Nobody expects to lose their job.
One day you're planning your next project, the next you're packing up your desk, saying goodbye to colleagues, and wondering how you're going to pay the mortgage next month.
Unfortunately, layoffs have become an increasingly familiar story across New Jersey. While the state's employment picture remains relatively healthy, the headlines tell a different story for thousands of Garden State workers. New Jersey's unemployment rate sits at 4.7%, with overall employment continuing to grow modestly, but that doesn't erase the reality that many well-known employers are restructuring or relocating.
Just this week, Mars Wrigley announced it would relocate its headquarters from Newark to Chicago, resulting in the loss of more than 300 New Jersey jobs. The move follows a growing list of WARN notices filed across the state, with thousands of layoffs announced during 2026 alone.
If you've recently been laid off, you're probably asking yourself one question:
"Now what?"
The good news is this...
Being laid off says nothing about your value as an employee.
Most layoffs have nothing to do with individual performance. Companies restructure. Markets change. Budgets tighten. Entire departments disappear.
What matters now isn't what happened yesterday.
It's what you do next.
Give Yourself 24 Hours
Getting laid off is emotional.
It's normal to feel angry, embarrassed, anxious or even relieved.
Take a day.
Talk to your family.
Go for a walk.
Process what happened.
Then it's time to get to work.
The people who typically find new employment fastest are the ones who move quickly without making panicked decisions.
Understand Your Financial Position
Before firing off hundreds of job applications, understand exactly where you stand financially.
Ask yourself:
- How much severance have I received?
- When does my healthcare end?
- How much savings do I have?
- Which bills are absolutely essential?
- Where can I temporarily reduce spending?
Knowing your runway removes uncertainty and helps you make smarter career decisions rather than accepting the very first offer out of desperation.
Apply for New Jersey Unemployment Benefits Immediately
One mistake I see people make repeatedly is waiting.
Don't.
If you're eligible, file for unemployment benefits with the New Jersey Department of Labor as soon as possible.
Even if you believe you'll find another job quickly, getting your claim started early can prevent unnecessary delays.
Remember, unemployment benefits exist for exactly this situation.
You've paid into the system.
Use it.
Ask for References While You're Fresh in People's Minds
Don't wait three months.
Reach out to:
- Your manager
- Senior leaders
- Trusted colleagues
- Customers you've worked with
- Vendors or partners who know your work
LinkedIn recommendations remain valuable, but a strong written reference can be incredibly useful later in the hiring process.
Update Your Resume Immediately
Your resume should not simply list your responsibilities.
It should demonstrate impact.
Instead of writing:
"Managed sales team."
Write:
"Led a six-person sales team that exceeded annual revenue targets by 18%."
Employers hire achievements.
Not job descriptions.
Refresh Your LinkedIn Profile
Recruiters search LinkedIn every single day.
Make sure your profile includes:
- A professional photo
- A compelling headline
- A keyword-rich About section
- Updated experience
- Measurable accomplishments
- Skills relevant to your target roles
Turn on the "Open to Work" feature if you're comfortable doing so.
Tell People You're Looking
This is where many people struggle.
They quietly apply online.
Then wait.
Instead...
Tell everyone.
Former colleagues.
Friends.
Neighbors.
Recruiters.
Industry contacts.
Networking isn't begging.
It's simply making people aware that you're available.
Many jobs are filled before they're ever advertised.
Treat Finding a Job Like a Full-Time Job
Create a daily routine.
For example:
- 8:00–9:00 — Review new vacancies
- 9:00–11:00 — Submit tailored applications
- 11:00–12:00 — Reach out to networking contacts
- Afternoon — Upskill, interview preparation or recruiter calls
Consistency almost always beats intensity.
Sending 15 well-targeted applications each week is significantly more effective than sending 300 generic ones in a weekend.
Don't Ignore Local Employers
Many candidates immediately focus on national companies.
That's a mistake.
New Jersey is home to thousands of outstanding employers that often struggle to attract local talent because their vacancies get buried beneath national job boards.
Hyper-local recruitment platforms can uncover opportunities that larger sites simply don't surface effectively.
Sometimes your next opportunity is only 20 minutes from home.
You just haven't seen it yet.
Keep Learning
If hiring has slowed in your industry, invest the time.
Complete certifications.
Take online courses.
Learn AI tools relevant to your profession.
Strengthen Excel.
Improve public speaking.
Develop project management skills.
Every additional skill increases your competitiveness.
Don't Take Rejection Personally
The average job search today is longer than many people expect.
Some vacancies receive hundreds of applications.
Not getting an interview doesn't necessarily mean you're unqualified.
Sometimes:
- An internal candidate was selected.
- The role was cancelled.
- Another applicant had niche experience.
- The employer simply received too many applications.
Learn from each application.
Adjust.
Keep moving.
Look After Yourself
Losing your job can affect more than your finances.
It can affect your confidence.
Maintain routine.
Exercise.
Get outside.
Talk to people.
Don't isolate yourself.
Remember that your job is something you did.
It isn't who you are.
The New Jersey Job Market Still Has Opportunities
While layoffs understandably dominate headlines, they're only one part of the story.
New Jersey continues to add jobs overall, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, logistics, construction and hospitality, even as other industries undergo restructuring.
The challenge isn't always that opportunities don't exist.
It's finding the right opportunity quickly.
That's why local knowledge matters.
If you've recently been laid off, know this:
You're not alone.
Thousands of New Jersey professionals are navigating the same uncertainty.
But layoffs are often the beginning of a new chapter, not the end of one.
I've spent more than 25 years helping employers hire great people and helping job seekers find meaningful careers. The people who recover fastest aren't always the most qualified—they're the ones who stay organized, remain positive, keep networking and continue putting themselves in front of the right employers.
Take a breath.
Make a plan.
Then take the first step.
Your next opportunity could be closer than you think.
If you're looking for your next role in the Garden State, Jersey Hired is dedicated to connecting New Jersey employers with New Jersey talent. Browse the latest local opportunities, upload your resume, set up job alerts and take the next step in your career with confidence.