What to do After a Layoff

Losing your job, or “getting downsized,” as we’ve come to say these days, is one of the top stressors available to most of us. The immediate emotional reactions to job loss can range from taking to bed for two weeks straight with an upgraded Netflix account and a jumbo-sized box of chocolates to calling every single person you’ve ever met in the span of 2 hours to ask “if you’ve heard of anything.” Below are some helpful hints for those just notified of a job loss. Beyond these nuggets of advice lies the larger message: take one step at a time, and recognize that the first few steps out of the gate will have a lasting impact.

At the first possible opportunity, sit down with your family and loved ones to let them know what’s occurred. The coming weeks will have a similar impact on them as they too have some adjustments to make. Encourage family members and close friends to discuss their thoughts, feelings and reactions to your separation. You might even consider doing something special for your partner or spouse, to let them know, even as you start thinking about your own journey to re-employment, that you are sympathetic to their feelings and reactions.

Clarify the financial and other support the company has agreed to provide. There are more variables than you might think: severance pay, continued company paid health insurance premiums / COBRA, vested stock options, unused vacation time, prorated bonus payouts, etc. Ascertain the rules regarding unemployment compensation benefits in your state, as well as your employer’s policy with regard to your eligibility. As frightening as the looming salary interruption is, a preliminary sense of your financial status will be important to your peace of mind and overall job search planning.

Ask about the availability of company – provided outplacement services. Adjusting to the loss of your job, and then getting ready to look for another one is hard enough with professional help – and a lot harder without it. From personalized career assessment and coaching, resume help, job search strategies and targeted job leads to networking opportunities, interview and negotiation help as well as access to  technology resources this kind of support can be invaluable. If outplacement services are offered, make that connection quickly, and let them get started on doing what they do best: preparing you for the job search ahead. 

Although the organization may not disclose everything about the reason for the layoff, gather as much information as you can about why your position was eliminated. If your separation is part of a large scale downsizing, you will benefit greatly by the ability talk knowledgeably and unemotionally about the business case that necessitated these difficult decisions. The best “reason for leaving” statements are couched within the context of the firm’s business strategy and market performance, and your understanding of these complex issues is key to the process. It’s never easy to take the position that a layoff  “isn’t personal; it’s just business.” But – in this case? It probably is.

Assess clearly what your former employer’s position is with regard to references. Some firms will hold firmly to a “name, rank, and serial number” approach, while others may provide you with a letter of reference, or direct any such requests straight to the Human Resources department. However your employer chooses to address this issue, it is vital that you can be conversant in how references calls will be handled, and factor in how these internal policies will affect your upcoming job search.

Gather the data that you’ll need to update your resume. Performance reviews, awards, letters of commendation, and other objective indications of your recent accomplishments will make the resume update to come easier. Similarly, work with your Human Resources team to obtain access to contact information (Outlook, cell phone dump) for your professional / personal network. Ensure that everyone is comfortable with what is “yours” vs. what belongs to the company.

Send a brief note (probably best to stay off the phone for a few days) to your closest and most trusted business associates. Only. There’ll be plenty of time for everybody else later. Simply let them know you’ve left the company, provide them your new personal contact info, and assure them that you’ll be in touch – when you’re ready. Do let them know that you value your relationship, and that you will get back to them – to make full use of their time and expertise.

Hold on to your best habits – and pick up a few moreif you can. Keep the alarm set for the same time; maintain, or even increase, your workout regimen; eat healthy foods; and find ways to stay connected to the people, places, and things outside the workplace that have always kept you grounded – your spirituality, the gym, your family, the garden, or the local organization where you volunteer.

And finally – don’t get too hasty on starting that job search in the first few days. There will be plenty of time next week to send out resumes, respond to open positions, start the networking process, etc. But this week? Take a deep breath, get a tight grip on what’s most important to you, and lay a little preliminary groundwork for the search to come. Next week? You can get started on that resume and get ready to hit the job market in full stride.