The 72 Hour Game Plan: What To Do Immediately After a Layoff...

ilenerein
Jun 3
7 min read

ILENE REIN | Executive Recruiter and Job Search Strategist

It happened.

You got called into your manager's office, and a Human Resources representative was sitting in the room when you entered.

Your heart sank, and you knew what was coming.

"You've been let go."

The words echoed in your ears as they handed you a packet of information, wished you luck, and escorted you out of the building.

You're now officially unemployed.

So what do you do next?

First off, if you’ve been laid off recently, I want to tell you that you are not alone.

You are not the first to be laid off, and you won't be the last.

This is just a bump in the road.

However, I know that losing your job is a gut punch, and emotions run high.

It is not only that you are losing your income, but also your routine, the environment that you go to every day, and the separation from friends and colleagues.

But don’t worry—this isn’t the end of the road.

My job as a Job Search Strategist and Executive Recruiter is to help you rewrite the next amazing chapter of your career.

When it feels like the rug has been pulled out, the next 72 hours are critical.

What you do (or don’t do) right now can make an enormous difference in how easily you transition to your next opportunity.

We’re not here to wallow—we’re here to strategize.

And today, I am sharing a step-by-step survival plan to get you back on track.

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Step 1: Take a Deep Breath (No, Really)

Okay, I know this sounds cliché, but trust me, you don’t need to run to LinkedIn or Indeed in the first 5 minutes after a layoff.

Your mental health is priority number one.

A 2022 study by the Pew Research Center found that 62% of Americans report experiencing stress and anxiety after losing a job. Totally normal, but let’s be real—stress can turn your brain into mashed potatoes right when you need to be firing on all cylinders. Sound familiar?

Take a few hours (or a day if you can swing it) to decompress. Vent to a trusted friend, write in a journal—do whatever it takes to clear your mind. Bonus points if you can keep your perspective positive.

This isn’t just an ending; it’s also a beginning.

[ 🔥FREE DOWNLOAD: The Ultimate Guide to Rebounding After A Layoff - Step-by-Step Guide To Quickly Land Your Next Job ]

Step 2: Understand Your Benefits

Before you think about job boards or polishing your resume, dig into the nitty-gritty of your ex-employer’s exit package. According to SHRM, 70% of employers offer some form of severance, but you'd be surprised how often people overlook the details.

Here’s what to look for:

Severance Pay: Is it a lump sum or staggered payments?
Health Insurance: Can you extend coverage through COBRA?
Outplacement Services: Some companies offer resume writing, career coaching, or LinkedIn workshops as part of their package.

A little tip—if your benefits package isn’t what you hoped for, negotiate! Employers often have a bit of wiggle room if you make a persuasive case.

You can also negotiate with your company to cover the costs of Outplacement Services. After all, it's a win-win situation for both parties. You receive the expert professional support you need to secure your next job, and they appear to be caring and supportive employers (even if they did just lay off a bunch of people).

Step 3: Update Your Tools of the Trade

All right, now we’re gearing up. Dust off that resume!

Pro tip... tailor your resume to focus on your achievements, not just your tasks. Studies show that resumes emphasizing measurable results are 40% more likely to grab recruiter attention.

Next, jump onto LinkedIn. Make it professional, polished, and keyword-rich. Recruiters often use specific terms to hunt for candidates, so check job descriptions for ideas on what keywords to include.

While you’re at it, work on your elevator pitch. You’ll need a simple, compelling way to explain your layoff when networking. Keep it short, honest, and forward-looking. For example, “My company recently went through restructuring, and my position was impacted. But it’s opened the door to exciting new opportunities, and I’m eager to bring my skills in [X] to the right team.”

Step 4: Activate Your Network

This is where the magic happens.

According to LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking—yes, 85%!

Within your first 72 hours, write a list of key contacts in your industry. These could be former peers, mentors, or even that co-worker you used to share snacks with.

Reach out with a message that’s polite and clear about your intentions.

People like to help, but they’re not mind readers. Ask for introductions, information about job openings, or just advice based on their own experiences.

Example message you can tweak:

“Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to share something personal—I was recently impacted by a layoff. I admire your work in [insert industry/company/role], and I’d be grateful if you could share any advice or opportunities you’re aware of. Thanks so much for your time!”

Step 5: Plan Your Routine

One of the hardest things about being laid off is the lack of structure, but you can create your own daily game plan.

Research suggests that establishing a routine can alleviate depression and boost productivity, especially during a job search.

Your routine might include:

Morning job applications (limit it to a couple of hours).
Afternoon coffee chats (informational interviews are golden).
Evening professional development (take that online course or read up on new trends in your industry).

Job hunting feels like a full-time job, doesn’t it?

