Job Search Action Plan: What to Do in the First 2 Weeks After a Layoff
I’m in the second week of my job search. Week 1 was all about preparation—laying the groundwork to ensure a focused and effective approach. This week, I’ve pivoted to disciplined execution, making sure I’m taking consistent daily actions to move closer to my next role.
Week 1 - Preparation
Jumping straight into job applications without preparation can lead to wasted effort. Week 1 was all about getting organized and setting myself up for success. Here’s what I focused on:
Update Your Resume: On Day 1, I reviewed and updated my resume to reflect my most recent accomplishments and roles. I also created a master version that I could tweak for specific applications.
Set Up LinkedIn for Success: I upgraded to LinkedIn Premium to unlock features like InMail and profile insights. I also set up Job Search Alerts to receive daily notifications about new roles that fit my criteria (more on that in another post). And on day 2, I updated LinkedIn to ensure my profile matched my resume.
Prepare a Networking List: I spent the rest of Day 2 identifying people in my professional network who might be able to help. This included former colleagues, mentors, and industry connections.
Week 2: Daily Activities
With preparation complete, my focus shifted to taking consistent daily actions. I do the following every day:
Review LinkedIn Alerts: Once my Job Alerts were set up, LinkedIn started sending me daily notifications about relevant opportunities. I use the mobile app to get push notifications in real-time, making it easy to act quickly. When I see a promising job, I add it to my Google Docs ‘Jobs List’ for tracking.
Network: Networking is just as important—if not more so—than submitting applications. Every day, I reach out to at least one person in my network via LinkedIn messages. I briefly explain my situation, share what I’m looking for, and ask if they can help. This simple habit has already yielded one referral, which led to my first interview.
Apply to Jobs: I’ve set a goal to apply to at least one job every day. At the start of each day, I review my ‘Jobs List,’ prioritize the most interesting role, and tailor my resume for the application. This ensures I’m applying thoughtfully rather than rushing through submissions.
Next Steps
As I progress, I plan to expand my efforts:
Attend Networking Events and Conferences: I’ll start attending industry meetups and conferences to make face-to-face connections.
Set Up Coffee Meetings: Personal meetings with local professionals can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Expand My Application Efforts: As I learn more about potential roles and companies, I’ll refine and broaden my job search criteria.
Progress
I’ve submitted six applications, received a referral from my network, and secured my first interview. While I know the road ahead may still be challenging, I feel confident that my structured approach will keep me on track.
