AI Prompt: Navigating a Recent Layoff

This prompt sequence is designed to help you use an AI to manage the immediate practical steps and emotional challenges following a layoff. It focuses on breaking down urgent tasks and initiating job search activities in a supportive way.

Goal: To create a clear, actionable checklist for immediate post-layoff tasks (financial & administrative) and to identify gentle first steps for starting the job search, while acknowledging the emotional difficulty of the situation.

Phase 1: Addressing Immediate Practicalities

Step 1: Set the AI’s Role & State Your Situation

Your Prompt to the AI:

Act as a calm, organized, and empathetic transition coach. I've just been laid off, and I'm feeling overwhelmed with what I need to do first. Can you help me create a clear checklist of the most urgent financial and administrative tasks I should focus on in the next 24-48 hours? The process should walk through gathering key termination documentation, unemployment benefits, single resume update, single networking activity, and a reflection of what I’ve accomplished. Ask me one question at a time.

Why this helps:

  • Establishes the AI’s role as a practical guide during a stressful time.
  • Clearly communicates your immediate need (urgent tasks) and emotional state.

Step 2: Information Gathering for Key Benefits

AI (as Transition Coach) Expected Response (Illustrative):

“I’m truly sorry to hear about your layoff. That’s a lot to process, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Let’s focus on a few key things to get you started. First, did your company provide you with any separation documents, like a letter outlining severance pay, benefits continuation (like COBRA), or information about your last paycheck and unused PTO?”

Your Follow-up Prompt to the AI (Example):

“Yes, I have a packet of documents, but it’s a bit confusing.”

Or

“No, I haven’t received detailed written information yet, just a verbal notification.”

AI (as Transition Coach) Prompt to You (if documents exist):

“Okay, let’s try to break that down. Looking at those documents, can you find any sections specifically mentioning:

  1. Severance pay (amount and payout schedule)?
  2. Information on continuing your health insurance (COBRA details)?
  3. Details about your final paycheck and any payout for unused vacation time?
    We don’t need to understand everything perfectly right now, just locate these key pieces of information.”

AI (as Transition Coach) Prompt to You (if no documents yet):

“Understood. In that case, the first step would be to identify who you can contact (e.g., HR, your former manager) to request this information in writing. Do you have a contact person for these kinds of questions?”

Why this helps:

  • Guides you to locate or request critical information methodically.
  • Breaks down complex documents into specific, manageable items to look for.

Step 3: Unemployment Benefits

AI (as Transition Coach) Prompt to You:

“Another important step is to look into unemployment benefits. This process varies by state. Have you had a chance to look up your state’s unemployment insurance website, or would you like me to help you find that?”

Your Follow-up Prompt to the AI (Example):

“I haven’t looked it up yet. Could you help me find the official unemployment insurance website for [Your State]?”

AI (as Transition Coach) Expected Response (Illustrative):

“Absolutely. The official site for [Your State] is [AI provides link]. Most states allow you to apply online. The site should have information on eligibility and the application process. A common piece of advice is to apply as soon as possible, as there can be a waiting period.”

Why this helps:

  • Provides direct assistance in finding crucial resources.
  • Offers a key piece of actionable advice (apply ASAP).

Phase 2: Gently Initiating Job Search Activities

Step 4: Acknowledging Feelings & Shifting to Resume

AI (as Transition Coach) Prompt to You:

“You’re handling these immediate tasks well, especially during such a challenging time. It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions right now. When you feel ready, even if it’s just for a few minutes, we can think about the next steps for your job search. Often, a small action can help create a sense of forward movement.

One of the first things people often tackle is their resume. Does the thought of looking at your resume feel manageable for a very short period, say 15-20 minutes, just to take stock?”

Why this helps:

  • Validates emotions and offers a gentle transition to job search tasks.
  • Frames looking at the resume as a small, time-limited activity (“take stock”) rather than a full overhaul.

Step 5: Identifying One Small Resume Update

AI (as Transition Coach) Prompt to You:

“Okay, if you have your resume open, or can picture it, what’s one very small piece of information you could update or add right now? It doesn’t have to be perfect. For example:

  • Adding the end date to your most recent role?
  • Drafting one bullet point about a key accomplishment from that role?
  • Simply making sure your contact information is current?
    What feels like a tiny, doable update for you today?”

Your Follow-up Prompt to the AI (Example):

“I can probably just add the end date and make sure my phone number is right.”

AI (as Transition Coach) Expected Response (Illustrative):

“That’s a perfect start. Getting those small details correct is a solid step forward. Well done.”

Why this helps:

  • Applies the “micro-action” principle to the resume.
  • Provides concrete, easy examples to lower the barrier to starting.
  • Offers positive reinforcement for any small action taken.

Step 6: Thinking About Networking (One Person)

AI (as Transition Coach) Prompt to You:

“Another key part of a job search is letting your network know you’re looking. This can feel daunting, so let’s approach it very gently. Is there one person in your professional network – perhaps a former colleague you trust or a mentor – who you might feel comfortable reaching out to in the next few days, just to let them know your situation and that you’ll be looking for new opportunities? We’re not drafting the message now, just identifying one person.”

Why this helps:

  • Introduces networking in a low-pressure way, focusing on a single, trusted contact.
  • Separates the act of identifying a person from the act of composing the message, making it less overwhelming.

Step 7: Reflection and Next Smallest Step

AI (as Transition Coach) Prompt to You:

“You’ve covered a lot of ground today, from immediate administrative tasks to taking initial steps in your job search. How are you feeling after going through these points? And looking ahead to tomorrow or the next day, what’s one other small, manageable task related to your job search or well-being that you might consider tackling?”

Why this helps:

  • Encourages reflection on the progress made, however small.
  • Prompts you to think about the next small step, maintaining gentle momentum.
  • Includes “well-being” as a valid area of focus, acknowledging the emotional toll.

This sequence is designed to provide structure and support immediately after a layoff, breaking down overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable actions, and validating the emotional experience.