Five Essential Steps to Take Before Job Hunting After Being Laid Off

When faced with job loss, the instinct for many is to jump straight into searching for new employment. However, in moments of stress, hasty decisions rarely match the wisdom that comes after thoughtful consideration and goal evaluation.

Having spent over a decade in the recruiting industry, I've compiled five critical actions individuals should undertake before diving back into the job market post-layoff.

1. Promptly File for Unemployment Benefits

The process to apply for unemployment varies by state and has significantly slowed since the pandemic hit. I've observed delays of several months for benefit disbursement; hence it's crucial to file as soon as you're eligible.

Receiving unemployment benefits carries an unwarranted stigma, but it's important to remember this is a fund you have contributed to and are entitled to. View it as a safety net owed to you.

2. Revise Your Résumé Thoughtfully

While guidelines on résumé crafting abound, focus on effectiveness rather than format. Your primary goal should be to highlight the key information that a recruiter needs to quickly determine your qualifications.

Evaluate your résumé critically: ensure the most important details stand out immediately at first glance. Also, remove superficial buzzwords like "dedicated," "goal-driven," and "team-player" that add little value.

3. Refresh Your LinkedIn Presence

Consider LinkedIn as a tool for recruiters and hiring managers to discover talent. Think about how you would search for yourself if you were the recruiter. Include specific descriptions like "startup-focused front-end engineer" to enhance visibility.

Be wary of catchy phrases in your LinkedIn headline that sound nice but might not serve your immediate goal of finding a job.

4. Announce Your Layoff Strategically

When posting about your layoff on LinkedIn, the announcement will attract more views than usual, so it's important to communicate effectively. Avoid long, sentimental posts about experiences and colleagues.

Instead, start directly by mentioning your layoff and briefly outline your skills and the type of role you're pursuing. This approach is more likely to engage potential recruiters.

5. Allow Yourself Time to Gather Perspective

Taking a step back after a layoff is essential for emotional processing and reassessing career aspirations. It's akin to needing space after ending a long-term relationship: time to digest, evaluate, and plan ahead.

While some may opt for extended breaks like traveling, any pause — whether it's a day, evening, or leisurely walk — can be beneficial for personal reflection.

Connect with a Recruiting Expert

For those with valuable job search insights, feel free to contact editor Manseen Logan at mlogan@businessinsider.com.