What to do when you're laid off: the first 14 days, in order.
A layoff is a business decision, not a verdict on your work, but it still hits hard. The first two weeks have practical deadlines. Here is the order to handle them in, with the official sources for the federal parts.
When you are laid off, do not sign anything on the spot. Ask for the severance terms, final pay date and benefits end date in writing. Apply for unemployment benefits through your state's program promptly, check COBRA or other health coverage options, and save your own records. Then tell your network clearly and calmly, and restart your search with a written plan.
3 copy-ready templates
Illustrative: names, companies, dates and numbers in these templates and examples are fictional. Replace every bracket with your own true details before you send anything.
Questions to ask HR before you sign
When to use: Ask for answers in writing.
When is my final paycheck, and does it include unused vacation? Is severance offered, and what do I need to sign to receive it? How long do I have to review the agreement? When do my health benefits end, and what are my continuation options? What happens to my retirement plan, equity or bonus? Will you confirm my dates and title for reference checks?
Telling your network (message or post)
When to use: Calm, factual and specific about what you want next.
After [time] at [Company], my role was affected by a layoff this week. I'm proud of [one thing you built or delivered]. I'm now looking for [type of role] in [location or remote], where I can [what you do best]. If you know of a team that needs [skill], I'd be grateful for an introduction.
Message to a former colleague
When to use: Ask for something small and specific.
Hi [Name], my role at [Company] was cut in this week's layoff. I'm looking for [type of role]. Would you be open to a 15-minute call to share what you're seeing in the market, or anyone I should talk to? [Your name]
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every template on this page is free to use without buying anything.
The first 14 days
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Don't sign yet. Get severance, final pay and benefit dates in writing. |
| Days 1-3 | Apply for unemployment through your state's program; save pay records. |
| Days 1-7 | Review health coverage options, including COBRA if it applies. |
| Days 3-10 | Update your resume and LinkedIn; draft your layoff message. |
| Days 7-14 | Contact 10 people you know; set a weekly search plan. |
The same message, rewritten
Illustrative example with fictional details.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | Signing the severance agreement in the meeting, posting an angry message on LinkedIn, then waiting a month before applying anywhere. |
| Strong | Asking for terms in writing, applying for unemployment within days, posting a calm message about the role you want next, and starting a weekly plan. |
Why it matters: The emotional reaction is normal; the deadlines are real. Getting the paperwork and the message right early protects your money and your options.
Mistakes to avoid
- Signing a release before reading it.
- Waiting to apply for unemployment.
- Letting health coverage lapse by accident.
- Saying negative things about the company publicly.
- Going it alone. A layoff is a major stressor; if it's affecting your sleep or health, talk to someone, and in the US you can call or text 988 any time.
What federal sources say
Quoted from official pages; rules can differ by state and by your contract.
- U.S. Department of Labor, Layoff assistance for workers: "In some cases, employers are required to provide 60-days notice before a layoff." Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- CareerOneStop (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor), Unemployment benefits finder: links to each state's unemployment insurance program.
- Internal Revenue Service, Topic no. 418, Unemployment compensation: "Generally, you must include in income all unemployment compensation you receive." Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Labor, Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA): COBRA "gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits" and generally applies to group health plans of employers with 20 or more employees in the prior year. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
Write yours faster
Questions people ask
Should I sign a severance agreement right away?
Can I get unemployment benefits if I'm laid off?
Are unemployment benefits taxable?
What happens to my health insurance?
How do I explain a layoff in interviews?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. The templates and timing guides are practical advice, labelled as advice. We do not publish response rates or success rates, and every example uses fictional details. Federal facts are quoted from the official pages listed under Sources.
- How a specific employer or recruiter will respond: practices vary by company, industry and person.
- Legal advice: for contracts, severance releases or disputes, talk to an employment attorney or the relevant agency.
- Outcomes: no message, template or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 2, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Labor, Layoff assistance for workers: "In some cases, employers are required to provide 60-days notice before a layoff." Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- CareerOneStop (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor), Unemployment benefits finder: links to each state's unemployment insurance program.
- Internal Revenue Service, Topic no. 418, Unemployment compensation: "Generally, you must include in income all unemployment compensation you receive." Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Labor, Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA): COBRA "gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits" and generally applies to group health plans of employers with 20 or more employees in the prior year. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.