Just laid off? A plan for your first week
By Adedayo Adeniyi · 4 min read · Updated Nov 9, 2026
A layoff is a shock, and it's fine to feel it. You don't need to start applying the same afternoon.
What helps most is a small plan. Here is one for the first week. Move the days around to fit your life.
Day 1: rest and sort the practical things
- Read your severance or exit paperwork and note any dates you need to act by.
- Check health coverage and when it ends.
- Look up unemployment benefits where you live. The rules and deadlines differ by place.
Day 2: update your profile and resume
Refresh your LinkedIn headline and your resume with your most recent role. Good enough is fine. You'll keep improving them as you go.
Day 3: write down your people
List the people who know your work: former managers, coworkers, clients, classmates, friends in your field. Most first conversations come from this list.
Day 4: pick the places you'd love to work
Choose five to ten companies. Then look at who you already know at each one.
Day 5: send your first three messages
Hi [Name], I wanted to let you know my role at [company] was part of a layoff this week. I'm looking at [kind of role] next. If anyone comes to mind, I'd be grateful for an intro, and I'd love to catch up either way.