Losing a job – through a layoff or restructuring is a significant life event.  It is traumatic. Even if you saw it coming, being let go is a shock to your identity, routine, and sense of security.  Don’t minimize it.

Managing the loss of your job looks different to everyone. Not everyone has the luxury of taking time to breathe and re-center themselves. Sometimes an immediate search is the only option. 

Let’s meet you where you are.

Step 1: Give Yourself Permission to Decompress

If you can, take a few days or even a few weeks before launching into full job-search mode. This was an unplanned disruption. Treat it like one.

Rest. Process. Talk to someone you trust. The job search will be more effective when you’re not running on stress and adrenaline.

Step 2: Be Clear on What You Actually Want

Before updating your resume, answer these questions honestly:

What type of work do you want to do?

• Full time with benefits? Contracting? Part-time consulting?
• Are you open to something different entirely?
• Are you title agnostic? Would you take a strategic step sideways or ‘down’ at the right organization?
• Do you want to do something entirely different?

What is your role?

• Bigger title, same title, or a more focused role?
• Same industry (easier to land quickly) or a new one (harder during a gap)?

What are the logistics?

• Exame relocation, the commute, and work location (hybrid, remote, on-site)
• How much travel are you willing to do?

Reassess compensation

• What do you want in base, bonus, and equity?
• What do you need to cover your actual expenses?
• How many more years are you planning to work? This shapes everything.

If you’re unsure where you stand financially, consider a free or low-cost session with a financial advisor. You may have more runway than you think – or you may need a clearer plan. Either way, knowing is better than guessing.

Step 3: Pick a Start Date and Treat the Search Like a Job

Choose a Monday. That’s Day 1 of your job search. From that day forward, treat this like a full-time position:

• Work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week
• Get out of the house — a library, a coffee shop, a coworking space. Staying home in isolation kills momentum
• Keep a consistent schedule

Step 4: Build Your Target List Before You Touch Job Boards

Here’s the move most people skip: don’t start on LinkedIn Jobs or Indeed. Warm referrals move faster than cold applications. Your network is your most powerful tool.

• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile first
• Build a target list: start with 10 companies you genuinely want to work for, then expand to 20, then 30.
• Identify any connections that you might know at each of these companies
• Reach out directly via email, phone, LinkedIn and say clearly: “I’m very interested in [Company]. I’d love your help getting my resume in front of the right people.”

Step 5: Sharpen Your Interview Skills

If it’s been years since you’ve interviews, you’re probably a bit rusty. That’s normal. Invest time here.

Practice answering:

• A difficult situation you overcame and what you learned
• What you’re most proud of in your career

After every interview, send a thank-you note the next day. Reference specific conversation points, show you understand the role’s responsibilities, and reaffirm your interest. It’s old-school, it’s Emily Post 101, and it works. Most candidates don’t do it.

Step 6: Work With a Recruiter

Find a staffing or search firm that specializes in your industry and skill set. Look for:

• A firm that’s local or well-networked in your target geography
• Contingency recruiters (no cost to you) or executive search firms depending on your level

A good recruiter is a partner, not just a middleman.

Step 7: Stay Visible on LinkedIn

As you scroll your feed, don’t just consume – engage. Like, comment, and share posts. Connect with people you come across. Your network compounds over time, and visibility matters when you’re in search mode.

The bottom line – A job search is a process, not a single event. Be strategic, stay consistent, and give yourself credit for doing hard work in a hard season. Our team can guide you through your specific layoff situation and get you on-track to your next best career opportunity.  Let’s talk.