What You Should Do In The First 30 Days After A Layoff

Introduction

Losing a job can shake up your world in ways you never saw coming. I know, because I’ve been there.

In the first 30 days after a layoff, everything feels uncertain—your schedule, your income, even your confidence. But how you handle those first few weeks can set the tone for what comes next.

In this post, I’ll walk you through why those initial days matter so much and what steps I recommend taking right away.

Why the First 30 Days Matter

When you’re laid off, it’s easy to fall into a “freeze” mindset: you might find yourself scrolling through job boards without a plan or simply avoiding what’s in front of you. Unfortunately, that pause can cost you time, money, and a sense of control.

Research shows that the monthly layoff and discharge rate in February 2025 was 1.1%, roughly the same as the average over the previous year, indicating that layoffs remain common across industries USAFacts.

Meanwhile, the national unemployment rate was 4.2% in April 2025, translating to about 7.2 million people out of work Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In other words, you’re far from alone, but the competition for roles is present, and employers often fill positions quickly. Getting a head start in those first 30 days can help you stand out and regain stability faster.

A clearer grasp of your situation also fights back against the fear that so often creeps in. Solid actions—like lining up a budget, claiming any benefits you qualify for, and setting daily targets—help you feel less helpless.

Rather than facing an unknown stretch, you have a purpose for each day. Over the next sections, I’ll break down exactly what to do, step by step.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Losing a job isn’t just about missing a paycheck. It can trigger stress, anxiety, even grief.

If you try to sprint into job hunting without pausing to breathe and process, you risk burnout or making choices you’ll regret.

I’m not saying you need therapy (though that is an option); sometimes talking things out with a friend or writing down your feelings can make all the difference. Here are some ideas that helped me:

Acknowledge your feelings. It’s OK to feel disappointed, angry, or scared. Permit yourself to have those moments without judging yourself.
Set up a simple routine. Sleep at consistent times. Go for a walk daily—even a short 20-minute stroll can lift your mood.
Lean on supportive people. Let close friends or family know what you’re going through. You might be surprised by how many have faced a similar situation.
Look into free or low-cost counseling. Many communities have mental health resources, or your local unemployment office might point you to counseling hotlines.

Taking time for your mental health helps you think clearly and stay resilient through challenges. When you feel more balanced, you approach your next steps with confidence instead of dread.

Assess Your Financial Situation

Once the initial shock fades, reality sets in: bills still need paying. You might have an emergency fund, but do you know how long it will last? This stage is all about clarity:

List out your fixed expenses first: rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, loan payments. Be brutally honest.
Identify areas to cut or pause. Can you pause streaming subscriptions? Trim dining-out expenses? Adjust your phone plan?
Apply for unemployment benefits right away. In many states, you can file online and start collecting a few weeks after application; the sooner you file, the less waiting you endure. Check your state’s unemployment portal for details—most offer step-by-step guides.
Research any extensions or additional support. Some states offer rental assistance programs or utility discounts during unemployment.
Create a bare-bones budget. Focus on essentials—food, housing, healthcare—so you know exactly how much wiggle room you have.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average duration of unemployment in early 2025 hovered around 15 weeks, though this varies by sector and region Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you can stretch your savings for at least three months, you give yourself breathing room to find a role that fits rather than rushing into something underpaying or off-mission.

Update Your Resume and Online Presence

Once you’ve settled initial emotions and finances, it’s time to sharpen your tools. Think of your resume, LinkedIn profile, and any personal website or portfolio as your storefront. If they’re outdated or scattershot, hiring managers may not take a second look.