But, it doesn’t have to take over your life.

Take a breather, treat yourself to some self-care (yes, Netflix counts), and remember to celebrate the little wins—like not crying after writing yet another cover letter.

Small victories, right?

BONUS STEP: Reach out for expert job search assistance

Feeling overwhelmed or stuck in your job search? Remember, you don’t have to navigate it on your own.

Working with a Job Search Strategist can transform your career journey. With a deep understanding of the job market and specialized expertise, we guide you through every step of the process. From identifying your strengths and crafting a standout resume to building confidence and acing interviews, we provide expert advice to match your unique goals.

Beyond personalized support, we offer valuable industry insights and connections to help you succeed.

My clients are getting hired 6x FASTER and for more money than job searching on their own.

Investing in professional job search guidance can save you time, reduce stress, and help you avoid common job search pitfalls. Plus, it will save you money in the long run!

Let's do the math...

Starting salaries are on average $50,000 ($4,000 monthly)

That means that you lose $4,000 for every month you are out of work. If you are looking for 10 months, that means you have lost $40,000!

For a salary of $100,000 - you could lose $80,000.

For a salary of $200,000 - you could lose $160,000.

This is some serious dollars that you could be leaving on the table.

My most recent client was searching for a job on their own for 10 months. Within 1 month in my program, they became employed.

If they had started working with me 10 months prior to the beginning of their search, they could have saved $40,000!

Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself during this time—your next opportunity could be closer than you think! With the right support, you’ll be better equipped to take the next step in your career journey.

[ 🔥FREE DOWNLOAD: The Ultimate Guide to Rebounding After A Layoff - Step-by-Step Guide To Quickly Land Your Next Job ]

Checklist to Keep You On Track

Here’s a handy rundown of your 72-hour action plan to help guide you through this process like a pro (and maybe lower your stress a bit, too):

[ ] Take time to process and regroup emotionally.
[ ] Review severance, benefits, and exit paperwork.
[ ] Update your resume with measurable accomplishments.
[ ] Polish your LinkedIn profile (add keywords!).
[ ] Craft your elevator pitch.
[ ] Make a networking contact list.
[ ] Start reaching out to key connections.
[ ] Create a daily routine that balances productivity and self-care.

Let's Go!!!

Layoffs are tough, but they can also be the beginning of something incredible.

I’ve seen countless clients turn moments of uncertainty into opportunities for growth and success. You’ve got this, and I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Till next time, stay strong and keep pounding the pavement!

Ilene Rein

Job Search Strategist & Executive Recruiter

Pounding Pavement 101

Schedule a Job Search Consultation to strategize about your job search and how to get hired for your dream job in record time.

Searching for a job can feel overwhelming, and it's easy to fall into common pitfalls that hold you back from landing your dream role. Consider working with a professional expert Job Search Strategist to give you a competitive edge.

Book a complimentary consultation on my calendar to discuss your unique situation and learn how I can help you rise above your competition, become the candidate of choice, and secure employment quickly.

Together, we'll develop a tailored strategy to showcase your strengths and get you hired in record time.

Take charge of your career today and schedule your complimentary job search consultation at http://gethired.careers/.

Visit https://www.poundingpavement101.com for more job search tips and resources.

Check out the DETAILED STATISTICS of the Pounding Pavement 101 Foolproof, Job-Getting, Career-Building System:

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Ilene Rein is an Executive Recruiter and Job Search Strategist.

Ilene teaches job seekers exactly how to market themselves with laser precision to employers using inside secrets from the Recruiter's perspective, exponentially increasing their chances of getting noticed and hired rapidly!

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Smart, Ambitious, Successful Job Seekers who landed their dream jobs in record time using the Pounding Pavement 101 Foolproof, Job-Getting, Career-Building System.

You can be one of them too!

The Ultimate #1 Plan To Speed Up Your Job Search And Get Hired Rapidly

The 72 Hour Game Plan: What To Do Immediately After a Layoff...

🔴 SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR EXPERT JOB SEARCHING STRATEGIES TO GET YOU HIRED RAPIDLY IN YOUR DREAM JOB:

Step 1: Take a Deep Breath (No, Really)

Step 2: Understand Your Benefits

Step 3: Update Your Tools of the Trade

Step 4: Activate Your Network

Step 5: Plan Your Routine

BONUS STEP: Reach out for expert job search assistance

Checklist to Keep You On Track

Let's Go!!!

Schedule a Job Search Consultation to strategize about your job search and how to get hired for your dream job in record time.

Smart, Ambitious, Successful Job Seekers who landed their dream jobs in record time using the Pounding Pavement 101 Foolproof, Job-Getting, Career-Building System.

You can be one of them too!

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