Navigating layoffs: a practical first 72-hour checklist
You just lost your job. The next 72 hours set the tone for what follows. This checklist helps you focus on paperwork, immediate finances and sensible first moves for the job search.
Immediate priorities in the first few hours
Breathe. Small steps first. Your head will be full. Keep notes.
Ask for the follow up email or letter if you have not yet received it. Confirm last day, severance, accrued holiday pay, final salary date and any continued benefits. Get contact details for HR and the person who can answer questions about paperwork.
Do not sign anything you do not understand on the spot. If they offer a severance agreement, ask for time to read it or take it away for advice. You can request written confirmation of what was said during the meeting.
Retrieve personal items if allowed, or ask about a plan for collection. Backup personal files from your work laptop only if explicitly permitted, and follow company policy.
Who should you tell first?
Tell family or a close friend so you have immediate emotional support and someone who can help make practical calls. Keep the initial circle small.
Notify your partner or anyone on your mortgage or joint accounts if financial commitments could be affected. This avoids late fees or stress later.
If you have a union, works council or legal advisor, get in touch early to understand rights and timelines.
First 72-hour checklist
- **Confirm what you were told in writing**. Get an official termination letter or email that details severance, notice period, last pay date and any benefits continuation.
- **Check access and accounts**. Clarify when your email and systems will be disabled and arrange secure copies of essential personal contacts or documents.
- **Review severance and legal points**. Scan any agreement for non-compete clauses, confidentiality requirements and the window you have to sign or seek advice.
- **Register for unemployment or benefits**. Start the official claim process as soon as you can to avoid delays in payments you may rely on.
- **Freeze or adjust outgoing payments**. Pause or reduce subscriptions and non-essential spending until you know cash flow for the next month or two.
- **Contact a small number of recruiters and mentors**. Send a brief factual message to trusted contacts explaining your status and the roles you are considering.
How should you handle immediate finances?
Map out income and obligations for the next three months. Include rent or mortgage, utilities, childcare and minimum credit repayments. Know the exact amount you need to cover essentials.
Move non-essential payments to later or cancel where possible. Call lenders if a payment will be missed and ask about hardship arrangements, rather than letting things default.
If you have savings, decide on a short-term budget that stretches them. Consider a temporary freelance or part-time role if it helps bridge the gap.
Check whether your country offers emergency support for the unemployed, and apply early. Delays are common if forms or documents are missing.
What to say to recruiters and on LinkedIn?
Be brief and factual. Example message to a recruiter: I am available immediately following a recent redundancy; my background is in product design with three years in B2B SaaS. Are you seeing roles that fit? Keep it two sentences.
On LinkedIn, avoid a public cry for help. A short update that you are open to new opportunities and a one-line summary of the roles you are targeting works better. Use private messages to ask for introductions.
Share a clear ask when you reach out: specific role types, location flexibility and top skills. That helps contacts act fast on your behalf.
Looking after yourself and next steps
Create a simple plan for the coming week. Two tasks daily is enough: one networking item and one application or skill refresh.
Keep a routine. Sleep, exercise and short walks help clear thinking and maintain interview energy.
Prioritise quick wins. Update your CV to one clear page of recent achievements, refresh LinkedIn headline and request two references while memory of your work is fresh.
Set boundaries on news and social media. Constantly checking job boards will tire you. Focused effort beats frantic activity.
One last thing
The first 72 hours are about clarity, not speed. Secure what you need, tell a few people, and set a small, realistic job search plan.
You do not have to fix everything at once. Practical, steady steps will carry you through.
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