Revise your resume to highlight recent accomplishments, skills, and projects. Focus on measurable results: Did you increase sales by 15%? Lead a team of eight? Those details matter.
Tailor it to roles you want. If you’re aiming for marketing roles, spotlight campaigns you managed. If you’re a software engineer, emphasize languages and frameworks you know.
Refresh your LinkedIn profile. Use a friendly, professional photo. Write a headline that clearly states your expertise (e.g., “Digital Marketing Specialist Helping Brands Grow Online”). Make sure your summary is concise, active, and reflects your voice—write like you’d speak to a colleague.
Enable “Open to Work” settings. Recruiters often search LinkedIn for candidates explicitly seeking opportunities.
Gather references and ask past colleagues or supervisors if they’d be willing to vouch for you. You can inform them about the kinds of roles you’re targeting.

If you haven’t already, create accounts on major job boards—Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and industry-specific sites.

Set up job alerts so listings drop into your inbox. A polished resume and consistent online presence signal to employers that you’re serious and prepared.

Refresh Your Skills

When layoffs spike, competition for every opening increases. One way to stay ahead is to update or expand your skill set. Online learning platforms have tons of free or cheap courses—LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or even YouTube tutorials.

Identify in-demand skills in your field. Read job descriptions for roles you like and note repeated requirements. Do they ask for advanced Excel, Python scripting, Google Ads, or project management?
Enroll in quick courses or certifications. For example, Google offers free career certificates in areas like data analytics or IT support. These can take a few weeks and add a recent credential to your resume.
Practice through side projects. If you’re aiming for graphic design, create sample mockups. If you’re into coding, build a small app or contribute to an open-source project. Having tangible work to show can impress hiring teams.
Attend free webinars or virtual meetups. Many organizations host sessions on emerging tools or best practices. They’re good for learning and networking.

Spending even an hour or two each day on skill building can make your resume stand out. Employers often prioritize candidates who show initiative—self-learning signals dedication.

Network Strategically

It’s tempting to send résumés and wait for replies, but referrals still account for a large share of hires.

Knock down walls: tell friends, ex-colleagues, mentors, and professional contacts that you’re looking. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Craft a brief outreach message. Instead of “Hey, I got laid off, do you know any leads?” try: “Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well. I recently became available and am exploring roles in [field]. If you hear of any openings or have suggestions, I’d love to hear. I appreciate your time and any guidance.”
Reconnect with old contacts. If you haven’t spoken to someone in a while, a short, warm message asking how they’re doing and mentioning you’re on the job market can open doors.
Attend virtual or in-person networking events. Local meetups, industry conferences, or alumni groups often host mixers. Even if it feels awkward, committing to a couple of events helps you meet new people.
Use LinkedIn to engage with content. Comment on posts by leaders in your industry, share relevant articles, or write short posts showcasing your insights. As you contribute value, people will notice.
Offer help in return. Maybe you can introduce two contacts, offer to proofread a colleague’s project, or share an interesting article. Networking works best when it’s reciprocal.

In February 2025, the professional services industry had a layoff rate of 1.9%, higher than other sectors USAFacts.

So if you’re in that field, tapping into networks may be the quickest way to find the hidden roles that never make it to job boards.

Create a Job Search Plan

Job searching can feel like a full-time job (because it often is). To avoid overwhelm, structure your approach:

Set daily or weekly goals. For example: “Apply to five roles this week,” “Attend one networking event,” “Connect with three people on LinkedIn,” or “Spend two hours learning a new skill.”
Track applications in a spreadsheet. Record job title, company, date applied, follow-up date, and contact information. This keeps you organized and ensures you know when to send a nudge or move on.
Customize your applications. Sending a generic resume and cover letter is less effective than tweaking each one to include keywords from the job description. Applicant-tracking systems (ATS) often filter resumes by matching phrases.
Practice interviewing. Use common interview questions or situational examples in your field. Have a friend role-play with you. The more you rehearse, the more natural you’ll feel under pressure.
Take breaks and celebrate small wins. Got an interview scheduled? That’s progress. Got positive feedback? Celebrate. Each step is a win that moves you forward.

Sticking to a plan helps you stay motivated. Instead of checking your inbox obsessively, you know exactly what you should be doing each day—whether it’s learning something new, reaching out, or sending applications.

