What to do when you get laid off: A step-by-step checklist

Getting laid off is often a difficult experience. You may feel uncertainty surrounding your sudden loss of employment, but it’s important to stay positive and look for a way to keep your career on track. To help you know what to do when you get laid off, we’ve made a checklist of essential steps that will help you deal with things with confidence.

Reach out to friends and family

Even if you're a strong and independent person, it's okay to reach out for help after being laid off. Your friends and family are there to support you and help make the transition a little easier. Chances are, they’d be more than happy to offer you a helping hand. You might be surprised at just how much comfort it brings knowing that your tribe has got your back during this challenging time; so don't hesitate to get in touch with those closest to you. They might even be able to hook you up with a new job through their personal and professional network.

Check what benefits you still have access to

Don’t forget to check what work benefits you may still have access to after being laid off. Many companies provide extended health care coverage, outplacement programs, and other benefits for a period of time after a layoff. Even if you feel overwhelmed at the moment, taking the time to review your benefit options can pay off in the long run. Talk to a representative of HR or ask your former manager to put you in contact with someone from the company who can help you get clear on what benefits are available to you now that you're no longer employed.

Make a job search plan

Making a job search plan is one of the best ways to make it easier to know what to do when you get laid off. A job search plan helps provide structure and focus as you figure out exactly what kind of employment would work best for you for the time being.

As you build your plan, some of the things you may want to consider are the timeframe for finding a new job, qualifications that make you stand out amongst other candidates, skill areas that need improvement, and which jobs to apply for right away. It’s also a good idea to use resources like online job boards, job seeker blogs, and tutorials on acing job interviews. Taking a proactive approach will ensure you land a job as soon as possible without it having too much of an impact on your personal life and career.

Use your network

Tapping into your professional network is an often-overlooked step that should be taken after being laid off. Without having to hunt endlessly for open positions, you can talk to people you already know in your industry to learn about new opportunities. Reaching out with a polite and honest message could not only open up communication with potential employers but also allow insight into open roles that might not be easily available to the general public.

Additionally, much of the process for hiring is based on who knows whom and your contacts could provide some valuable insider information - leading to a much smoother transition from one job to another. Whether searching for a career change or just trying to get back on your feet after being laid off, leveraging your professional network should be close to the top of your priority list!

Consider temp work

A layoff could have you worrying about how to make ends meet. One of the best solutions for this is temp work. It’s a great way to receive income while gaining valuable experience, learning new skills, and pursuing long-term opportunities at the same time. Temp jobs can also provide excellent networking opportunities, putting you in touch with contacts that might prove invaluable in the future. It takes a little adjustment to shift from a permanent job to temporary work, but it can be a great way to use your skill set while supporting yourself financially and continuing to develop professionally.

Adecco can help you get your career back on track

When you apply for a job through Adecco, you have the support of an industry-leading staffing agency behind you. We connect you with well-paid positions in your area, and we even help you update your resume and prepare you for the job interview. To learn more about how Adecco can get you back on track after being laid off, get in touch with us today!