Guide
Laid off in 2026: what to do in the first week
In the first week after a layoff, get the paperwork and money questions answered first, then start your job search with a short list of rules. Salvo can send applications for you while you handle the rest. It's free to start with no card.
Day one: get it in writing
You may feel numb. That's normal. Do a few small things before anything else.
- Ask for your last day, final paycheck date, unused vacation payout rules and benefits end date, in writing.
- Save your own work samples and a list of contacts, only what you're allowed to keep. Don't take company files.
- Take a screenshot of your pay stubs and benefits pages while you still have login access.
Days two and three: money
File for unemployment as soon as you can. Rules differ by state, so use your state's own labor site. Waiting costs you weeks.
Read the severance offer slowly. Note the deadline to sign, what you give up, and if health cover is included. If it's a lot of money or a long document, get a second pair of eyes.
Write down your monthly costs and how many months you can cover. Seeing the total helps.
Days four and five: health cover and the job search
Check the date your health plan ends. Compare COBRA with a marketplace plan before the window closes.
Then set up the search so it doesn't eat your whole day. Pick the job titles you want, the places you'd work, and the pay you'd say yes to. Update your resume once. Tell ten people you trust that you're looking.
If you want help with the volume, Salvo applies to jobs that fit those rules, rewrites your resume for each one and preps you for interviews. It submits itself on Greenhouse, Workable and Ashby today. It's free to start with no card, and your first interview request is free.
Hit by a recent company layoff? Try the layoff impact checker to see open jobs at similar employers matched to your title. If your employer offered outplacement help, see the outplacement page.
What to skip this week
- Don't apply to 200 jobs in a day with a copy-pasted resume.
- Don't post angry. Recruiters look.
- Don't agree to anything on a call you didn't expect.
More in how to get interviews after a layoff and best job search tools after a layoff.
This page is general information and no one here is giving legal or tax advice. Rules differ by state and country.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when I get laid off?
Ask for everything in writing: last day, final pay, severance terms, benefits end date. Then file for unemployment right away. Benefits usually start from the day you file.
Should I sign the severance agreement right away?
Not on the spot. Ask how long you have to decide, and think about asking an employment lawyer or your state labor office to check it. Many agreements include a release of claims.
How do I keep health cover after a layoff?
In the US you can often keep your employer plan through COBRA, usually at full price, or buy a plan on the marketplace. A job loss usually opens a special enrollment window, so check the deadline fast.
Can an app apply to jobs for me while I sort this out?
Yes. Salvo finds jobs that fit your rules, rewrites your resume for each job, applies and preps you for interviews. It's free to start with no card.
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