Layoffs are in the news. Maybe your company is going through one right now. And if you’ve been laid off, it’s incredibly jarring and difficult to figure out what to do next.

Here are a few steps to help you move forward:

Take time to process. Being laid off is a heavy and trying experience. Rely on trusted friends and colleagues to help you process. Know that many people have been in your shoes and can offer advice or a shoulder to lean on.

Activate your network. Reach out to your industry connections and get an assessment of the market. It can be beneficial to know what others are seeing and hearing. Use this time to expand your network and talk to any and everyone.

Update your resume and portfolio. Be sure to include your recent responsibilities and projects. Ensure your resume is ATS-compliant to give yourself a better chance of passing initial automated screenings. You can’t start applying if you don’t have your resume ready to go!

Figure out your finances. File for unemployment as soon as possible. It’s important to get your benefits under control and see what you’re eligible for and for how long. Review your severance paperwork and assess your personal spending to determine how to manage your finances while looking for your next role.

Utilize LinkedIn. Update your profile and let your network know you’re looking for work. Reach out and connect with as many people as possible to find opportunities. You can also ask coworkers for references to add to your profile.

Create a routine. It can be difficult to structure your time if you’re unexpectedly out of work. Treat your layoff like a job. Dedicate specific hours of the day to your job search to stay on track without burning out.

Need help getting back into the job hunt? Reach out.