Explore Alternative Income Streams

While searching for full-time work, consider ways to supplement income. That could mean freelancing, consulting, temp gigs, or part-time roles. Here’s how I approached it once:

List skills that translate to freelance work. If I was a graphic designer, could I do logos on Fiverr? If I was a writer, could I write blog posts on Upwork?
Research local temp agencies. Many companies hire temporary workers to fill short-term needs—administrative support, customer service, data entry.
Think about tutoring or teaching. If you know a language, computer software, or academic subject, parents and students often look for tutors.
Offer yard work, pet sitting, or rideshare services, depending on your flexibility.
Watch out for scams. Legitimate platforms don’t ask you to pay upfront. Do your research and read reviews before committing.

Extra gigs help you cover essentials without depleting savings too quickly. Plus, they keep you active and may open doors to unexpected opportunities.

Stay Positive and Maintain a Routine

When days bleed into each other, it’s easy to slip into a rut. Creating a consistent routine helps you feel in control:

Wake up at the same time each morning.
Schedule breaks, meals, exercise—treat them like appointments you can’t miss.
Set specific “office hours” for job hunting. Outside those hours, step away—go for a walk, binge a show, or call a friend.
Block time for skill building and networking too, so you get a variety of tasks each day.
Use reminders or planners—digital or paper—to keep track. Crossing items off your list gives a tiny boost of accomplishment.

A routine may sound rigid, but it frees you. When you know you’ll check applications in the late morning, you don’t wake up thinking, “What should I do today?” Instead, you glance at your plan and start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I accept a lower-paying job just to have income?

Only you can weigh that. If you’re close to exhausting savings, a short-term lower-paying role might ease financial pressure.

But keep searching for roles that match your long-term goals. Set a timeline—e.g., “I’ll do temp work for two months, then resume my full-time search.”

How do I handle explaining my layoff in interviews?

Be honest and concise. You can say, “My position was eliminated due to reorganization” (or the truthful reason).

Then pivot: “Since then, I’ve been focusing on updating my skills in [X] and networking. I’m excited to contribute my experience in [skill/industry] here.”

Is it worth taking online courses while unemployed?

Absolutely, especially if the courses fill a gap or teach an in-demand skill. Employers notice candidates who self-invest. Just be mindful of your time—balance learning with job applications and networking.

How do I stay motivated when applications aren’t getting responses?

Treat rejections or silence as normal. According to Recruiter.com, the average job opening attracts 250 resumes, and only four to six candidates are called for interviews, with one hired.

Keep reworking your materials, lean on your support network, and remember that persistence pays off.

Further Resources

Below are a few resources I found helpful and believe you might too:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Unemployment Information: For the latest unemployment data, benefit details, and career resources. Visit BLS Unemployment
CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, it offers tools for resume building, skill assessments, and job search guidance. Explore CareerOneStop
LinkedIn Learning: A subscription-based platform with courses on tech, business, and creative skills. Many libraries offer free access with a library card. Browse LinkedIn Learning
Coursera: Free and paid certificates from top universities. They offer financial aid for many courses. Check Coursera Courses
Glassdoor: To research company reviews, salaries, and interview experiences—all helpful when preparing for interviews. See Glassdoor
Book: What Color Is Your Parachute? A classic job-hunting guide that offers worksheets, exercises, and a positive mindset. Many find the yearly edition indispensable.
Local Workforce Centers: Most states have centers offering free career counseling, resume workshops, and access to job fairs.

Conclusion

Facing a layoff is never easy, but the way you use the first 30 days can make a huge difference in how quickly you bounce back.

By caring for your mental health, getting your finances in order, updating your resume, and building new skills, you’re taking control of your future.

Everyone’s path looks different: some may land a job in three weeks, others might take a few months.

What matters is that you keep moving forward, lean on your network, and stay open to possibilities you hadn’t thought of before.

So here’s my question for you: What will you focus on in your first 30 days to set yourself up for success?