The 60-day notice can be a very stressful environment. It’s important give yourself grace and time to reflect on the news that was given to you. Here is a easy to use checklist to provide a framework to follow along with as you’re navigating this tumultuous time.
First Week: Emotional and Immediate Steps
1. Take Time to Process the News
- Allow yourself time to absorb the news. Feeling upset or uncertain is normal but try to stay calm and gather your thoughts before acting.
2. Review Your Severance Package
- If offered, thoroughly read your severance agreement. Pay attention to details about your final paycheck, benefits, and any non-compete or non-disclosure clauses that may apply.
3. Contact Human Resources (HR)
- Get clarification on any outstanding questions regarding your severance package, final pay, and benefits.
- Ask about your last day of employment and how long you’ll have access to company resources like email or health insurance.
4. Understand Your Health Insurance Options
- Confirm how long your current health insurance coverage will last after the layoff.
- If necessary, inquire about COBRA (Continuing Health Coverage) options or alternative health insurance plans you may need to purchase.
5. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
- Immediately update your resume with your most recent position and accomplishments.
- Revise your LinkedIn profile, reflecting your job change. Make sure it’s professional and accurate.
First 10–14 Days: Financial & Administrative Tasks
6. File for Unemployment Benefits
- Apply for unemployment benefits through your state’s unemployment office. The process may take a few weeks, so it’s important to get started as soon as possible.
7. Create a Budget
- Assess your current financial situation and make adjustments based on your savings, severance, unemployment benefits, and reduced income.
- Cut non-essential expenses to extend your financial runway.
8. Review Your 401(k) or Pension
- If you have a 401(k) or other retirement plan, decide whether to leave it with your former employer, roll it over to an IRA, or move it to your new employer’s plan (if applicable).
- If unsure, consult with a financial advisor to discuss your best options.
9. File Your Taxes
- If you received a severance or other payments, make sure to consider how they might affect your tax filing.
- Keep records of any unemployment benefits you receive, as they are taxable.
10. Update Your Contact Information
- Notify relevant parties (banks, subscriptions, creditors) of your job change, especially if your contact information or benefits are affected by your layoff.
Week 2–4: Job Search Preparation
11. Start Networking
- Reach out to former colleagues, professional connections, and recruiters to let them know you’re actively looking for work.
- Attend virtual or in-person networking events to expand your circle.
12. Set Up Job Alerts
- Create job alerts on popular job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to receive notifications for relevant positions.
- Research companies you’re interested in and sign up for their job alerts as well.
13. Research Potential Career Paths
- Take some time to assess your career goals. Do you want to stay in the same industry, or is it time for a career shift?
- If needed, invest time in gaining new skills (online courses, certifications, etc.) to enhance your marketability.
14. Apply for Jobs
- Begin applying to relevant positions. Aim to apply to several jobs each week.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application to stand out.
Week 4–6: Expanding Your Job Search and Financial Adjustments
15. Update Your Portfolio or Website
- If relevant, update or create a portfolio or personal website to showcase your work, projects, and achievements.
- This can be particularly important for jobs in design, marketing, or writing.
16. Consider Freelancing or Part-Time Work
- If full-time employment isn’t immediately available, consider freelancing or part-time work to keep income flowing.
- Use platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr to find freelance opportunities.
17, Apply for Temporary or Contract Work
- Many companies hire temporary or contract workers as a bridge before permanent hires. This can be a great opportunity to get back into the workforce quickly.
Week 6–8: Refining Your Job Search and Personal Development
19. Attend Interviews
- Be prepared to attend interviews, whether virtual or in-person. Practice common interview questions and highlight your skills, experiences, and why you’re the right fit for the role.
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
20. Review Your Online Presence
- Review and clean up your social media profiles, especially LinkedIn. Potential employers may look at your online presence during the hiring process, so make sure it reflects professionalism.
- If necessary, Google yourself to see what information is available publicly.
21. Stay Organized
- Keep track of the jobs you apply to, the deadlines, and any follow-up actions required. Use tools like spreadsheets or job-tracking apps to stay organized.
- Respond promptly to interview requests and follow up with recruiters or hiring managers after interviews.
Week 8–9: Reevaluating and Long-Term Planning
22. Evaluate Your Career Goals
- Take time to reflect on your career goals. Do you want to return to the same type of work, or is this an opportunity to pivot to a new career path?
- If applicable, start considering further education or certifications to make you more competitive in the job market.
23. Revisit Your Financial Plan
- Assess your financial status again. If you’ve been unemployed for two months, it may be time to reassess your budget and consider adjusting it to extend your savings.
- If you haven’t already, look into cutting unnecessary expenses and building an emergency fund if possible.
24. Stay Positive and Keep Up Momentum
- Job hunting can be exhausting, and it’s easy to get discouraged. Set small, achievable goals each day and maintain a positive mindset.
- Keep networking, learning, and applying for jobs, even if it feels slow.
Beyond 60 Days: Stay Flexible
After the 60-day mark, if you haven’t secured a new position yet, continue refining your job search. Reassess your financial situation, seek additional support from job agencies or career coaches, and keep applying for roles that align with your goals. If needed, consider further diversifying your skills or transitioning into a new field altogether.
Remember, while being laid off can feel overwhelming, staying proactive, organized, and optimistic can help you successfully navigate the transition to your next career opportunity.