A Sustainable Guide: Navigating the Job Hunt After a Layoff

Here’s the truth: taking time to process, remain curious, and build a system for your job hunt is key to ensuring your search remains sustainable and productive.

Below is a guide for navigating that newly found time and space—tailored specifically for layoffs—we're sharing it with the hope that it makes your day feel a little more intentional and manageable.

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FIRST: Split Your Day: Between AM & PM

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Think of your day in two clear sections (AM & PM) and get curious:

• When do you do your best thinking?
• Are you sharp and creative in the morning and task-focused (linear) in the afternoon, or vice versa?
• Do you take your kids to school or want to spend time with them in the evening? 
• Are you a night owl and need to start your day at 1pm instead of 8am?
• What is your mission statement? (Your “Why”)

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1. AM Structure: Research, Plan, Apply (this may vary depending on the above prompt)

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The morning is for research, organizing, and targeted action. Remember: concentration tends to dip after 90 minutes, so work in blocks with breaks.

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Block 1: Research & Organize (90 Minutes)

• Start by researching roles and companies.
• Build a spreadsheet or diagram to organize targets by key factors:
  • Company size
  • Mission and values
  • Industry
  • Compensation
  • Location
• Why targeted beats mass applying: Fewer, higher-quality applications yield better results. We’ve heard from 100s of hiring managers: if you don’t have product management experience, for example, do not apply to a senior product management role.
• Set clear, measurable goals: For example, research 10 new companies daily. Productivity feels better when you’ve hit a tangible target.

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Quick Break (5–15 Minutes):
Hydrate, stretch, do some calf raises (gets that blood back to your heart), or throw in a load of laundry. 

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Block 2: Applications & Resumes (90 Minutes)

• Once you’ve organized companies, focus on submissions: resumes, cover letters, and required documentation.
• Track your progress: Quantify daily applications so you can reflect on wins and improvements.

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Lunch Break (30–60 Minutes):
Eat, walk, meditate, nap (keep it under 90 minutes!), or mix it all together.

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• Example spreadsheet for the above

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2. PM Structure: Connect, Network, Grow

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Afternoons are for building momentum. This is where connections happen and new opportunities emerge.

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Block 3: Network & Build Relationships (90 Minutes)

• Reach out to peers, former co-workers, and friends to share your search and learn if they know someone hiring.
• Keep it authentic: networking isn’t just asking for help—it’s offering value, too.
  • Tip: Organize a virtual coffee chat or offer to buy a friend lunch in-person.
• Small network? No worries. Focus on fostering connections that feel meaningful. Take the time to write an intentional message, it can go a long way.

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Quick Break (5–15 Minutes):
Stretch, hydrate, or reset with a moment outside.

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Block 4: Learn, Reflect, or Freestyle (90 Minutes)

• Use this block to grow:
  • Learn a new skill (maybe SEO, a new tool, or leadership trends).
  • Read or absorb knowledge that interests you.
• Keep it flexible: If you prefer, you can use this time for more applications, research, or for interview prep.

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Evening Break (30–60 Minutes):
Wind down your day:

• Hit the gym, prep for tomorrow, meditate, or run errands—whatever helps you reset and sets you up for success for tomorrow.

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3. A Few Key Reminders to Keep You Grounded

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🔹 Stay Hydrated.
Water keeps you sharp, focused, and feeling good.

🔹 Move Your Body.
Blood flow is your friend. Walks, calf raises, deep breathing, or a quick workout work wonders.

🔹 Don’t Overthink Job Descriptions, But Remain Targeted.
Not a perfect fit? If you align with ~70% of the role, you’re in the running. That said, DO NOT throw spaghetti at the wall. If you’ve been a product marketer for 5 years, it may not be the time to apply to a technical product manager role. 

There’s a lot of talent on the market and companies are not looking for translatable experience right now. Make sure your titles, experience, and skills—aligns with your resume, pitch, outreach.

🔹 Be Mindful on LinkedIn.
Your network is a powerful tool, but scrolling endlessly through doom-and-gloom headlines won’t serve you. Use the platform intentionally, then step away.

🔹 Prepare for Interviews.
If applications turn into interviews, add interview prep time to your 90-minute blocks. Treat preparation like the work itself. I’ve written a super helpful blog on interviewing.

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4. Sailing Off Into The Sunset

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Layoffs can turn everything upside down, but they can also be a reset—a chance to be intentional with your time, energy, and next chapter. By structuring your day in a sustainable way, you’re not just hunting for the next role—you’re creating a foundation for yourself. You have agency. You have tools. You have you.

Take it day by day. Adjust as needed. And remember: the next opportunity is closer than it feels.

You’ve got this.

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