Job Searching After Being Laid Off: A Practical First Week
September 21, 2026 · 1 min read
The first week after a layoff sets the tone — here is what actually matters to do first.
Right after a layoff, it's tempting to either dive in frantically or shut down entirely. Neither extreme serves you well.
Handle the practical first
File for Employment Insurance as soon as possible (there's a waiting period, so delaying costs you money), confirm your severance and benefits timeline, and check what happens to your health coverage.
Update your materials before applying broadly
Spend a day or two refreshing your resume and LinkedIn before mass-applying — a rushed first wave of applications with outdated materials often wastes good opportunities.
Tell your network directly
A short, factual post or message to your network is more effective than staying quiet — most job leads come through people, not job boards alone.
Ready for your next job?
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