Just Laid Off? Here’s What to Do in Your First 7 Days

 

A layoff can feel like the ground suddenly shifted beneath you.

One day, you're focused on projects, meetings, and future plans. The next, you're facing a conversation you never expected to have and asking yourself a question millions of professionals have asked before: What do I do now?

If that's where you are right now, take a breath.

First, know this: what you're feeling is completely normal. Layoffs happen for many reasons, and they often have little to do with an individual's performance or potential.

Second, know that you don't have to navigate this alone.

If your former employer provided LHH career transition support, you may already have access to confidential, personalized, employer-funded career transition services designed to help you move forward with confidence.

The first week after a layoff can feel overwhelming. Rather than trying to solve everything at once, focus on a few practical steps each day.

Here's a simple roadmap for your first seven days.

Day 1: Pause Before You Push Forward

Your first instinct may be to immediately update your resume, submit dozens of applications, or start networking.

But before you jump into job-search mode, give yourself permission to process wht happened.

A layoff isn't just a professional event, it's a personal transition. Even if you anticipated it, it's normal to experience a range of emotions, including shock, frustration, anxiety, or uncertainty.

Instead of putting pressure on yourself to "fix" everything immediately:

• Talk with someone you trust
• Write down your immediate concerns and questions
• Review the information your employer provided

The goal today isn't productivity. The goal is self-care and building stability.

Day 2: Understand Your Resources

Once the initial shock begins to settle, gather the information available to you. Review any materials you received regarding:

• Severance packages
• Benefits continuation and healthcare coverage
• Unemployment eligibility
• Career transition or outplacement services

One of the most overlooked benefits after a layoff is employer-funded career  support. In fact, our research shows that while 77% of HR leaders offer redeployment or career transition services, only 19% of employees are aware that these resources are available to them.

If your employer partnered with LHH, you may already have access to:

• Career coaching
• Resume development
• Interview preparation
• Networking support
• Skills development resources

The important thing to remember is that this support has already been paid for by your employer. Take advantage of it.

Day 3: Register for Support Early

One common mistake people make is waiting several weeks before activating available support.

The reality is that the earlier you engage with career transition services, the sooner you can begin creating momentum.

At LHH, support is designed to be:

• Confidential
• Personalized
• Practical
• Focused on action

Whether you're looking to return to a similar role, change industries, or reinvent your career altogether, expert guidance can help you move forward faster and with greater confidence.

You don't need to figure everything out on your own.

Day 4: Take Stock of Your Career Story

Before updating your resume or LinkedIn profile, spend some time reflecting on your recent accomplishments.

Ask yourself:

• What projects am I most proud of?
• What measurable results did I create?
• What business challenges did I help solve?
• What strengths do others consistently recognize in me?
• What kind of work do I want more of in my next role?

Write everything down. This exercise creates a strong foundation for future conversations, applications, and interviews. It also prepares you for the next stage: personal branding.

Day 5: Refresh Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

When people search for resume help after layoff or LinkedIn optimization job search advice, they often assume they need a complete rewrite.

In reality, most professionals benefit more from strategic updates than a total overhaul.

Focus on:

Resume updates

• Adding recent accomplishments
• Quantifying results where possible
• Highlighting business impact
• Removing outdated or less relevant content

LinkedIn updates

• Updating your headline and About section
• Highlighting key achievements
• Ensuring your profile reflects your target role

Remember: your resume and LinkedIn profile should tell a story about where you're going next, not just where you've been. 

And the best part here? LHH’s trained career transition professionals will help you every step of the way and have access to AI-powered tools to make you stand out from the crowd. You don’t have to do this part on your own, and expert help can make all the difference.

Day 6: Reconnect With Your Network

Networking doesn't have to mean asking people for jobs. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and professional contacts to reconnect and learn what's happening in the market.

A simple message can be enough:

"I wanted to let you know that I've recently entered a career transition and am exploring new opportunities. I'd love to reconnect and hear what you're seeing in the market."

The purpose isn't immediate results. The purpose is rebuilding connections and gathering information.

Many opportunities arise through conversations long before a formal application is submitted.

Day 7: Build a 30-Day Action Plan

By the end of your first week, resist the urge to measure success solely by the number of applications you've submitted. Instead, focus on creating a sustainable plan.

Your next 30 days might include:

Week 2: Get search-ready

• Finalize your resume and LinkedIn profile
• Define target roles and companies
• Connect with your career coach or transition advisor

Week 3: Expand your network

• Reach out to former colleagues and industry contacts
• Schedule networking conversations
• Research organizations that align with your goals

Week 4: Build on your targeted search

• Apply for roles that match your experience and interests
• Continue networking and follow-up conversations
• Practice interviewing and refine your personal story

Week 5: Review and refine

• Assess what's working and what's not
• Adjust your strategy based on feedback and results
• Stay focused on consistent, purposeful action

Career transitions are rarely solved in a single week. Progress comes from consistent action over time.

What Is Outplacement Support and How Can It Help?

If you're unfamiliar with outplacement services, you're not alone. Outplacement support, also known as career transition services, is employer-funded assistance provided to employees after a layoff.

Support may include:

• Career coaching
• Resume development
• LinkedIn optimization
• Career pivoting/reinvention
• Interview preparation
• Job-search strategy
• Salary negotiation

At LHH, this support is personalized, confidential, and focused on helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

If your employer provided LHH career support, you can check your eligibility and register now at no cost.

Registration takes only a few minutes and gives you access to the full range of career support services available to you.

Check your eligibility and register today at: register.lhh.com