.
Personalized emails tend to perform better, with a 29% higher open rate and a 41% higher click rate compared to generic messages (Source: LinkedIn Pulse).
Conclusion: Next Steps Forward
Main Action Items
Take immediate steps to safeguard your finances and maintain career momentum. Start by reviewing your severance package, filing for unemployment, and collecting important HR documents from your employer. Strengthen your financial position by assessing your cash reserves, adjusting your budget to cover essentials, exploring 401(k) rollover options, and securing health insurance through COBRA or marketplace exchanges.
“When facing a layoff, it is important to ensure your short-term financial foundations are secure before worrying about longer-term planning issues” (Source: LinkedIn Pulse)
Keep Moving Forward
Once your financial situation is stable, shift your focus to advancing your career. Did you know job seekers using AI-powered tools are 18% more likely to land interviews and negotiate better salaries?
“I am still the same person whether I am being laid off or winning an award. My advice for people is to not let your self-esteem go on a rollercoaster ride based on the highs and lows of your career” (Source: InCharge)
Here are some practical steps to help you move forward:
- Update your LinkedIn profile: Turn on the “Open to Work” feature to signal availability.
- Use AI tools: Optimize your resume, match job openings, and streamline applications.
- Enhance your skills: Enroll in online courses to learn something new or stay competitive.
- Network regularly: Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events.
- Take care of yourself: Prioritize exercise, mental health, and relaxation to stay balanced.
