In March 2025, layoffs in the U.S. exceeded 275,000—a near-record high. With so many jobs being cut, the possibility of a future layoff feels very real for many workers. So what should you do if you suspect you're one of them—and that your company is preparing for layoffs?
Let’s take a look at what steps to take—and how to not only prepare, but set yourself up to find a new job as quickly and easily as possible.
Be on the lookout for signs
If you want to be prepared for a layoff, you need to look for signs that one is potentially coming.
“Watch out for company-wide cost-cutting measures, including hiring freezes, reduced budgets for travel or training, cancellation or postponement of projects once deemed critical, or any chatter of restructuring or reorganization within the company,” says Raj Bharti, managing partner of Seattle-based Spherion Staffing & Recruiting.
Changes in leadership could also be a red flag. “Pay close attention to unexpected departures of key executives or managers, merging or dissolving of departments, or negative financial performance or weak quarterly earnings reports,” Bharti says.
Another obvious red flag that you might be laid off? If “high performers around you are being let go,” says Illinois-based career coach Joe Szynkowski. If people are being let go—including people you consider valuable employees—anyone could be next.
Keeping an eye out for these signs can give you a head start on preparing for a layoff—and put you in a better position if and when that time comes.
Update everything
If you’re noticing signs that a layoff may be on the horizon, start updating everything. “Immediately update your resume, LinkedIn, and all other social profiles,” Bharti says.
Flesh out your resume and LinkedIn profile with any new accomplishments, responsibilities, or key duties of your role. And, if you can, “quantify your accomplishments with specific numbers and results,” Bharti says. (Here’s how.)
You can also ask colleagues to write LinkedIn recommendations to make your profile more appealing to potential employers.
“Enlist your work champions to write LinkedIn endorsements about you now—before any layoff is announced,” says Robin Bond, an employment lawyer and founder of the law firm Transition Strategies. “That’s a big help in getting positive things about you in front of recruiters.”
Updating all your assets now—before a layoff happens—will allow you to immediately start applying for roles if you find yourself dealing with a layoff in the future.
Create a “brag book”
Updating your resume and LinkedIn is a must. But those only provide so much space—generally not enough space to really showcase everything you bring to the table.
So, if you want to take things a step further—and really be ready to show a potential new employer what you can do, consider creating a “brag book.”
“Document your key projects, contributions, positive feedback, and any awards and recognition you've received,” Bharti says. “This will be invaluable for your resume, networking stories, and interviews.”
Start thinking about what’s next
“Don't wait until you're laid off to start thinking about your next role,” Bharti says.
Reflect on what you truly want in your next role—not one you’d settle for, but one that feels like the right fit.
“There are three keys to career fulfillment: doing work that gives you energy, working for an organization that believes what you believe, and having your non-negotiables [and] dealbreakers honored,” says Michelle Schafer, an Ontario-based career coach specializing in career transition. “Knowing this will help you intentionally seek out work that aligns with these priorities.”
Once you’re clear on the type of role you want, develop a job search plan, Schafer says. You’ll only need the plan if you find yourself jobless, but it’s better to be prepared than scrambling for one after a layoff.
When creating your plan, Schafer says to “include a mix of activities, such as online searches and applying for jobs, recruiter conversations, and one-on-one networking/informational interviews.” This kind of variety will help you attack the job search from multiple angles—and increase the likelihood of landing interviews.
Read this next: How to Job Search After Being Fired or Laid Off
Prioritize connections
Connect with your network before the layoff actually happens. “Quietly rekindle old connections before you need them,” Syznkowski says. “People are more likely to help when you’re not in full-on panic mode.”
In addition to connecting with your existing contacts, you can also focus on building out your network. “Meet new industry connections by attending conferences and joining and participating in LinkedIn groups,” says executive coach and consultant Karl Hebenstreit.
When connecting with contacts, you can let them know you're considering your options without necessarily saying you expect a layoff. You can also see if there’s anything they can do to help you get a foot in at their company. “Ask for informational interviews to learn about different companies and roles,” Bharti says.
The more you foster your connections and build your network while you’re still employed, the more people you’ll have to reach out to for help if and when you find yourself unexpectedly unemployed.
Get what you need…
Once you’re laid off, you won’t have access to any company materials. So before you go, you’ll want to quietly gather any materials you might need (in a legal, ethical way).
For example, “gather proof of your impact,” Szynkowski says. “[Non-confidential] performance reviews, emails, KPIs…anything that tells the story of your value.” And, Hebenstreit adds, make sure you keep those samples on your own computer.
You’ll also want to “gather contact information for colleagues, managers, and mentors you want to stay in touch with,” Bharti says. (It’s important to note that you can’t just download your contacts, which might be against employee policy. We’ll cover how to do this legally in a moment.)
Finally, Bond suggests printing out any company policies on termination and severance benefits. That way, you’ll be informed of what you’re entitled to if and when you’re laid off.
