The Average Time to Find a New Job After a Layoff & How to Get Rehired Faster

In 2025, US job seekers reportedly spend five to six months landing a new role. This reflects a national average across industries, but depending on how you go about searching for a job, that time could be considerably shorter. 

Achieving this goal would take much more than just sending out resumes; the right approach is to be strategic and follow some key steps. This article discusses the average time to find a new job after a layoff and explores strategies you can use to shorten the wait time and resume your career in a quick, meaningful way.

Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that workers typically take between five and six months to find a new job after being terminated. However, this is the average time to find a new job after a layoff or being fired across all industries, job levels, and demographics.

The actual time you’ll need to find a new position will depend on a plethora of factors, including:

• How heated up the industry is where you’re aiming
• Your salary range, based on industry standards or past jobs
• Your current skillset, considering hiring managers’ expectations
• How prepared you are to look for a new position strategically

This last element is crucial, although frequently overlooked by many job seekers. Being strategic in your search means following specific steps that can make all the difference.

We’ve put together ten actionable tips to help you secure a meaningful new job more quickly than the competition. Some of these best practices may sound obvious, like updating your resume or preparing for interviews, while others may not be as evident. 

Whatever the case, this list can be used both by job seekers and HR teams looking to support their laid-off employees.

The first step after a layoff is giving yourself space to recover emotionally. Take a few days to rest, process what happened, and focus on self-care before starting your job search. Go for a walk, spend time with friends, or do activities that help you regain energy and optimism.

This pause allows you to reset your mindset, helping you approach your search with confidence and clarity. Employers respond well to candidates who show resilience, motivation, and a positive outlook during interviews. All of this can yield positive results even quicker than the average time to find a new job after a layoff.

Preparing for a layoff event? Click below to download our free comprehensive guide with everything you need to navigate the entire layoff process from start to finish. 

After a layoff, get your practical matters in order so that you can focus on job hunting. Apply for unemployment benefits right away, as eligibility rules and processing times vary by state. Ensure your continued health coverage, whether through COBRA or another plan, and create a realistic budget for the months ahead.

This step helps relieve stress and provides a clearer picture of your timeline. Since we never know exactly how long it takes to find a job after being fired, organizing finances early will help you focus and avoid unnecessary pressure during the job search process.

You’ll move forward more easily when you have clarity about why your employment ended. If possible, request feedback from your former employer to gain insight into their decision-making process. Stay professional and open to constructive criticism. This conversation can reveal skill gaps or performance issues you can address before applying for new roles.

Understanding the circumstances of your termination also prepares you to answer tough interview questions with honesty and confidence. Reflect on lessons learned so that you can improve and position yourself for faster reemployment.

Prepare a brief, professional explanation for why you left your last job. Employers often ask about this, and having a structured response helps you stay positive and confident. Keep your explanation short, factual, and focused on the future. 

For example, you can say that your company restructured and, as much as you miss your old work and colleagues, you’re excited to be able to pursue an opportunity in a new field.

Once you have this statement ready, practice it until it feels natural and optimistic. Use an upbeat narrative to reassure hiring managers and keep the conversation forward-looking. The central idea here is to leave a strong, professional impression that can help shorten the time to land a new job.

Before applying to jobs, take time to clarify what you want from your next role. Consider your preferred industry, work setting (remote, hybrid, or in-office), salary expectations, and the tasks you most enjoy. Knowing these details helps you focus your search and avoid wasting time on roles that aren’t a good fit.

Targeted applications typically lead to better results and faster offers, potentially lowering the time you’ll need to find a new position. The more aligned your job search is with your skills and goals, the more likely you are to secure a role you’ll thrive at.

A layoff can be the perfect time to sharpen your skills. Enroll in online courses, earn certifications, or volunteer to stay active and relevant in your field. Review job postings to identify the skills employers value most, and focus on developing those. Upskilling will boost your confidence and show employers that you’ve been productive during your break.

These efforts can directly impact the average time to find a new job after a layoff by making you a more competitive candidate, particularly in industries where current skills and adaptability are highly valued by hiring managers.

After a layoff, refresh your resume and cover letter to highlight your most recent achievements and measurable results. Use metrics to demonstrate impact, such as revenue growth, efficiency improvements, or successful project outcomes. 

Adapt each resume and cover letter to the specific job with keywords and phrases from the posting, showing enthusiasm and a clear connection to the company’s needs.

Don’t overlook soft skills that employers value highly, such as collaboration or communication. Strong, targeted application materials help you stand out from the competition and earn interview invitations sooner, significantly reducing how long it takes to find a job after being fired.

If you need more specific tips and examples, feel free to explore these articles about how to create a winning resume and how to write a cover letter.

Treat your job hunt like a project with a plan and schedule, setting weekly goals for applications, outreach, and interviews. Apply quickly when you find suitable roles—waiting even a few days could mean you’ll miss a good opportunity. Use a mix of job boards, networking, and referrals to maximize exposure.

Tailor applications with relevant keywords to get past applicant tracking systems (ATS). This well-organized approach will keep you motivated and increase your chances of being hired faster than the average job seeker.

Few steps in your job search journey are as consequential as the interviews. Rehearse common interview questions and develop confident, clear responses that highlight your experience and value. Consider asking a friend or mentor to conduct mock interviews for feedback. Research each company thoroughly to prepare insightful questions that show genuine interest.

Well-prepared candidates make stronger impressions, which can reduce the average time to find a new job after a layoff. You’ll increase your chances of moving through interview stages and receiving an offer in fewer rounds of applications.

Need more help to prepare? Check out this definitive guide for job interviews with a checklist, expert advice, and more.

When you get an offer, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Research industry salary data to know what’s fair for your experience and location. Employers expect candidates to negotiate, so be confident yet collaborative when discussing pay and benefits. Securing compensation that reflects your value improves satisfaction and sets a strong foundation for your next career step.

This approach makes the transition worthwhile, regardless of how long it takes to find a job after being fired. Ensure that you start your new role with confidence and on terms that support your professional and financial well-being.

Recovering from a job loss takes time, and understanding the process can make it less stressful. The average time to find a new job after a layoff is currently around 23 weeks, but taking the right steps can help you beat that number. Focus on caring for your mental health, organizing your finances, and clarifying your career goals before jumping back into the search.

Employers and HR teams can also benefit from supporting workers through this transition. Providing outplacement services, resume guidance, and interview coaching can help displaced employees find work faster. For job seekers, being proactive, learning new skills, and staying optimistic will improve your chances of landing a new role more quickly and on better terms.

If you’re an HR professional planning a layoff event, click below to connect with our Careerminds experts. Our modern, results-first approach to outplacement might be what you need to support departing staff while reassuring surviving employees, boosting morale, retention, and productivity. Get in touch today—we might be just the partner you need.