I was laid off. How should I handle it with my immediate job search?

11 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 28,2025 at 4:41PM UTC

   If the company is closing or there is no chance of a callback or transfer to another department, then update your resume and profiles on your job search sites as soon as possible. If you can be called back, you may want to wait 30 days or so. Either way, don't wait too long to change the end date.

2. AnonymousFebruary 28,2025 at 9:59PM UTC

   Yes, update it with the month such as February 2025. Then upload your resume to your LinkedIn account so it's viewable and set you profile to seeking work. Yes, tell your network available immediately. Your resume is a live document that should outline where you are currently in your work life. I'm a former recruiter and work with hiring managers on a daily basis. Also, go to your alma mater (if degreed) to see if they have an alumni networking program and also, the career center to see if they have a recruiting system by which you can use to find work. Tell EVERYONE, you are available and interested in applying/interviewing and starting a new role. I've been laid off in my life twice in one year. Talk about an interesting resume, but didn't affect me one bit. Sorry to know about the layoff, it totally sucks, been through it. And that was in my late 40's and now I'm 60, loving work life and you will be back in the game very soon.

3. Maggie SoldanoMarch 1,2025 at 5:08PM UTC

   Three recommendations:

   ONE: Buy the book Never Search Alone, and connect with their community on Phyl.com . Lots of people I know are doing this and are so happy they did. This is not something you can do without a support group.
   TWO: Look for every free webinar you can find on navigating the job search. Career coaches will sometimes even offer you a free LinkedIn or resume evaluation. (Just be prepared, they all say something different, but it's worth testing to see which approach works for your unique profile.)
   THREE: Make sure you prepare yourself for a long search, just in case. I got a therapist ASAP when I was RIFed and it was the best thing I ever did. This job hunt will challenge your resolve, self esteem, and mental health. Preventive care recommended! I'm so sorry you're going through this. But know you 're not alone. You're worthy of good things and with stamina and determination, you'll get there. You got this!

4. AnonymousMarch 3,2025 at 1:20PM UTC

   If you have more than a couple years experience, I recommend changing the dates on your resume from month/year to just year. That way if it is November and you are still looking then end date will just say 2025. To someone reviewing your resume you may have left that role a couple earlier (as opposed to 8 months earlier).

5. AnonymousMarch 3,2025 at 3:06PM UTC

   I was laid off last year, and my career coach advised me to update the timeframes on my resume as year only. (I previously had it as Month Year.) This was my career coach assigned from the outplacement service paid by the company I was laid off from. See if you have access to an outplacement service as a result of your layoff, by the way. Likely not all companies offer that, but it's good to check. I was provided that information a couple months after my access was cut-off; it was included in my severance package agreement.

   I would also caveat that changing the format to only reflect years would likely work best if you have a few years of work experience already.

6. AnonymousMarch 3,2025 at 3:55PM UTC

   replying to my own comment: I would additionally share that you should make your resume as accurate as possible regarding your layoff. meaning - my access was cut off 2 weeks after i was informed, but I was still "employed" for another 2.5 months after that. (This is related to the WARN act: I was informed of my layoff 3 months in advance due to local/state law.) As a result, my resume and LinkedIn reflected that I was still employed up until my formal termination date. After that date, I changed my CV and removed "Present" from the last role and replaced the end date to "2024." And yes, immediately share that you're looking for work with your network, because that's where you'll have the most success in landing a new job. You do need to be transparent about the layoff, so as to prevent any issues when it comes to checking your employment history. But you don't have to go into much detail besides that it was a restructure and you're looking forward to your next opportunity.

7. AnonymousMarch 3,2025 at 7:03PM UTC

   Leave it for now as present. When you get into final conversations you can share end date. If asked why clearly represent the percentage of staff affected by this so they know you were not isolated by this event. Good luck.

8. AnonymousMarch 4,2025 at 1:35PM UTC

   Keep the date as Present and you can talk about it in the interview. The application on the other hand may request actual dates and you will need to enter truthfully on the application as it is a legal document. I did that when I received a RIF.

   The other jobs use year only unless you have have started and ended more than one job in the year.

   Keep your head held high. I know it is very hard as you spend time questioning yourself on what you did wrong. Know it was a restructuring and you just happen to be caught up in that. Become very comfortable talking about your layoff. Practice that conversation in the car, in front of the mirror, with friends and family. Never be ashamed of what happened. Unfortunately, you will meet a few interviewers who will try to make you feel less for what happened. Do not let them.

9. AnonymousMarch 4,2025 at 1:49PM UTC

   I would be truthful from the start and add the month and date. If a recruiter asks if you're currently employed and then you tell them that you were laid off, it may raise some red flags on their end and question what isn't 100% accurate on your resume.

10. AnonymousMarch 4,2025 at 2:14PM UTC

    First off: I've lived this. Reassure yourself that there is no shame in being laid off in a restructuring -- the company was changing its strategy and your position, through no fault of your own, did not fit that strategy, therefore you were laid off during the restructuring. Say it evenly, calmly and with confidence in interviews -- because it's true. I've had people try to shame me or insinuate that something was wrong with me -- that is NOT true.

    Secondly, you are absolutely on the right track -- and to echo other comments here and what is considered standard job market practice (according to multiple career coaches in the New York City area); keep it "Present" on your LI and resume for @ three months, after which put everything in past tense and include the end month. Do take the day dates off all your jobs. If you have more than 10 years employment, take the months off. If more than 15 years of experience, include only those 15 years, everything before goes in Additional Experience with minimal description and no dates (none).Good luck!

11. Dawn McDonnellMarch 4,2025 at 2:38PM UTC

    I’ll second that. VG advice. You’re going to see upcoming massive unemployment coming our way. The economic figures are coming around more realistically. Stay lean on your budget. Figure out your health insurance ie Golden rule basics. While u look . Good idea to put some biz cards together ( Vista Print) create yourself as a Consultant ( expert in whatever your good at to literally sell yourself. Start taking any online Coursera classes anything that’s free to one up your skills. Get a sense of urgency WILLING to take jobs with LESS money in a field or company you’re interested in. Y? Find it, Get it, then learn something WHILE you continue looking. Effffem. USE em and Lose em . It’s survival baby and no one cares.- FIFO. First in first out letting go of 55 & over . That’s the reality we are facing NOW. Buckle up , save, know it’s going to be a rough ride.

    Think …….. out of the box. Is there something I can start on my own? Is there anyone I can call to partner with? Get to every contact you can maybe in something new if it pays less. Really work Linked In .
    Get ready for your own personal WAR. If I am scaring you - Good. No time to waste with unemployment ticking up more than we have seen in years. The numbers out there are lying so getttttter going.
    wishing you strength , faith in yourself & the spirit of perseverance in your rejections . Make it a daily and weekly focused deal taking care of your mental and physical self. while being tight on finances. Remember UNEMPLOYMENT is a taxable event.