…but make sure to do so legally and ethically
It’s important to gather the information, work samples, and contacts you need before you’re laid off. But if you don’t do so in a legal, ethical way, you could find yourself facing serious issues—including legal action from your prior company.
“For example, there might be a temptation for employees to download contacts or other company data for their personal use once laid off—but such an act may violate the confidentiality agreements or the intellectual property rights or non-compete clauses that were part of the employment contract,” Tuchmayer says. “Data access and transfer have serious consequences in many companies, and downloading information owned by the company can land the employee in trouble—with the company potentially suing them for misappropriation of trade secrets or breach of contract.”
So before you gather any information, make sure to do your research. “Check your contracts and company information retention and removal policies before doing anything else,” says Lanny Tuchmayer, an attorney with Ontario-based firm Bergel Magence LLP.
That doesn’t mean you can’t collect information; you just have to do so in a way that doesn’t violate your company’s policies or any laws. For example, “if you want to keep your contacts, do that via your personal LinkedIn profile,” Bond says.
If you’re not sure what information you can and can’t take prior to a layoff, it’s best to check with a lawyer.
Brush up on your skills
If you’re not totally satisfied in the role you’re currently in, a pending layoff could also be a great excuse to expand your skill set—and set yourself up for a better role moving forward.
For example, you might consider obtaining additional certifications and education, Hebenstreit says.
Using this time to learn new skills or improve the skills you already have could make you a more marketable candidate following a layoff—and help you land a new (and better!) role more effectively.
Read this next: 15 In-Demand Skills to Keep on Your Radar for 2025
Know your rights
Often, layoffs are just a numbers game; the company needs to cut costs—and there’s nothing personal about it. But if you suspect that there’s another reason that your job is at risk, it’s important to know your rights.
“Depending on the context in employment and the relevant jurisdiction, employees may have different rights and protections when it comes to layoffs,” Tuchmayer says. “An employee who believes that they may be laid-off for illegal reasons—such as treatment based on age, race, gender, disability, or any of the other protected categories under employment law—should protect their rights.”
If you suspect you’re being considered for a layoff because of your race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected category, Tuchmayer recommends the following.
- Document everything. “Start recording any interactions or events indicating unfair treatment—especially where you believe the layoff decision was made upon your protected class membership,” he says. “This includes any emails, messages, or notes from conversations that may indicate bias or discriminatory intent.”
- Talk to HR. If you are laid off—and think it might be discriminatory—it’s important to go on record with HR. “Approach HR or your supervisor directly and ask why the layoff decisions were made,” he says. Ask for their reasoning and documentation of the conversation.
- File a complaint. If you feel that you were discriminated against, it’s within your rights to file a complaint. “You can file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a local labor board, depending on the jurisdiction,” he says. “After a complaint is filed, an investigation into the employer's practices will ensue—and if the claims are proved to be warranted, then you might get reinstatement, compensatory damages, or other relief.”
- Talk to an attorney. If you do decide to take action against an unfair or discriminatory layoff, it’s a good idea to get in touch with an employment attorney. “Employees are advised to get in touch with an attorney for assistance through these processes, given the fact that discrimination cases can be particularly tricky—and a qualified attorney can advise on the best method of documenting the claim and obtaining redress,” he says.
Take care of your mental health
Even the threat of a layoff can be extremely stressful—not to mention the actual stress that comes along with losing your job. So, if you suspect that a layoff might be imminent, it’s important to take care of your mental health.
Wisconsin-based Tracy Douglas, MS, LPC, known as Your GenX Therapist, recommends the following self-care practices.
- Talk to someone. If you’re stressed or worried about a potential layoff, share that stress with someone you trust. “Simply by naming something, you start exhibiting mastery over it by separating it out from you,” she says.
- Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness practices—like breathing exercises, meditation, or even mindful walking—can help you stay present and avoid spiraling into fear or worry about layoffs (or anything else, for that matter), which can be hugely helpful. “Do your best to use mindfulness to stay in the ‘here and now,’” she says.
- Get outside. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or worried or stressed about a potential layoff, one of the best things you can do? Get outside. “Doing so for twenty minutes lowers cortisol significantly and effortlessly,” she says. “It’s amazing that something so simple can be so beneficial to our mental and emotional well-being.
- Move your body. And while you’re outside? Get moving. “Move your body, move your body, and then move your body some more,” she says. “Being able to dance, walk, lift weights—even just do jumping jacks—can bring relief in such a short amount of time.”
Use these tips to prepare yourself for a potential layoff
No one wants to deal with a layoff. But if you suspect one is coming, start preparing now—and set yourself up for success if and when the layoff hits.
“By taking these proactive steps, you'll be in a much stronger position to navigate a potential layoff and quickly transition to your next opportunity,” Bharti says.
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