• Remove any pending vacation time if your company pays out unused PTO. You do not want approved future vacation causing issues with payout processing.
• Download or screenshot your annual reviews, performance feedback and any recognition awards. You will use these later for resume bullets, interview stories and measurable accomplishments.
• Save copies of paystubs, W-2s, benefits information, commission statements and PTO balances.
• Schedule annual medical, dental and vision appointments before insurance ends and refill prescriptions if needed.
• Start applying for jobs NOW. Do not wait. Build your LinkedIn network aggressively and use AI strategically. Gather 10 job descriptions for roles you want, feed them into AI and tailor your resume/LinkedIn around the keywords, metrics and business impact repeatedly showing up in those postings. Focus on measurable results, not responsibilities.
• Save personal contact information for coworkers, leaders and recruiters while you still have access.
• Take pictures/screenshots of dashboards, workflows, presentations, trackers or work examples you personally built so you can later recreate sanitized versions for portfolios or interview discussions. Obviously do not take confidential company or customer data.
• Focus your remaining time on transition work, documentation and knowledge transfer. Stay professional until the end. The world gets very small during layoffs and reorganizations.
• Understand your severance, COBRA costs, unemployment eligibility, 401(k)/HSA options and any RSU or stock impacts before your final day.
Most importantly: do not freeze after a layoff. The people who recover fastest usually start networking and applying immediately.
Excellent advice, bumping from @b3+1krbx7cem for visibility.