No one likes getting laid off, whether you've been at the position for a long time or a short while. Your self-esteem, finances, and time all take a hit. Rather than stressing and immediately sending out more job apps, take some time to collect yourself. 

This guide will help you reduce stress, remain calm, and find a job. You'll be able to re-centre yourself with these tips. 

• Take a Break

Getting laid off can put a dent in your self-esteem. While the setback is manageable and not the end of the world, doctors recommend giving yourself some time to come to grips with it. You don't need to go anywhere fancy or plan anything special to relax. Spend a few days doing things you love.

It's crucial to keep yourself away from big decision making for the first couple of days. Give yourself time to process the layoff and your emotions about the situation. Do activities that will keep you out of your head so that you can recover. 

After that, you can begin the process of getting back into the game, researching the marketing and investigating resume formats, for example.

• Check-in with Yourself Financially

Doing a financial assessment of your household budget, accounting for your severance and unemployment benefits, will help reduce your stress and anxiety. With a job search timeline, you'll know exactly how much time you have to look for a new career. 

Give yourself as much time as possible to find the ideal fit, since rushing into something will only lead to negative emotions. 

Look at what you spend money on and find ways to cut back. If you have dependents, let them know how the situation will change. It's best to keep everyone in the loop so you can focus on the job search. 

• Talk to Your Support Network

Feeling angry, sad, or resentful towards the company that laid you off is natural. It's important to talk about those feelings instead of bottling everything up. Not only will that help you de-stress, but it'll also help prepare you to get back into the job market and start searching. 

Talk with friends, a therapist, and family members who you trust. Tell the story as many times as you need to so that you get rid of the bitterness. Have your confidants determine when you are ready to jump back into the market so that recruiters get the shining version of you. 

• Update Your Wardrobe

When you feel confident, start preparing to get back into the job market. Your emotions and mental stability are the most essential, but with those taken care of, it's time to start your search. As you look for jobs, whether online, through job placement centres, or via other means, you'll want to think about first impressions. 

Start gathering clothing articles that show your business readiness. If you have interview outfits already, make sure the clothes still fit nicely. If you don't have any business casual pieces, it's time to go shopping.

If you have no idea where to start, then check out these reviews on Footwear 4 Workers, to get inspiration for a good pair of dress shoes to start out with. Then you can build outfits from there.

• Start Interview Prepping

You'll want to frame your layoff positively and professionally once you've gotten the initial bitterness out of your system. Keep the interview version of the story concise, active, and objective. You don't want to make yourself out to be the victim or give the impression that you are stuck.

Don't feel like the odd man out, layoffs and redundancies are a frequent by-product of the modern market. Hiring managers, recruiters, and interviewers will understand your situation. Focus the conversation on your future with the new company.  

• Gather Your Materials

Before you start contacting companies, make sure that you have everything you need. If your work requires a social media presence, make sure that you have an active social media account. Gather samples of work that you've previously done in a portfolio. Spruce up your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other materials before you send them out. 

If it's been a while since you've been in the job market, chances are resume formats have changed. Take some time to research and adapt your written materials to suit modern standards. 

• Keep Your Options Open

While looking at positions similar to your previous one is a solid plan, take some time to branch out. Decide what other career interests you have and which ones you are willing to pursue. Then reach out to people like previous co-workers, working friends, and organisations to ask about opportunities. 

Remember, a layoff is not the end of the world. Turn the setback into something positive.