9 Steps to Take After a Job Loss to Land a New Opportunity

A layoff doesn’t have to derail your career path. Make these moves to re-charge and find your next job.

By Venus Gentile, Monster Contributor

It's every worker's nightmare. You wake up, get dressed, grab breakfast, and arrive at the office looking sharp and ready to start the day - only to be called into your boss' office. Then, the news hits you: you're getting laid off. There's a termination letter with your name on it. Job loss is tough, but you're tougher.

Being laid off from work is jolting, even if you saw it coming. But it can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are beyond your control. You must be strong if you want to land on your feet.

It's natural to feel a mix of emotions—shock, sadness, and maybe even relief if the job was grinding you down. But now's not the time to get lost in the whirlwind of feelings. Instead, it's time to pivot and focus on what you can control.

Losing a job gives you the time to think about what you really want in your career. Maybe you've always wanted to switch industries or pick up a new skill. Well, now's your chance.

So, while a job loss is a bummer, it's not the end of the road. You've got the tools and the drive to turn this setback into a setup for something extraordinary. Take these steps to bounce back and find your next job.

Your 9-Step Guide to Thriving After a Job Loss

A layoff can feel like a stumbling block, but it's also an opportunity for growth and new beginnings. Following these nine steps can help you manage the situation proactively and return to the workforce even stronger than before.

1. Take Some Time to Grieve

After a job loss, you might feel compelled to hit the job listings and send out 50 resumes the very next day, but it’s OK to take a few days to mourn the loss of your job. Surprise, anger, anxiety, fear – people who get laid off cycle through all these emotions. It’s normal to feel discombobulated.

The important thing is to acknowledge your feelings so that you can process what’s happened and move on. Remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It might take some time, but you will find another job. But before you do, try journaling to help you process your emotions and cut yourself some slack when it comes to the self-talk.

2. File for Unemployment

Ideally, you'll be back at work before too long, but it's worth filing for unemployment while you're looking. In most states, workers can receive unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks. Because requirements also vary by state, you'll want to check with your state's Department of Labor to see whether you meet the necessary criteria.

Typically, states facilitate the process by enabling people to apply online. Remember that if you received severance from your last employer, you might not qualify for unemployment benefits until your severance payments stop.

3. Evaluate Your Career Goals

It may not seem like it at first, but a job loss can be a blessing. Indeed, this is the perfect time to reflect on where you are in your career.

Do you want to move to a new city? Do you want to go back to school? Do you want to continue working in your field or change jobs? If you’re in an industry where the number of jobs is declining, a layoff is the perfect opportunity to think about a career transition.

4. Line Up Your References

Your former boss might not be your favorite person after getting laid off, but it's a good idea to ask them for a reference now while you're still fresh in their mind. Ask for a letter of recommendation that speaks to your skills, work ethic, and expertise.

You can suggest talking points to streamline the process, such as, "Thank you for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for me. I was hoping you could mention my role in our major campaign and how my social media posts helped increase our company's site traffic."

Don't forget about other professional references such as former colleagues, clients, or mentors. Later on, when you start going to job interviews, let your references know when they can expect a call from a prospective employer.

5. Assess Your Finances

Hopefully, you have an emergency fund in place to cover your living expenses for a few months while you search for a job. Either way, you may have to tighten your discretionary spending to stay financially afloat.

Evaluating your financial situation will also help determine how long you can go without a job. Consider meeting with a financial planner if you need help managing your budget (you can find one at NAPFA.org.)

6. Pick Up Work as a Contractor

One way to generate income and keep your skills fresh while looking for a full-time job is to pick up freelance work. This will likely be part-time while you get your ducks in a row. If you have trouble finding consistent hours jobs in your field, consider a gig economy job.

There is one caveat, though: You most likely won’t be able to collect unemployment benefits if you’re working part-time. But the money you make as a contractor might very well exceed what you’d receive for unemployment each month.

7. Tap into Your Connections

In addition to applying for jobs, connect with your industry contacts after your job loss. Start with people you know well, who you can be honest with, and who are invested in the success of your career.

A phone or video call is the best method of communication, but if you’re more comfortable sending an email, make sure you know what you’re asking the person for, e.g.:

  • Hey, I know it’s been a while. I’ve got some exciting news to share. I’m looking for new job opportunities and would love to get your advice over coffee”.

Before meeting up, do your homework and find out where the person is in their career. If your old co-worker just got promoted, for instance, that can be a great talking point during the conversation.

8. Attend Networking Events

Schmoozing with strangers can feel awkward at first, but networking can lead to a job, plain and simple. Therefore, if you haven’t done so already, you’ll want to join professional associations to gain access to their events.

Feel uneasy meeting new people? Send the attendees you’d like to meet an email ahead of time introducing yourself and mentioning that you’d like to connect in person at the event, e.g.:

  • Hi, I saw your name on the speaking docket and look forward to learning more about your company. Would love to grab coffee at the event!”

And before you go, craft an answer to the question, “Why did you leave your last job?” The key is to put a positive spin on your job loss. For example:

  • My company was acquired, and I was part of a staff reduction that affected about 15% of our employees. But now I’ve been given an opportunity to focus on having a more direct impact on customers than in my previous job.

Having a statement about getting laid off already prepared will help boost your confidence. In turn, it can significantly improve your networking skills.

9. Update Your Resume

Your resume is your best marketing tool, so make sure you regularly update it to display your ever-increasing skill set. That said, it should reflect that you’re currently unemployed. One approach is to address why you were terminated in your cover letter or resume’s career summary section (e.g., “Laid off as part of a 10% reduction in staff”).

Another way to strengthen your resume while you’re job searching is to join a professional association and take on a volunteer position, such as an events coordinator, that you can add to your work experience. If you’re working part-time or freelancing, include on your resume that you’re currently a contractor, and list some of the clients you work for.

And remember that just because you were laid off from one job doesn’t mean companies will pass you by. Position yourself properly and eagerly go after new opportunities. Eventually, you’ll find a new career that’s right up your alley.

Turn Your Job Loss into a New Opportunity

Start strategizing for a brighter, more fulfilling future. Begin your new journey by creating a free Monster profile and peruse our job listings. Upload your resume, and we'll help connect you with recruiters looking for candidates with your skills. We also send you customized job alerts and expert career advice to help you find a new position you'll love.