Recently laid off. Documenting the pivot, the side projects, and whatever comes after the corporate exit
I’m sorry—being laid off is disruptive and stressful. Let’s move from shock → control → momentum. Below is a clear, practical next-steps plan, ordered by urgency.
1. Stabilize (today–this week)
Goal: protect cash, benefits, and options.
Understand your layoff package
Severance amount + payout date
Health insurance (COBRA vs. alternatives)
Unused PTO payout
Non-compete / non-solicitation clauses
File for unemployment immediately (even if you received severance—rules vary, but delays cost money).
Freeze non-essential spending for 30–60 days. This buys mental space.
2. Regain control (week 1)
Goal: shorten time to next income.
Update your résumé (results-focused, not duties).
Refresh LinkedIn
Headline = role + impact (“Product Manager | B2B SaaS | Growth & Retention”)
Add “Open to Work” (recruiter-visible only).
Write a 2–3 sentence layoff explanation
“The company went through a restructuring and eliminated several roles, including mine. My performance was strong, and I’m now looking for my next opportunity.”
3. Activate your network (week 1–2)
This is the highest ROI step.
Message:
Former managers
Teammates who left earlier
Recruiters you’ve worked with
Simple outreach script:
“Hi — I was affected by a recent layoff and am exploring new roles in ___ . If you hear of anything or can point me to the right person, I’d appreciate it.”
Most jobs come from warm connections, not applications.
4. Create a job-search system (week 2+)
Avoid burnout and randomness.
Daily structure:
1–2 hrs applications (targeted, not mass)
1 hr networking/follow-ups
1 hr skill sharpening or portfolio work
Track:
Applications
Referrals
Interviews
Focus on roles you’re 70–90% qualified for.
5. Optional: bridge income
If runway is tight:
Contract/freelance work
Consulting
Short-term gigs in your core skillset
This reduces pressure and improves negotiation power.
6. Mindset (important, but practical)
Layoffs are usually structural, not personal.
Your job ended; your career didn’t.
Treat this as a project with weekly milestones.
Creating a structured 30–60–90 day job search plan can help you stay organized, focused, and proactive in your efforts to secure a new position. Here’s a detailed plan to guide you through each phase:
30-Day Plan: Preparation and Initial Outreach
Week 1: Self-Assessment and Goal Setting
- Assess Your Skills and Interests: Identify your strengths, weaknesses, and career interests.
- Set Clear Goals: Define what type of job you are looking for, including industry, role, and location.
- Update Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences for your target roles.
- Create/Update LinkedIn Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete, professional, and aligns with your resume.
Week 2: Research and Networking
- Research Companies: Identify companies you are interested in working for and learn about their culture, values, and job openings.
- Network: Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals for advice and potential job leads.
- Join Professional Groups: Participate in online forums and social media groups related to your industry.
- Attend Virtual Events: Look for webinars, virtual job fairs, and networking events to attend.
Week 3: Job Applications and Follow-Ups
- Apply to Jobs: Start applying to positions that match your skills and interests. Aim for at least 5-10 applications per week.
- Customize Cover Letters: Write personalized cover letters for each application to demonstrate your interest and fit for the role.
- Follow-Up: After submitting applications, follow up with hiring managers or recruiters to express your continued interest.
Week 4: Skill Enhancement and Preparation
- Skill Development: Identify any gaps in your skills and take online courses or certifications to enhance your qualifications.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and prepare responses that highlight your achievements and skills.
- Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to gain confidence and receive feedback.
60-Day Plan: Intensified Search and Interviews
Week 5-6: Expand Your Search and Network Further
- Broaden Your Criteria: Consider applying to roles that may be slightly outside your initial criteria but still align with your career goals.
- Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with industry leaders and potential employers.
- Informational Interviews: Request informational interviews with professionals in your desired field to gain insights and expand your network.
Week 7-8: Focus on Interviews and Applications
- Increase Applications: Continue applying to jobs, aiming for 10-15 applications per week.
- Interview Preparation: Research the companies and roles you are interviewing for, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview.
- Interview Attire: Ensure you have appropriate attire for both virtual and in-person interviews.
Week 9-10: Follow-Up and Skill Refinement
- Post-Interview Follow-Up: Send thank-you emails after each interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest.
- Refine Skills: Continue working on any identified skill gaps and stay updated on industry trends.
- Review Feedback: If you receive feedback from interviews, use it to improve your performance in future interviews.
90-Day Plan: Final Push and Decision Making
Week 11-12: Evaluate Offers and Continue Searching
- Evaluate Offers: If you receive job offers, carefully evaluate them based on salary, benefits, company culture, and career growth opportunities.
- Negotiation Preparation: Prepare for salary and benefits negotiations by researching industry standards and practicing your negotiation skills.
- Continue Applying: Even if you have offers, continue applying to other positions until you have accepted a job.
Week 13: Make a Decision and Prepare for Onboarding
- Decision Time: Choose the job offer that best aligns with your career goals and personal values.
- Resignation: If you are currently employed, prepare a professional resignation letter and schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your departure.
- Onboarding Preparation: Research the onboarding process for your new role and prepare any necessary documents or information.
Week 14: Transition and Reflection
- Transition Smoothly: Ensure a smooth transition from your current role by completing any pending projects and transferring knowledge to colleagues.
- Reflect on Your Search: Take time to reflect on your job search experience, noting what worked well and what could be improved for future searches.
- Celebrate Your Success: Acknowledge your hard work and celebrate securing a new position!
Additional Tips:
- Stay Positive: Job searching can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude will help you stay motivated and resilient.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of your applications, interviews, and follow-ups using a spreadsheet or job search app.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or career coaches during your job search.
By following this 30–60–90 day job search plan, you can systematically approach your job search, increase your chances of success, and secure a position that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.